A Heart Hospital with Heart
“We hadn’t ever heard of The Wisconsin Heart Hospital,” recalls Cassa. “We were a little worried about it. But our experience proved our doubts wrong ten times over.”
Cassa’s husband Mac is a diabetic. When she learned this greatly increased his risk of heart disease, she encouraged him to go in for a check up. Mac agreed.
A cardiac catheterization procedure at The Wisconsin Heart Hospital revealed some significant buildup of plaque in Mac’s arteries. Stents were recommended.
Cassa’s concern turned to worry. She had hoped their inquiry would give Mac a clean bill of health.
“They assured me they’d keep me well informed during Mac’s stenting procedure,” says Cassa of The Wisconsin Heart Hospital staff. “I was skeptical. But it was true. Several times, a nurse came out to tell me what they were progressing and how Mac was doing. They even told me there were some difficulties. I really appreciated it.” Cassa and Mac had anticipated a two or three stent procedure. Instead, Mac required five.
The stenting was successful. “Where do we go from here,” Cassa and Mac asked. Their physician recommended another cardiac catheterization procedure in six months.
When that time came, Mac was experiencing no major symptoms, though he was often very tired. The catheterization revealed the cause. The stenting, though effective, was not enough. Mac’s condition would require double bypass surgery.
They were referred to the Heart Hospital’s Husam Balkhy, MD.
“We did our research and found out about Dr. Balkhy’s renown,” Cassa relates. “Then when we talked with him, he explained everything so thoroughly. We felt a lot better. Dr. Balkhy is a very caring man".
Nonetheless, when surgery day arrived, Cassa and Mac were scared.
“Mac could hardly walk or talk by the time we got there,” recalls Cassa. “He couldn’t even tell the receptionist his name. I wasn’t much better." When the receptionist asked if we were okay, I started crying. She stopped what she was doing, came around the desk, took Mac’s hand and got him a wheel chair. Then she assured us everything would be okay. It was just so comforting.”
The surgery proceeded without complications. Mac’s recovery was infection free and swift. Today, other than an accelerated heart rate which Mac manages with medication, he is back to normal in every way. And he and Cassa are singing the praises of The Wisconsin Heart Hospital to friends and family.
“It was just a wonderful experience,” says Cassa. “I will never forget the compassionate care my husband and I received.”