HonorHealth Deserves Honors

Sedona, AZ — It can happen to anyone. One second you are enjoying robust health. The next moment you are pierced with tubes in the Intensive Care Unit.

This happened to me and this is my story. A story of pain and gratitude for the wonderful medical staff of HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center, Arizona.

Two months ago, out of nowhere, I began experiencing pain and sluggishness in my legs. I went to see a vascular surgeon about it and was told I had abdominal aortic aneurysms that were twice normal size and could burst any moment.

I was then referred to a cardiovascular surgeon and was told I had 90 percent blockages in numerous arteries feeding my heart. One blocked artery was called a “Widow Maker” and the problem would have to be rectified before my abdominal aneurisms could be fixed.

Basically, I had one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel, according to the doctors.

In a span of two weeks I endured three surgeries to correct the problems.

As painful as the the recovery from these surgeries is, I would not be here today were it not for the efforts of vascular surgeons Dr. Hasan Aldailami and Dr. Chintan Patel, HonorHealth associates who interceded and most probably saved my life.

The repair of my heart arteries by Dr. Patel required two operations and the insertion of six stents over the span of two procedures in one week.

Ten days later Dr. Aldailami and a team of surgeons worked on me for 8-plus hours repairing the double-abdominal aneurisms, a complex operation requiring the modification of an endograft via 3D printing. Further complicating the surgery, was one of the aneurisms involved my renal arteries, thus requiring the redesigning of the special graft.

According to Dr. Aldailami and his PA Britni Ferguson, the procedure was a great

success. A testament to the professionalism and skills of these two fine doctors and their teams.

But the real story, the true testament to HonorHealth’s dedication to excellence and its patients, are the nursing staff that attended to me as I recovered in the Intensive Care Unit

When I came to after the aneurism surgery there was a nurse, right there beside me, guiding me back into the realm of consciousness, assuring me I was all right and the operation was successful. I thought he was an angel, for sure.

Through my entire stay in ICU every  nurse, administrator, doctor, even those who delivered food or cleaned the room, was exemplary.

Every attendant demonstrated the highest care one could imagine. Professional, gentle, caring, each one treating me as if I was their child, with patience and skills beyond the call of duty.

From the moment of admission to my discharge I felt truly cared for and safe.

I am truly grateful. Whoever hires the staff at HonorHealth deserves the highest commendations.

Again, thank you doctors and staff at HonorHealth. You guys are the best.