Grateful Patient Stories: J. Wes Guckert
Cardiovascular Medicine
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My story began on the afternoon of September 27, 2013 when I drove myself to ShoreHealth Systems Hospital in Easton, Maryland. Within a few moments of walking in, the Emergency Room staff took me to a patient room and immediately began to diagnose my problems. My original thought was that I had severe heartburn, but did not want to take the chance that it was something more serious.
As it turns out, I was told that I had made a smart choice. Within moments, ShoreHealth Systems was going to medevac me to a hospital that could provide an immediate catheterization. I had my choice of three facilities and chose the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore.
Once I landed at the University of Maryland, I was immediately greeted by caring individuals who took me to the Cardiac Catheterization Lab. Once inside the Lab, I was introduced to Dr. Anuj Gupta and his staff. Dr. Gupta and his team immediately advised me of what they were going to do and why they were going to do it. When I asked why such a hurry and if they were concerned that I was going to have a heart attack, they informed me that the heart attack was in process!
Once the surgery was completed, Dr. Gupta took the time to show me what had occurred. He showed me the before and after pictures of my main artery. When I arrived at the Cardiac Catheterization Lab, I had a 100% blockage of the main artery (the “widow maker”) and after the catheterization, it was completely and entirely open.
I spent almost four days in the Cardiac Intensive Care Facility at the University of Maryland. Dr. Gupta asked if I had a cardiologist and provided me with the name of Dr. Sonya Baker. A few weeks after my surgery, Dr. Gupta contacted me and asked my condition and if I had seen Dr. Baker. Quite frankly, having the surgeon contact me was pretty amazing all by itself. Dr. Gupta’s honest caring of my well-being, both before, during, and after the surgery, was something that I had never experienced. I would recommend Dr. Gupta and his team to anyone who needed a similar procedure. I am thankful to Dr. Gupta and his staff for taking me from what was a near-death experience to a situation that has given me a new lease on life.
J. Wes Guckert