Back in November of 1996 I had double coronary bypass surgery. I was okay for about nine years, but then all of a sudden I felt heaviness in my chest and shortness of breath. Even just walking down the stairs or on level ground was too much. So I went to my doctor, who sent me to a cardiologist.
They took X-rays and gave me a stress test. I didn’t pass the test. My cardiologist at Baltimore Washington Medical Center (formerly North Arundel Hospital) sent me to the University of Maryland Heart Center for additional testing. They said I had a bad aortic valve (critical aortic stenosis) which was causing all the problems. Then [cardiac surgeon] Dr. Jamie Brown got involved. He set up the surgery right away. They said they couldn’t waste any time on this. [Dr. Brown is an associate professor of surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.]
Within two weeks — on April 15, 2005 — I had aortic valve replacement surgery.
Before the surgery, I told Dr. Brown that I had previously had bypass surgery and he said for this operation, he would only make a four-inch incision, using a minimally invasive approach. That was very reassuring. He said a lot had changed since I had the earlier bypass operation. I asked Dr. Brown how many of these surgeries he had done and he said he had done hundreds and hundreds of them.
When I had the bypass I was in the hospital for a week. But for this operation, I was only in the hospital for four days. Dr. Brown operated on a Friday and I went home on a Tuesday, just four days later. I couldn’t believe that.
After the surgery, overall, I didn’t feel any pain. I almost felt like I could just get up and walk out then. It was a wonderful thing. It was just amazing. It was a very quick recovery.
Dr. Brown was so positive. He was a wonderful inspiration with his enthusiasm. He was so confident and positive that I felt confident with him.
Life after Surgery: A Big Difference
The operation has made a big difference. Now I have no more shortness of breath, no heaviness in chest or pressure. I am able to walk without getting tired.
After the surgery, I just kept improving. It’s been six months now. I’m still amazed at it. I credit Dr. Brown, his experience and his wonderful positive attitude.
Being treated at the University of Maryland Medical Center was quite an experience. They were super, everyone was great. I call them the E team — E for Excellent.
Everyone who came into my room was friendly and had a positive outlook, even the janitorial staff. It’s a wonderful place to be. I was impressed with the hospital staff, and the entire system.
I would definitely recommend the University of Maryland and Dr. Jamie Brown.
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