Wilborn Poole In Rod Rodrigues’ 84 years, he has always been a healthy and hardworking family man who lives life to its fullest. He served in the Marine Corps as a young adult, he used to own a restaurant and he coached Little League for 18 years. There’ wasn’t much that could slow him down—until one day, as he was sitting on the couch, it became difficult to breathe. He went to the emergency room, where he found himself diagnosed with pneumonia and cardiac failure, and his health was deteriorating rapidly. Long road home Rodrigues needed to regain his strength before he could qualify for the TAVR procedure, and he was determined. After three and a half months in the hospital, he was finally able to have the heart procedure done. It was a difficult process, Rod Rodrigues Your heart is in good hands The TAVR procedure is just one of many treatments performed by the heart and vascular specialists at Memorial. For an appointment with a cardiologist, call us today at 337-284-8480. Wilborn Poole didn’t know how bad his diseased aortic valve was until after he had the TAVR procedure. As someone who spends a lot of time outside working on projects, the fatigue or shortness of breath that most patients encounter in his condition happened so slowly over time that he didn’t realize his quality of life had deteriorated. “I couldn’t believe how good I felt after the procedure,” Poole says. “It was unbelievable!” Support from the experts Before any procedure, it’s normal to have some apprehension, but Poole’s wife, Carol, describes asking God for a sign that this procedure was the correct decision. The night before his scheduled procedure, a story on the local news brought a blanket of comfort. The TAVR team at Memorial was among the top recognized in the nation by the American College of Cardiology. This affirmation of the level of expert care provided the comfort she needed to be by his side the next day. Back on track With the assistance from the TAVR team, Poole’s recovery was quick. Soon after the procedure, he couldn’t stay off his tractor. Now he’s back to doing what he loves— spending time with neighbors and getting ready for his summer garden with a renewed energy. He credits his care team with giving him a new lease on life and being there every step of the way. but he knew that all of his other medical issues were caused by his faulty valve that needed to be replaced. Enjoying life to the fullest Being strong and healthy so he can be there for all the milestones in his family is the most important thing to Rodrigues now. “I’m glad I can be here to see my great-grandchildren grow up,” he says. Thanks to the TAVR team; his continuous determination; and the “easy as ABC procedure,” as he states, Rodrigues is back to his old self again, enjoying every bit of life. lcmh.com 17
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzIxMDA=