A Routine Stress Test Leads to Triple Bypass
May 28, 2024
Health News“They gave me a second chance at life!” – Michael Cohn
At 81 years old, Mike Cohn exercises every day for about an hour on his recumbent bike. After “retiring” 15 years ago, he still dabbles with work and enjoys his hobbies – following the stock market, playing bridge a few times a week, and meeting new people.
A family connection
He and his wife recently moved from the San Francisco Bay area to Reno. One of the first things they did was to look for a cardiologist for his wife, who had heart surgery when they lived in Saratoga in 2022. “By chance, my daughter donated some Pilates memberships to an American Heart Association fundraiser dinner. She spoke with a regional VP and they recommended Interventional Cardiologist Devang Desai, MD, FACC, FSCAI, so we made an appointment,” says Cohn. Because he had not seen a cardiologist for many years, Cohn joined his wife at her appointment so he could establish a relationship.
A concerning EKG
Cohn was pleased with meeting Dr. Desai and set up his own appointment, at which Dr. Desai ordered bloodwork and a stress EKG for Cohn. “The PA said I was doing great, and I even got to the max elevation. But after she showed the EKG to a cardiologist, they told me I needed to go to the ER,” he says.
On Friday, November 3, 2023, Dr. Desai performed an angiogram in the catheterization lab on Cohn. “At first, they thought I only needed a stent, but then Dr. Desai determined that my ‘widow maker’ artery was blocked,” says Cohn. “I was a little shocked, because I had no symptoms. I had been doing level 12 on a recumbent bike, training about 6-7 times a week for the last 5 years. But they admitted me to Sierra Medical Center and scheduled a triple bypass for Sunday, November 5.”
Surgical success
Cohn was introduced to Cardiothoracic Surgeon Theodore Pratt, MD, FACS, who would be performing the surgery. “Dr. Pratt was confident and explained everything that would happen. I felt very comfortable with him, and his bedside manner was excellent,” says Cohn. “I also think it is neat that he grew up here, went to UNR, and came back here after all of his military experience.”
The bypass surgery was a success, and Dr. Pratt also repaired Cohn’s left atrial appendage. In addition, Cohn also had a pacemaker installed during his hospital stay. “I woke up in the morning and Dr. Pratt came in for his rounds. I like that he invites family to join in the conversation,” says Cohn. “He saw I didn’t have any coffee on my tray, and I thought I couldn’t have any. But Dr. Pratt went down the hall and brought me a cup. He was very attentive and caring, and checked in on me a couple of times a day. He even came in to see me on his day off.”
Cohn says he had a remarkable recovery, which he attributes to the great care he had from the doctors and nursing team, as well as being in good physical shape. “I used to be on several medications, but am now down to one,” he says.
He explains that he never felt like a number. “I was treated like a human, I made new friends, was respected, and cared for. Dr. Desai and Dr. Pratt are both incredibly talented. They gave me a second chance at life, and I am indebted to them.”
Cohn’s great patient experience would not be complete without mentioning the excellent care he received from his nurses. “They were great and all deserve A-plus-plus. You can tell they want to do their job and are happy about being there! They were responsive, caring, did not hesitate to help in any way, and got me up and walking around after surgery.”
Cohn says he would not hesitate to come back to Sierra Medical Center if he ever needs care in the future. “I tell everyone about my experience, the doctors, and the care I received,” he says. “Being here truly made a difference for me, and I couldn’t be more grateful!”