Patient Stories - Heart Failure & Transplant Program

Judith Fallas

From her husband, Ted Fallas

It is hard for me to discuss the Heart Transplant team at CPMC without sounding like a walking commercial. My wife Judy receiver her new heart on 1/25/04. Prior to being accepted to the program we met with and were evaluated by the team. We left with all our questions being readily answered and feeling very confident and comfortable with the team. Because Judy was deemed Dobutamine dependent, we decided to take the safe route and wait in the hospital for a heart to become available. During the time in the hospital, before and after the operation, my wife used to joke that she was still looking hard for the first person that wasn’t helpful or didn’t treat us cheerfully and with kindness. Dr. Haeusslein, the cardiologist, visited daily and kept us informed. Every time we heard Dr. Haeusslein’s name by anyone associated with the program it was always mentioned with respect and genuine fondness. We knew we had a great cardiologist. But his manner, as well as his reputation, quickly filled us with confidence. This confidence was rewarded when at the time of the operation (scheduled for 1:00AM). He was concerned because the latest x-ray of my wife showed a potential for the heart to be too big for the chest cavity. He got in his car and drove down to Stanford (X-rays in hand) and personally examined the heart. At 3:00 in the morning he called back to say that it was a go and he and the heart were on the way back to the hospital. He literally went the extra mile for us. The operation was relatively smooth and straightforward. Judy is just amazed at how small and straight the incision is and happily shows off how quickly the scar is fading. Now that we are home and in the recovery mode it is great to have the team there for us. When we have a concern, no matter how trivial or what time of the night they are always quick to respond and offer whatever help or advice is needed.

WE COULD NOT HAVE CHOSEN A BETTER TEAM OR HOSPITAL TO GIVE US OUR NEW LEASE ON LIFE.

California Pacific's Heart and Vascular Center

California Pacific's Heart and Vascular Center is supported by one of the best heart hospital/center networks in the USA, offering quality, comprehensive patient-centered cardiovascular care by a team of top heart surgeons and physicians with leading-edge technology. Serving the entire San Francisco Bay Area, including San Francisco and Marin County, as well as the entire Northern California region, our team has many of the best cardiovascular surgeons and physicians in California and the United States.