Through my annual physical on Oct. 16, 1991, I was diagnosed with Coronary Artery Disease and scheduled for a quadruple by-pass surgery the following day.
I lead somewhat normal life consisting of chicken, fish & fat-free after that, until 1996 when a virus attacked my heart and I was diagnosed with Cardiomyopathy (Heart Failure). But with the grace of God, doctors and medications life got back on track.
In 2001 and 2002, as my heart began to deteriorate, I found myself spending more time in the emergency room and hospitalized. On February 14, 2002, a decision was made to implant an ICD device and to start the application as a candidate for a Heart Transplant.
I was approved in October 2002. Again in March of 2003, I was hospitalized and IV pump was inserted and I received the prescription of Primacor, a heart-stimulating drug, around the clock. The miracle call came on September 1, 2003, and at 10:30pm, and surgery was performed the next morning.
Thanks to God, the surgeons, nurses and staff at St. Luke’s Hospital. But most important….the Donor Family. With this wonderful gift, I celebrated my 61st birthday and witnessed the birth of my third grandbaby on January 26, 2004.