For Gary, October 2, 2024 started off as an ordinary Wednesday. He took his usual route to work, completed a typical day of labor as an industrial controls electrician and before he knew it, it was time to head home.
Unfortunately, what started as an ordinary day for Gary would soon turn into a day he would never forget.
While driving home, the unimaginable happened – Gary realized he was having a heart attack. Despite the circumstances, Gary managed to remain calm, pull over into the Grand Chute Fire Department parking lot and call 911.
Within minutes help arrived and Gary was taken to the closest hospital. While there, Gary and his wife decided they wanted a second opinion on next steps.
The importance of compassionate heart care
Gary was soon referred to the Heart and Vascular Institute where Dr. Chapman recommended surgery with Dr. Stephen Meyer at Ascension St. Elizabeth for a triple bypass and valve replacement.
Though Gary was nervous to have surgery, the comfort and genuine care shown by Dr. Meyer and the rest of his heart care team made him feel less afraid.
“A week before my surgery, I sat with Maggie, one of Dr. Meyer’s assistants, and told her I was scared and how overwhelming it all was for me,” Gary shared. “Without hesitation, Maggie grabbed my hand, looked at me and said, ‘Gary, we got you. We will take care of you.’ It was reassuring to feel comfortable about who I was working with.”
Beginning his road to recovery
Gary’s surgery was a success, and his care team helped him rest and recover before he was able to return home.
“During the five days I was in the hospital, the support and care I received was fantastic,” Gary said. “The nurses were always checking on me and checking in with my daughter, who also works at St. Elizabeth. The feeling of knowing we had great support helped me get through the tougher days.”
After surgery, Gary’s next step on his road to recovery was to begin cardiac rehabilitation at Ascension St. Elizabeth.
“All the exercise therapists were fantastic. I worked with such a great group of people,” Gary shared. “Us patients felt like family to each other and became each other’s support system. I worked with MacKenzie Jobs, MS, the most and she was fantastic. She helped me learn what I needed to so I could take care of myself again.”
Gary recently concluded his time with his cardiac rehabilitation team and is looking forward to returning to work, and, when the weather allows it, biking trails again with his wife.
Reflecting on his heart care journey
Looking back on his experience, Gary never thought he would ever be the one to have a heart attack.
“I thought I was doing everything right. I never expected to have a heart attack. The biggest advice I can give to everyone during Heart Month is to listen to your body; if it doesn't feel right, it's not right. Get it checked out.”
Despite all he had to overcome, Gary remains grateful for the incredible support system that helped him recover from his heart attack.
“I want to give a great shout out to all the staff at St. Elizabeth – Dr. Meyer and the nurses, associates, exercise therapists and everyone who supported me during this time. I couldn't have asked for a better group.”
Last year, donor generosity to Ascension Wisconsin Foundation made it possible for heart care providers across Ascension Wisconsin to support 36,000 patients in need of leading heart care. Thank you for making this care possible.