Patient Stories - Heart Failure & Transplant Program
Norm Zeppa, age 56
Walnut Creek, Calif.
Heart Failure Patient
Awaiting Heart Transplantation
At age 34, Norm Zeppa had his first heart attack. He didn't know it at the time, but that incident would lead to future heart problems, including two major bypass surgeries and another cardiac arrest. In 1998, after nearly 20 years of continuous heart problems, Norm's cardiologist told him that his heart was so damaged, he needed another one. A heart transplant was his best hope.
Norm took the diagnosis in stride and began researching nearby transplant programs. "I heard a lot of miracle stories from heart failure patients at California Pacific's support group and their medical staff and environment made me feel most comfortable," explains Norm. "So, in 1998 I had a heart evaluation and was put on the waiting list for a new heart, listed as a Category 2. The level of professionalism and competence I found at California Pacific Medical Center is amazing--it made my decision an easy one."
Norm began his wait for a new heart patiently, although he admits that waiting is the hardest part. He exercised at home on his treadmill, walking three to five miles a day to keep himself in shape. While Norm waited, his health problems continued and he had to go to a nearby hospital for cardiac stent surgery. Twice a month he would visit California Pacific Medical Center's Heart Program, where his condition and heart transplant status were monitored.
"In July 2000, during one of my clinic visits, Dr. Haeusslein determined that my condition was becoming more critical and admitted me to the hospital," says Norm. "Luckily, I was placed in the Transitional Cardiac Care Unit, an area designated for heart failure patients awaiting transplantation."
At the TCCU, Norm has his own room he can personalize and he is cared for by a permanent staff of nurses, physicians, dieticians and others who know his routine and go out of their way to make him comfortable. "Even though I'm in the hospital, it's like I'm at a resort because I feel like everyone cares so much about me," Norm says. "The caregivers here get to know you and your condition so well. It's a level of care I've never seen before."
Norm cites his passing mention of a popcorn craving to a nurse as an example of the personal attention he's given. "I wasn't expecting it, but within 15 minutes, she had brought me back some fresh popcorn from the cafeteria," he explains. "And that happens often. The staff in the TCCU--actually, they're more like close friends--will bring things in for birthdays or from their garden for you. They are interested in you and your family and spend quality time with you. I don't even have to say anything--they know if something's wrong or if I'm feeling a little depressed and take the time to make sure I'm better."
"My wife and family say they can relax because they know I'm being well taken care of in the TCCU," Norm explains. "At other hospitals, my wife has stayed by my side the whole time because she's nervous to leave me alone. But it's not like that here. I've spoken with other patients and their families about it, and we all agree that there's a comfort level of knowing you're getting the best medical care and personal attention here."
After seven weeks in the TCCU, Norm knows he probably has a few more months to go before a heart becomes available for him. "I feel really confident that I'm going to get a heart and that's not a worry at all," he says. "In the meantime, I feel really safe here--I see my doctor every day and all the staff is so competent, it gives me a sense of security," he says.
Norm's impressions of being in the hospital have taken a sharp turn from what he used to feel, he admits. "In the past, I ran away from one hospital during my recovery because I was so homesick," he explains. "I really like being home and my wife can tell you how homesick I get. But at California Pacific's TCCU, that hasn't been an issue. The environment they've created is wonderful--I would recommend this place to anyone."