Heart Patient Has “New Lease on Life” After TAVR Procedure

Feeling unhappy and pessimistic because of his health, Ron Williams never thought his way of life was going to improve until he started seeing Mercy’s heart team.

“I was in a dark place; I didn’t care anymore,” Ron said.

Ron experienced dizzy spells, shortness of breath and balance problems, which meant everyday activities – such as mowing the lawn, standing to wash the dishes and driving – were difficult or impossible. His wife, Pat, and their Morkie dog, Lucy, tried to help and comfort Ron the best they could. When he had a migraine or dizzy spell, Lucy would sense it and lay beside him.

“He fell once [inside the house], and Lucy came outside to me, frantically barked, then ran back inside, which is when I knew something was wrong,” Pat said.

With Ron’s health and spirits declining, they knew it was time to see his primary care provider, Carol Tan, MD, at MercyCare Prairie Creek. It was taking an emotional toll on the family, and Ron knew something needed to change. What he didn’t realize, though, was that the solution lay in his heart.

Because of his prior health history – including a triple bypass surgery in 2015 – and his symptoms, Dr. Tan referred him to the Jewel & Jim Plumb Heart Center at Mercy, where his life was changed for the better.

After an initial examination, Cardiologist Ryan Hollenbeck, MD, FACC, FSCAI and Rhonda Bridgewater, ARNP, decided to do a series of tests to see if Ron would be a good fit for the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure. TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure to replace the aortic valve in patients who have severe aortic valve stenosis.

As the TAVR Coordinator, Richard Joens conducted the series of tests on Ron. Both Ron and Pat noticed how caring and thoughtful Richard was throughout the weeks’ worth of tests, noting they were impressed that Richard remembered their dog’s name. Feeling more comfortable and optimistic about his health as he worked with Richard, Ron began to experience a glimmer of hope.

After the tests showed Ron would be a great candidate for the TAVR procedure, Ron and Pat met with the Mercy heart team.

Ron had the TAVR procedure in February 2022. He was told he’d start to feel better one to three days after the procedure, but Ron could feel improvement the very same day.

“This team was so outstanding in the way they operate,” Ron said. “They were the best team I ever had. I really appreciate them.”

“They put a twinkle in your eye when you think of them,” Pat said, looking at Ron.

In addition to the heart team, Ron credits Dr. Tan because, without her initial recommendation to visit the Plumb Heart Center at Mercy, he wouldn’t be in such a good health now.

“After the surgery, the doctors said I was sicker than they thought,” Ron said. “She [Dr. Tan] really lived up to her vows by taking care of me. I’m almost in tears about it; she’s that great.”

Ron had a check-up appointment with the heart team shortly after his TAVR procedure and, because of the success of the surgery and Ron’s positive response, the cardiologists only need to check in with him again in a year.

Ron completed six weeks of physical therapy with Mercy’s Rehabilitation Services at his home until he gained his strength back. Then, he was visited by Mercy Home Care twice a week for three months to check on his progress as he worked to return to his normal way of life.

With 61 years of marriage, Ron and Pat are used to doing daily activities together.

“When you see one of us, you’re going to see the other one,” Pat said.

Prior to surgery, Ron’s health pivoted his and his wife’s daily routines; it affected their quality of life.

“Before the procedure, I was in a very dark place, but after, I felt like I was given a new lease on life,” Ron said.

Because Ron felt weak before the TAVR procedure and would be out of breath walking a few feet, Pat did a lot of the housework and cared for him.

“She’s a trooper, I tell ya,” Ron said, putting his arm around Pat.

Now that his health and energy are in good shape, Ron has been able to help his wife around the house again. He’s looking forward to mowing the lawn, driving them to where they need to go and, ultimately, just living a happy life together with their dog, Lucy.

Ron is thankful to have had such a supportive wife throughout the entire process as she was his main caregiver, in addition to Lucy’s watchful eyes and cuddles.

“She’s special; she’s right in there with the doctors,” Pat said about Lucy.

TAVR may be an option for any patient with severe aortic valve stenosis or patients with previously implanted bioprosthetic valves that are no longer functioning well. Patients with severe aortic valve stenosis typically have fatigue, shortness of breath, lightheadedness and/or chest discomfort. Causes of severe aortic stenosis include age, calcium buildup, radiation therapy, heart infection and a failing aortic surgical valve. Talk to your primary care provider if you’re experiencing those symptoms to see if you need to be referred to a Mercy cardiologist.