I totaled my car three weeks before having a heart attack. I was sure that was the reason I had pain in my back and left arm. I struggled, but managed with the pain for many days, changing my sleep and activity patterns. My husband and I attended a White Sox game in Chicago. I drove home that night and ultimately knew I was in trouble. The pain intensified. It was a wonder I ever got back alive.

When I returned to the Madison area, my doctor's nurse told me to go to the Emergency Room at Meriter. My daughter drove me there. I didn't really think it was a heart attack. I thought that the doctor would give me a shot and send me home. Boy, am I glad for the folks in the ER. They brought in all their high-tech equipment, took a chest X-ray, drew blood and immediately tried to ease my pain. I was totally confident with their expertise. Because of my troponen level, they knew I was in serious trouble…and they scheduled an angiogram followed by angioplasty.

That night, while an inpatient, I had a heart attack. The "team" came in and took control. I was so impressed by their calm demeanor and efficient way they worked together. They stabilized me. I went to the cath lab the next morning where I met Dr. Raval. He inserted a stent in my valve, after he found a 95% blockage. The whole thing took about 45 minutes.

I returned several weeks later when Dr. Raval inserted a second stent addressing another artery that was 75% blocked. I was so relaxed and confident that everything would be all right. I knew I was in excellent hands.

The best thing I did after the procedures was get involved in Meriter's Cardiac Rehab class. The staff is so knowledgeable and upbeat. My group was very supportive of one another…and we encouraged one another on. I thought I knew everything about taking care of myself…I was wrong. I learned a lot from Emalee, Carol and the crew.

Thanks Meriter, for helping me celebrate another birthday!!!
Carol