Quadruple bypass surgery helps Wisconsin man continue to care for wife

At the start of 2022, David, 71, held many roles in his life in Brookfield, Wisconsin: a devoted husband, a father to three adult children and a proud grandfather. On top of his familial roles, David worked part-time with a local utility company and served as a part-time caregiver to his wife. 

When David had his annual physical with his Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin primary care provider in April, he was not expecting that he would undergo quadruple bypass surgery the following month. 

Because David’s cholesterol test results came back high during his physical, his primary care doctor recommended a calcium scoring test

David was initially hesitant about scheduling additional testing until his primary care doctor told him, “You've got more than yourself to worry about here.” 

David understood that if he didn’t prioritize his own health, he would not be able to take care of his wife or be there for his children and grandchildren. With this realization, David scheduled an appointment for additional testing. 

From there, everything moved quickly. 

Advanced heart care teams together with you and for you

Within a few weeks after his calcium scoring test, and additional testing at Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital - Elmbrook Campus, David met with his heart surgeon and care team who recommended quadruple bypass cardiac surgery.

“I trusted they were doing what was right for me,” said David.

By May, David was undergoing quadruple bypass surgery at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s - Milwaukee Campus.

The surgery went well and David was ready to begin his road to recovery. 

However, two days after returning home, David fainted and was taken to Ascension Elmbrook where he coded. 

David’s emergency care nurses were able to revive him and he was soon transferred back to Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s to undergo more testing.

David’s care team determined that he was experiencing electrical heart issues unrelated to surgery and helped ensure that David received the quality care he needed.

“The concern and the care of all of the people at Ascension made me feel comfortable and made me feel like I was important,” said David. “You can tell that they cared about what they were doing.” 

Here for you every step of your recovery

Soon after leaving Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s, David began a 12-week cardiac rehabilitation program at Ascension St. Francis Hospital. David’s care team helped him recover from his surgery and create healthy lifestyle habits including regular exercise and healthy eating. 

David is grateful for his Ascension Wisconsin care team who helped ensure he could continue to provide care for his wife and be there for his entire family. 

“I just want to thank all the people of the Ascension family. I can’t tell you how grateful I am for all they have done,” said David. “I am here because people worked hard. This patient is extremely grateful for all of their work.” 

Compassionate care close to home 

From care for routine to complex heart conditions, Ascension Wisconsin cardiologists are ready to care for you. Find a cardiologist by visiting ascension.org/WisconsinHeart.