The road to recovery: seeking care at the right time
When Frank Zimmerman first started having trouble breathing back in 2004, he didn't realize that he was beginning a health journey that would get him where he is today.
What started with shortness of breath and a visit to a cardiologist would eventually lead to 15 stents, two balloon angioplasties, and a long-standing relationship with the team at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital and Sentara Cardiology Specialists.
In his search for a cardiologist, Frank initially had issues finding the right fit. "I reached out to a doctor in Tennessee where I was living at the time," he recalls. "They told me my problem was psychological in nature."
After getting proper care at the University of Tennessee and receiving his first of many stents, he was hesitant to understand the severity of his condition and passed it off as a fluke. It wasn't long before he realized it was much more serious.
A trip that changed everything
In 2007, while visiting Virginia Beach, Frank had a heart attack. The doctors informed him it was what they call a "widow maker ," heart attack, which is caused by a large blockage in the heart's largest artery. Frank's care team explained he would be out of commission for three to four months. "I learned that I needed to listen to my doctors and the importance of taking my medicine."
It was also in 2007 that Frank would meet Dr. Josh Fischer with Sentara Cardiology Specialists - Charlottesville. This began a relationship that would build through nearly 20 years of care. "Frank is a bit of an unusual case. Coming in with progressive coronary disease, and multiple symptoms of blockages in his arteries. It was easier for us to notice a pattern and work to keep his muscles and heart healthy through stents and subsequently with drug coated balloons, which are new technology," says Dr. Fischer.
"This technology has been shown over and over again to help people stay active and live the lifestyle they want to live," he shares.
Having had several previous catheterizations, there is always the possibility of risks related to navigating back into the arteries. This can make the procedures more complicated. It was important to Frank that he was able to trust the team handling his care. "I have a great respect for Dr. Fischer and the highest regard for Sentara Martha Jefferson and the cardiac team," shares Frank.
"I feel really blessed. I'm still very active, I work part time, I'm taking voice lessons. I really want to thrive in my life, which I feel like I'm doing, and Dr. Fischer and his team are certainly a big part of my being able to do that."
Prioritizing your heart health
The CDC reports that heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Finding the right care for your cardiovascular needs can be essential for your heart health. At Sentara Martha Jefferson, patients can receive care no matter the location.
"We're a bit of a throwback in that we are a medical specialty that sees people in the office and in the hospital," says Dr. Fischer. "That continuity of care that used to be standard across medicine has gotten harder and harder to find. We pride ourselves on being one of the groups that still does that."
Prioritizing your health is important at any stage of life, but there are things you can do to help your heart stay healthy today. "Know your risk factors. So that means identifying your blood pressure, knowing what your cholesterol is. We recommend a heart healthy lifestyle for everybody with aerobic exercise, a heart healthy diet, and seeing your primary care doctor yearly to check in," explains Dr. Fischer.
A relationship built on trust
When it comes to your health, having a team that you can trust each step of the way can make all the difference in your quality of care. Now 76, Frank still values the relationship he has with Dr. Fischer and the staff at Sentara Cardiology Specialists. "He's so willing to listen, and you know he's going to give you the right advice and take the time to care for you," he states.
He also emphasizes the importance of taking your health seriously. "At any time if you feel like you need help, get it. Call 911 or get to the hospital."
By taking the time to seek the care and treatment he needed, Frank was able to get back to doing what he loves and helping other people. "I'm a retired counselor, and I still see some people part time. I love that I'm able to contribute to the community."