Share, , Google Plus, Pinterest,

Print

Posted in:

Local Resident Has a New Life After Heart Surgery at TVH

Local Resident Has a New Life After Heart Surgery at Temecula Valley Hospital

“I couldn’t even make it up the stairs. I’d stop halfway up. I couldn’t breathe and felt a squeezing on my heart,” said local resident and Temecula Valley Hospital patient, Tom James. “I went like that for over a month, I wasn’t going anywhere, let alone a hospital, during the COVID-19 quarantine.” The pain continued to get worse. James’ wife of 45 years, Laurie, knew he needed to get into the hospital for a procedure for his heart. With a history of heart complications, she worried daily.

The couple, both over the age of 65, did everything they needed to do to be safe. They stayed in the house for over 2 months. They had their groceries delivered. They visited with family, including their three sons and their families, outside, 6 feet away from one another.

It took a call from the doctor to convince James. Cardiologist, Dr. Jeffery Chung called one evening and pleaded to him to get in for a heart procedure at Temecula Valley Hospital. Dr. Chung reassured James that the hospital is safe and has implemented additional safety protocols during COVID-19.

Darlene Wetton, CEO, Temecula Valley Hospital, knows there is a big misconception in the region about quarantine procedures. “At this time, when home isolation is often encouraged, we want to remind the community that this is not the same as medical isolation. Unfortunately, we have begun to see patients that have waited too long to come to the Emergency Department for their life-threatening conditions, due to an understandable fear of being exposed to COVID-19. We would like to stress to the community that prolonged medical isolation for concerning symptoms may have detrimental effects on your health and we encourage you to seek immediate medical care in these situations.”

James underwent his emergency surgery and he couldn’t believe how safe the hospital was when he arrived. The hospital was clean, the team safe and professional, it was nothing like what he had imagined during a pandemic. “The team was amazing, everything was absolutely wonderful,” said Thomas. “We pulled up to the hospital, I went in after they checked my temperature and we followed the safety protocols, including no visitation at this time within the hospital.” After James had his procedure by Cardiologist, Dr. Steve Jin, to clear his blockage, he said, “I called Laurie once I was in recovery and told her the surgery gave me a new life!”

Now, James is feeling great back at home during quarantine with a new perspective on life. He hopes his story can help others to not be afraid to go in and get the treatment they need, and to trust our healthcare professionals. “I am so glad I finally went into Temecula Valley Hospital. Before my surgery, I was thinking every day was my last. Temecula Valley Hospital saved my life!” James has come a long way from not being able to make it up the stairs. “I am playing out in the pool now – it is a miracle!”

About Temecula Valley Hospital
Temecula Valley Hospital (TVH), with a 5 Star Medicare Hospital Compare rating, brings advanced technology, innovative programs, patient-centered and family sensitive care to area residents featuring 140 private patient rooms. TVH is the first Universal Health Services Hospital Emergency Department in the country to achieve accreditation from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) as a Geriatric Emergency Department. TVH specializes in advanced cardiac services, stroke care, general and surgical specialties, and orthopedics as a recent Blue Distinction® Center Designation for Quality in Knee and Hip Replacement Surgeries. TVH is nationally recognized for Patient Safety by the Leapfrog Group, with a 2017 Top Hospital Award and seven ‘A’ Grades for Patient Safety.

For more information please visit https://www.temeculavalleyhospital.com/about/news