Patient Stories

  • 'Thank You From the Bottom of My New Heart'

    January 11, 2024

    Mr. Sain found himself in a dangerous position where quadruple bypass surgery was the only option following a heart attack. As he and his wife explain, the staff at North Alabama Medical Center went above and beyond to make sure he had a happy, healthy recovery.

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  • Patient Baptized in Hospital Room Before Open Heart Surgery

    November 04, 2019

    When Guy came to North Alabama Medical Center for a heart cath, he wasn’t expecting to have open heart surgery. “I wasn’t prepared, but I knew I needed to do one thing. My mom always wanted me to be baptized and it was time.”His nurse, Diane, helped Guy through the process.“I held his hand for more than an hour. He’s called me his angel ever since,” said Diane. “It was truly touching and I’m glad I could have a small part in such a life changing event.”Guy says being baptized eased his fear and anxiety prior to surgery.“I thank God for the care I’ve received. I don’t think I could have been in a better place for the open heart surgery or my baptism.”The surgery went well and Guy is expected to make a great recovery.

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  • Patient Survives Widow Maker Heart Attack

    March 11, 2019

    Suzie Hea suffered a major heart attack on January 30, 2019. It’s often called the widow maker, as there was a full blockage in her left main artery (left anterior descending artery). She didn’t have any symptoms of a heart attack. She woke up at 3:00 am and was suffering a heart attack.“Had I waited even a couple minutes, I wouldn’t be here to tell this story,” said Hea. “God orchestrated a miracle that night. I coded shortly after I arrived at the hospital.”Hea coded four times and was put in a medically induced coma to preserve her organs. Hea is grateful for her cardiac team, who performed 25 minutes of CPR, her critical care nurses (Adrianne, Jordan and Lindsey) for treating her when she was most critical and her cardiologist, Dr. Don Mishra.“Not only did they care for me, they cared for my family and friends and encouraged them that everything would be ok,” said Hea. Hea is now completing cardiac rehab at NAMC three times a week.“Thank you for the blessing you gave me and taking such good care of me. You are all my guardian angels, and I will be forever grateful. There are no words. They gave me back my life,” said Hea.

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