When Ron Foster, a husband, father, and former trucking company manager, started experiencing shortness of breath and weakness, he knew he couldn’t ignore it.
“I couldn’t catch my breath,” says Ron.
“It kept getting worse. The episodes became more and more frequent. It got to the point that going just a few feet into my own backyard was impossible.”
Ron made an appointment to see Scott Rosenbaum, PA-C, at UPMC Williamsport. He confirmed that Ron’s aortic valve was not functioning properly. The defective valve was causing Ron’s increasing fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
Ron’s care team at UPMC Williamsport discussed the transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure with him. To date, UPMC has performed more than 2,000 TAVR procedures in central Pennsylvania for patients like Ron who suffer from:
- Aortic stenosis.
- Aortic regurgitation.
- Rheumatic valve disease.
Keeping Ron’s Procedure Local
Ron and his north central Pennsylvania care team collaborated with the heart and vascular team in central Pennsylvania, allowing Ron to have his procedure sooner, while keeping him roughly within a two-hour drive of his home in Montoursville, Pa. He scheduled his surgery at UPMC Harrisburg, and that is where he met Hemal Gada, MD.
“When I met with Dr. Gada,” Ron says. “He was so nice and easy to talk to. He made me feel completely comfortable. Dr. Gada, the nurses, and the other cardiologists acted like I was some sort of dignitary. My family and I couldn’t have been treated better.”
Ron was also at ease because Dr. Gada was able to perform a bloodless procedure, which was important to Ron because of his religious beliefs.
“They assured me that they do these procedures regularly and that it wouldn’t be a problem at all, and it wasn’t,” Ron says. “Everything went according to plan, and I was in the recovery room before I knew it.”
Returning to Normal After the TAVR Procedure
“The recovery from the procedure was not bad at all,” Ron says. “I felt completely different almost right away. I felt stronger and I could breathe easy again. I’m back to playing with my dogs and walking. I’m no spring chicken, but at 78, I can do all the things I need to be able to do.”
“My family and I are really grateful,” Ron says. “I’d recommend Dr. Gada and the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute team to anyone who needs a TAVR.”
Ron will continue to have follow-up visits with his care team in Williamsport, Pa., and see Dr. Gada at UPMC Harrisburg once a year.
About UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
The UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute has long been a leader in cardiovascular care, with a rich history in clinical research and innovation. As one of the first heart transplant centers in the country and as the developer of one of the first heart-assist devices, UPMC has contributed to advancing the field of cardiovascular medicine. We strive to provide the most advanced, cutting-edge care for our patients, treating both common and complex conditions. We also offer services that seek to improve the health of our communities, including heart screenings, free clinics, and heart health education. Find an expert near you.