Michael's Heart Patient Story

Michael was treated for a near-fatal heart infection at Sharp Grossmont Hospital. 
Michael’s wife called 911 when her husband became incoherent after experiencing flulike symptoms. He was immediately rushed to the Sharp Grossmont Emergency Department, where his heart stopped nearly a dozen times. Michael suffered from myocarditis — an inflammation of the muscular part of the heart that was caused by an unknown virus.

What makes this such a rare case is that he survived. His heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and pancreas all failed. Michael was on life support and in a coma for 33 days and in the hospital for 40 days. A balloon pump placed through his femoral artery helped push his heart to increase blood flow throughout his body. After returning home, he began rigorous physical therapy. After time in a wheelchair, Michael began to walk again, and eventually even ride his bike.

A regular cyclist before his illness, Michael continues to ride 15 miles a day, a milestone he would not have achieved if it weren’t for the doctors and nurses that literally saved his life. “I don’t know what I’d be doing today and I’m so grateful for the treatment I received at Sharp Grossmont Hospital.”

For More Information
To find a Sharp-affiliated doctor, search for a San Diego cardiologist or call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm.