Kenneth Struble of Toccoa, Georgia, reflects on the gratitude he feels for the care and support after a life-changing heart surgery that helped him through his journey.
It’s been a year since my life took a dramatic turn and I’ve been writing this letter in my head for just as long. It all began with a daunting conversation about surgery with my cardiologist. The thought of the procedure scared me. As we discussed potential complications like a stroke or death, I exchanged a look with my wife, Melanie. Tears filled our eyes.
When he stepped out for a moment, I knew I needed to ask him one critical question.
“If your cardiologist just told you that you needed this surgery, who would you want to perform it?” I watched as he paused, put a fist on his chin and took two steps away. Then he turned back to me and said, “Dr. J. Alan Wolfe.”
In that moment, I felt a wave of relief. That was the answer I wanted to hear.
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The care I received from Dr. Wolfe’s office was exceptional. Sandra, at the front desk, was a true asset. She made our visits pleasant and reassuring from the very start.
Lauren was with us during our appointment and both Melanie and I felt her genuine concern. In the weeks leading up to the surgery, she was invaluable, helping us navigate the maze of tests and paperwork. There were times when we struggled to get my MRI, TEE and cardiac cath results to the office and she went above and beyond by dropping off the test results discs for me—to save me from making extra trips.
When I met Dr. Wolfe, confidence radiated from him. I trusted my cardiologist’s recommendation, but after our first appointment, I turned to Melanie and said, “he’s the one.” I couldn’t fully grasp the complexity of the surgery he performed on me — recreating my aortic valve from tissue must have its challenges. But I described him as much an artist as a surgeon.
I didn’t sleep the night before my surgery. Not at all. When I arrived at the hospital, pacing was my only option. The receptionist noticed my anxiety as I checked in and told me that she had awaken that morning and prayed for me. I can’t express how much that meant.
Once I was in the prep room, the vulnerability hit hard. I had to strip down and was shaved, leaving me feeling like I was starring in “naked and afraid.” Staff were moving in and out, asking their questions and doing their jobs, but no one paused to check in on how I was feeling. That is, until Jarred looked over from a conversation with the anesthesiologist. Our eyes met and he walked over to ask how I was doing. That small act of kindness meant everything in that moment.
I ended up having an aortic valve reconstruction and an ascending aorta replacement. Dr. Wolfe and his team perform this kind of surgery routinely and it’s clear they are among the best at what they do.
I spent six days in the CCU recuperating from my surgery. The day after getting home, I faced a scare. I was drenched in sweat, in atrial fibrillation with a heart rate in the 160s and struggling to breathe. Our first call was to Lauren. She was calm and reassuring, guiding us to Gainesville to see my cardiologist. Through this entire experience, Lauren was our go-to person—always helpful, supportive and simply amazing.
Because of Dr. Wolfe, I had the chance to meet my grandson, spending nine wonderful months with him and my oldest daughter while my son-in-law served in Syria. I also witnessed my youngest graduate cum laude from the University of Georgia, saw his impressive MCAT score and now I’m excited to learn which medical school he’ll attend. He’s chosen to be a neurosurgeon instead of a cardiac surgeon. I can’t believe that!
Since then, I have retired, bought a camper and have been able to reunite with friends around a fire. My wife and I cruised to Bermuda and then we traveled to Alaska with more friends. I’ve shared moments at weddings, baptisms and even funerals. I took on a part-time job in our local emergency room, re-embracing my paramedic days and relishing the chance to provide patient care again.
It’s in the little moments — seeing my kids, talking on the phone, waking up next to my wife and enjoying a slow pontoon ride — that true meaning lives.
Since becoming a paramedic in 1987, I’ve saved several people from cardiac arrest, and I’ve had the privilege of hearing their thanks. But I never fully understood the impact of this work until after my surgery.
As I write this with tears in my eyes, I want to thank you for what you do. You are life-givers.
Learn more about Northside Hospital Heart Institute.
*The health story shared here is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Patients should consult with their own physician before making medical decisions.
