HEART
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Treasure Coast Medical Report
develop and implement the best care plan for the individual
patient. Prior to the planned aortic valve replacement, the
TAVR team meets and reviews all of the patient’s clinical history
and data including cardiac catherization results, echocardiogram
and CT angiogram to make a joint decision on
how best to treat that individual patient. I feel that this team
approach to individual patient care has been the key to the
success of the TAVR program, not only here at IRMC but also
nationally.”
In early 2018, Richman had stent surgery in Orlando to repair
the blockages in her heart, and then had TAVR at IRMC
the following June. She was impressed with Stowe’s work
and how she felt after the TAVR procedure.
“He’s a wonderful doctor!” she says. “I can’t tell you
enough how pleased I am with him. I had a fast recovery and
very little pain. I thought it would be more painful than it
was. I don’t think I took more than a Tylenol and that was it. I
felt pretty good.”
On the road to recovery, Richman was able to resume her
normal schedule of working in her real estate office just a few
days after having the surgery. She also said that her walking
improved and she has higher levels of energy, so she sings
the praises of TAVR.
“I found it fairly easy — the surgery and the whole process.
I called this a piece of cake,” she says. “It was wonderful the
way they could do it. I didn’t have to have the chest cut open.
I was very pleased with the surgery, that it took care of the
problem. To go into a hospital and have a valve replacement,
be out in two days, and home just resting for one day. The
following day you’re able to get up, get dressed, and go out
to drive a car. What can be better than that?”
Real estate saleswoman Judy Richman had an easy recovery with the TAVR
procedure and is enjoying renewed vigor.
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