Tepid ratings for MWH? It's No. 1 in my book

July 26, 2010 12:35 am

I was surprised to read the story about Mary Washington Hospital's below-average patient rating, because that certainly wasn't my experience ["MWH approval lagging," July 21].

Two weeks ago, I experienced a rare and often fatal "sudden coronary artery dissection." I have no history of heart disease and I am in excellent health, so it is fortunate that I had some early warning signs.

I got to MWH quickly, thanks to the personnel at the Target store on U.S. 17 and the Stafford County EMTs. Due to their diligence, I was in the ER when one of my major arteries disintegrated.

ER personnel reacted immediately, and Dr. Thomas Wheeler and his staff were waiting for me when I was rolled into the catheterization lab minutes later.

Dr. Wheeler used stents to rebuild my artery. I was amazed at his skill in reconstructing 3 inches of a major cardiac artery solely with the use of a noninvasive catheter.

I would not have survived had it not been for Dr. Wheeler, Mike, and the rest of the staff in the cath lab. The nurses who cared for me in the ICU and the Step-down Cardiac Unit deserve special recognition. Their compassion, professionalism, humor, and patience made a very frightening experience bearable.

I thank Sharon Rehm, Tasha Woodridge, Keleah Hedges, Meaghan Gallagher, Leslie Whelan, Marci MacGregor, Traci Roush, Beth Patterson, Jennifer, Peggy, Sheila, Akira, and Cindy.

I would like to express my immense gratitude to Dr. Robert Vranian. His insight, attention to detail, respect for his patients, and kindness exceed that of any physician I have ever known. He is an incredible doctor and a very special man.

Mary Podlesny

Stafford