Peggy’s Comeback Journey: How Robot-assisted Heart Surgery Is Helping Her Feel Whole

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Peggy posing with balloons.

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Peggy M. has always enjoyed an active life, whether going for a walk with her husband or exploring the outdoors. Earlier in life, Peggy developed atrial fibrillation (AFib), but she didn’t let that slow her down. She underwent several successful ablation procedures to treat it, which helped her manage symptoms. But a few years later, after experiencing consistent headaches and constantly feeling exhausted, she knew something wasn’t right.

One day, she checked her smartwatch and saw that her heart rate was at a consistent 150 beats per minute (bpm). She visited the ER with a different hospital system, where they performed a procedure to check what was causing her elevated heart rate. They found that her arteries were 96% blocked. She was then referred to Gary Allen, MD, MMM, FACS, at AdventHealth Waterman for a robot-assisted heart surgery.

Keep reading to learn more about Peggy’s heart surgery journey.

What led you to pursue robot-assisted heart surgery?

Well, it wasn’t elective for me. After the doctors at the ER found out that my arteries were 96% blocked, they told me that I needed immediate surgery. That’s when they referred me to Dr. Allen at AdventHealth Waterman. It was really scary for me being in the hospital, and the doctors not being able to find a way to lower my heart rate. I was really overwhelmed, assuming that I would have to get open-heart surgery. But they told me that Dr. Allen offered a robotic option for the surgery, and immediately, I felt confident and more at peace with the thought of having heart surgery.

How were your health challenges affecting your daily life?

My headaches were so bad that I could barely get anything done. I was also more tired than I had ever been, which significantly affected my daily life. I’m usually doing things around the house, but after the headaches and fatigue set in, I just couldn’t do it anymore.

How was your experience with Dr. Allen and his team?

Dr. Allen is amazing. I really trusted him. He’s very relatable and took the time to listen to my concerns and provide the support that I needed. And the cardiac ICU was just excellent. I was nervous going into it, but the nurses and all of the staff were extremely caring and accommodating of my needs — I was really impressed. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. The entire team at AdventHealth Waterman took care of both the big things and the little things, which really made me feel cared for.

How has your recovery process been?

Right after my surgery was challenging, but as soon as I started cardiac rehab at AdventHealth Waterman they were great. They didn’t make me feel like I needed to hurry through recovery. They were patient with me and encouraged me to go at my own pace. I know it’s just a matter of time before I’m back to my old self.

What is your advice for someone considering robot-assisted heart surgery?

I would say go the robotics route. It’s a much less invasive procedure and provides amazing results. I know heart surgery can feel intimidating, but Dr. Allen and his team really gave me the assurance I needed to move forward and heal.

We’re Here to Guide You to Restored Health

It’s a privilege to care for Peggy and every person facing symptoms that impact their ability to feel whole. Choosing a robot-assisted heart procedure is a life-changing decision, and it’s essential to consult a professional who can evaluate your unique needs.

Our compassionate cardiac experts are ready to help you take your first step toward healing. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Allen today and find hope for a healthier future.

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