John was at a routine therapy appointment in recovery following his hip replacement in August of last year when he suddenly coded. After being rushed down to the Critical Decision Unit, it was determined that John’s main heart vein, the vena cava, was blocked. The doctors at Hannibal Regional were successfully able to put a stint in to solve the blockage. “I thought I was going to die. I truly believe if it wasn’t for the doctors at Hannibal Regional, I wouldn’t be alive,” John says. John spent numerous days recovering in ICU and even more time in Medical Telemetry until he was strong enough to go home. Reflecting on his time in the hospital, John says “The staff was wonderful. Hannibal Regional has some of the best doctors and nurses around.” It’s been almost nine months since John was a patient fighting for his life, and now feels like he is better than ever. “Push yourself, don’t accept that you can’t get better,” says John to anyone who is currently facing health issues.
There were many activities John had to take a break from during his recovery, and one of the ones he missed most was his role as an Auxilian. But now John is back volunteering at Hannibal Regional and couldn’t be happier. “I missed it so much. I missed giving back to the community and the strong relationships I had with the other volunteers,” John says.
For information on Cardiology services at Hannibal Regional or to schedule an appointment call 573-629-3500.