“Deb reached across our bed to give my hand a good morning squeeze. Per our new morning routine, I shook my pajama sleeve back, so she could scan my arm band and administer my morning medication. Then it dawned on me. I was home. It was my wife, not a nurse, waking me up. What a wonderful sensation to be fully awake, in my own bed with my wife by my side.”
These are the sweet reflections of Gene Call who overcame a life-threatening medical emergency thanks to the superior care of our WakeMed Heart & Vascular team.
Surprising Findings Prior to a Total Knee Replacement
In October 2019, while Gene was preparing for total knee replacement surgery at a local hospital, the anesthesiologist identified a heart murmur using his stethoscope.
The total knee replacement was put on pause, and Gene was referred to WakeMed Heart & Vascular by his primary care provider. He had an initial consult with WakeMed cardiologist Matt White, MD, FACC, who confirmed the heart murmur via ultrasound.
“Gene shares, “He and his staff were wonderful in taking my wife and I through the process of what was creating the murmur and what was needed to fix it. Communicating that information even though I was a ticking time bomb helped to calmly assure me that I was still in a safe zone if I acted soon.”
Dr. White approved Gene’s knee surgery but said he should have open heart surgery with cardiovascular surgeon Judson Williams, MD, MHS as soon as he recovered from the knee surgery.
Dr. White explains, “Gene’s case is an example of collaborative care at its best. His murmur was recognized, and he was seen quickly in our office to establish his cardiac diagnoses. He was able to safely undergo his planned knee replacement, and then have his ultimate cardiac surgery. It was a privilege to be a part of his care team.”
State-of-the-Art Care and Pristine Family Accommodations
WakeMed cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Williams, specializes in coronary artery disease, aortic and mitral valvular heart disease and pathology of the proximal aorta.
Gene was born with a valve defect. Instead of a normal tricuspid valve, he had a bicuspid valve. This weaker valve put enough strain on the aorta over the years to create an aneurysm. The valve also deteriorated to the point of significant leakage. Gene had to have a new bovine valve placed and the aneurysm repaired, requiring an “open heart” surgery.
“This was certainly team-based cooperative care,” Dr. Williams commends. “It was my pleasure to be part of Gene’s team and help facilitate the spectacular result for him! I am very proud of Gene and certainly proud to get to work with team members like Gina and Dr. White.”
Dr. Williams scheduled Gene’s surgery for February 27, 2020 in the WakeMed Heart Center. Gene’s wife, Deb, stayed close by in on-site accommodations at the WakeMed Heart Center Inn.
“My wife, Deb, stayed at the in-house hotel and found the service and environment to be top quality.”
Along with Deb’s comfortable and pristine accommodations, Gene also fared well. His surgery was a success and involved Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS).
Glowing, Gene recalls, “Dr. Williams has incredible bedside manner with which he used to educate me on the process and procedure. Dr. Williams also helps lead a national organization to advocate for ERAS care. He was the mover and shaker who worked with Gina McConnell, my WakeMed nurse navigator, to adopt the system at WakeMed — the first hospital in the nation to do so.”
ERAS
In simple terms, ERAS is an emerging model used around the world to help reduce a patient’s surgical stress response, optimize their physiological function and facilitate a faster recovery. It’s an evidence-based care pathway that includes a series of activities before, during and after surgery that, when combined, lead to better outcomes.
While the specific actions/steps for each ERAS protocol will vary based on each procedure, an example of the ERAS steps may include the following:
- Participating in “prehab” to help patients improve functional capabilities prior to surgery
- Drinking a carbohydrate drink such as Powerade/Gatorade three hours before surgery
- Chewing gum shortly after surgery to decrease nausea and promote bowel function
- Implementing innovative pain management protocols that treat swelling and pain with less opioids
- Getting up and moving more quickly after surgery
“While each of these steps may seem ‘small,’ research shows that when combined, they’ have a major impact on surgical outcomes and recovery,” explains Gina McConnell, BSN, RN, CCRN, WakeMed ERAS program coordinator.
Gene agrees, “As one who has been, and is still involved in addictions counseling and rehab, I greatly appreciated Dr. Williams fortitude and concern in regard to the careful use of opioids after surgery as I was well aware of the danger of people with an addictive inclination becoming addicted during surgery recovery. Dr. Williams simply explained his typical approach of using an opioid for surgical pain but coming off of it as soon as possible. That’s what he did!”
Praise for the WakeMed Care Teams
Within days, Gene was able to move from the ICU to the 3B Raleigh Campus step-down unit. He was discharged from the hospital on March 5, 2020.
“I had incredible nurses — from recovery to discharge, including Kevin Murphey and Gina McConnell in ICU and Ward 3B nursing unit,” Gene offers. “Some were very much by the book, and all were engaged, compassionate, skillful and respectful of WakeMed. Many had terrific senses of humor and engaged with my silly banter. That helped me pass the hours faster. As one who has spent a lifetime working with and managing people, I know this environment happens only when cultivated and reinforced. Kudos to WakeMed management. I was especially impressed with Kim Willis who is in charge of all the post operative cardiac nurses. Her unit manager, Sandra Van Scoy, who was over the ward I was in. She demonstrated strong management skills and compassionate patient care.”
Dr. White continues to be Gene’s cardiologist and has helped Gene through a second scare since his initial diagnosis and surgery.
“Dr. White demonstrated his patient concern and medical skills again in my life in 2022 when my gastroenterologist did an ultrasound and thought it showed an abdominal aneurysm, so I was advised to immediately contact my cardiologist. Dr. White reviewed the ultrasound and called me later that evening while on his rounds at WakeMed. He quickly arranged magnetic resonance imaging which showed no signs of an aneurysm. Twice, I have had my life placed in his hands and been blessed by his care and competence.”
Catching the Wake Way Heart of Compassion
Reflecting on his time at WakeMed, Gene and his wife have developed a new level of compassion for those who are suffering.
“Some life experiences have helped me understand how fragile life is. This is one of those. It has taught me that making a sincere attempt to follow God will help in unimaginable ways.
“I have also learned the importance of community. While in my various follow-up appointments, Deb and I have had the chance to extend a kind word to those obviously fearful, depressed and alone. We are designed for community. We each recuperate better and faster if we have a support network around us. We now intentionally choose friendly conversation with those whom we pass throughout our day. It is beneficial for both parties and makes for a better day.”
About WakeMed Heart & Vascular
WakeMed Heart & Vascular physicians bring together expert cardiovascular, thoracic and vascular surgeons who are dedicated to delivering the highest level of cardiovascular care in Raleigh, Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Garner and Clayton, N.C. For decades, these physicians have chosen to bring their talent and expertise to WakeMed for its reputation for excellence in cardiovascular care and commitment to providing the most exceptional patient experience.
About WakeMed Heart Center Inn
The Heart Center Inn provides convenient and comfortable accommodations for patients and their families. Located on the top floor of the WakeMed Heart Center, rooms are furnished and equipped to make your stay comfortable and include all amenities of a commercial hotel. It’s just an elevator ride away from WakeMed’s nursing units and physicians’ offices. You’re connected to expert services, and close to loved ones.
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