My journey, like so many of your stories, began suddenly, unexpectedly, and without warning. It was January 2023 and I woke up in the night with my heart racing. I had never experienced this before and had absolutely no idea what was happening. It scared me enough that my wife and I felt I needed to get to the emergency room, which is exactly where we landed. What was interesting about this visit was that I was suddenly thrust into the medical world of cardiology. No, I did not have a cardiologist and had never been under the care of a cardiologist so this was uncharted territory. I stayed in the hospital two days and had every imaginable heart test. Of course by now my heart seemed to be just fine. Before I left the hospital, not Eisenhower, a local cardiologist was recommended to me. In following up with him, I wore a halter monitor for two weeks.
By then, I was feeling fine and we were making last minute preparations to go to South Africa and Zimbabwe. The Monday before we were to leave on Thursday the doctor’s PA called and said, unbeknownst to me, that I had had a 7.5 hour episode of Afib and needed to start Eliquis that day. I did have the presence of mind to ask about leaving for Africa on Thursday in light of this new development. I was told, No problem, have a great trip. Thus began my attempt to navigate heart health in the Coachella Valley.
Later that Fall, not feeling that I was able to get the answers I needed from my local cardiologist, I called Eisenhower for a referral. I was fortunate enough to get an appointment with Dr. Diamantakos who told me much to my relief, “I’ve got you and I will take care of you.” Given the uncertainty of the previous months, this was exactly what I needed to hear.
Dr. D addressed my Afib which was now more apparent and discussed with me the possibility of an ablation procedure. My previous cardiologist had inserted a loop monitor early on and I was greatly relieved when Dr. D said he did not think that was necessary at this time. So, out it came. During the diagnostic and mapping tests in preparation for an ablation procedure to address my Afib, another surprise emerged.
Like my Afib, I had absolutely no symptoms of aortic stenosis but that is what was clearly seen in the diagnostic tests. Dr. D recommended me to Dr. Khanna and once again I was extremely fortunate to have such fine medical care. I had an angiogram and other tests, a consultation with another cardiologist and ultimately the team decided that I was a good candidate for the TAVR procedure to replace my leaky aortic valve. Following all these consultations I did ask Dr. D, “who is my cardiologist?” He said, “I am. Think of it this way, Dr. Khanna is the plumber and I am the electrician.” And given my now history of arrythmias I needed the ongoing care of an electrician.
I had my TAVR procedure on May 29, 2024. It had been quite a year getting to this point. I had the support of not only my cardiologist but of the heart valve clinic coordinators and probably some of the kindest people I have ever met. Thankfully the TAVR was a complete success and the day after my procedure I was visited by members of Mended Hearts.
I cannot express how important this Mended Hearts visit was for me and in many ways I was the perfect patient to visit. My procedures went well, I had a lot of anxiety and uncertainty, and hearing the calm supportive voices of Mended Hearts went a long way in making me feel that there is life after the cardiac unit at Eisenhower and in many ways an even better life.
My doctors recommended cardiac rehab and as soon as I was given the OK, I began that process. It is probably one of the best things I did. Not only did it get me physically active again, it gave me the confidence that I could do the things I enjoy. I have always considered myself healthy and physically active but quite frankly I felt uncertain about what I could safely do in light of my cardiac issues. Rehab was the perfect place, under close supervision and care, to reestablish a healthy relationship with my body.
In September 2024 I finally had an ablation procedure and once again everything went well. And while I am still being followed routinely by both of my doctors, I have basically been given a clean bill of health. And while I think I am believing this more and more, I am still on the road to recovery emotionally and psychologically.
Somewhere in this journey and probably because of the kindness I was shown by Mended Hearts, I too wanted to give back the compassion I had received. In addition to being able to speak to patients about the TAVR and other procedures I have had, I have wanted to bring a clear understanding of the emotional impact these cardiac issues can have on individuals and their families. This understanding given to me by my Mended Heart visitors is what inspired me to begin the process of becoming an accredited visitor at Eisenhower. It has been extremely rewarding.
Margaret Manson