Gregg Guttormsen, Pleasant Prairie resident, was enjoying a European vacation when he experienced concerning shortness of breath and chest pain. From Germany, Gregg accessed MyChart, a secure online portal for managing health care, to message Dr. George Poullette, his primary care physician at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital. Within five minutes, wheels were in motion to save Gregg’s life.
FROM FUN FAMILY VACATION TO LIFE-THREATENING CARDIAC PROCEDURE
“The weekend before Thanksgiving, I was hustling to finish fall cleanup in my yard before embarking on a three-week family trip to Europe,” said Gregg. “For the first time in my life, I noticed some shortness of breath and discomfort in my chest during this strenuous activity. Resting briefly on my patio would relieve the problem, but I pressed on to complete my yard work. Even though I knew this could be symptomatic of a serious problem, I foolishly thought I would deal with it after my vacation. My poor decision could have ended my life.”
Dr. Stephen Laga, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, said, “It is imperative to listen to your body and reach out to medical professionals for help.”
Gregg said, “After weeks of dragging luggage around Germany and Switzerland, the sixth-floor walk-up we stayed at in Lucerne, and walking from market to market, my shortness of breath and chest pain persisted. On the return leg of our trip, from Frankfurt Airport, I utilized MyChart to message Dr. Poullette. His office at the Pleasant Prairie Clinic would open in thirty minutes Central Time. Within five minutes of his office being open, I received a phone call to have the doctor see me that same day. The response time and their dedication to urgency was enormously impressive. While still in Germany, I scheduled an appointment for the following day. When I met with Dr. Poullette and reported my symptoms, he expedited a stress test order for the Tuesday before Christmas. Dr. Poullette personally called me the evening after my stress test to tell me that the results were concerning and that he would contact Dr. Michael Rosenberg, Interventional Cardiologist, first thing in the morning to request an immediate appointment for me. At 8:30 the next morning, Dr. Rosenberg’s office called for me to come in at 9:30.”
With precision and urgency, the multidisciplinary efforts continued for Gregg. “Dr. Rosenberg assessed my situation, and I was scheduled for an angiogram and potentially an angioplasty that Friday,” said Gregg. “I couldn’t believe it! The turn of events from fun family vacation to life-threatening cardiac procedure was surreal. When I woke up from the procedure on Friday afternoon, Dr. Rosenberg, Dr. David Ficke, Anesthesiologist, my wife, and Dr. Laga were all there. I had never met Dr. Laga before. During my procedure, Dr. Rosenberg discovered a 95% blockage in my LAD artery, known as the ‘widow maker.’ I urgently needed a double bypass. It was the Friday before Christmas, and it could have been easy for the staff to be unavailable. To my surprise, Dr. Laga said this was critical and did not want to wait until the next day. He asked if I would consider having the procedure done immediately. Dr. Laga exudes a positive confidence that is well-earned, and I knew I was in the right place at the right time. The team was called in, and they all rallied to save my life. At 5:30 that evening, I was prepped for a double coronary artery bypass graft procedure.”
Gregg spent Christmas week recovering in the ICU. “I was alive! There is no greater Christmas gift than what the team at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital did to save me,” said Gregg. “It is frightening how quickly everything happened, but I did not have a day to spare. Dr. Poullette’s sense of urgency and the fast-tracking of all these appointments saved my life. What if I had not sent that MyChart message? What if the doctors did not set timely appointments to see me? What if the communication and collaboration had not been there? The ‘what ifs’ are terrifying. I realized, though, that while it all seemed to magically align for me, that this is exactly what the phenomenal team at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital is always prepared for.”
OPERATIVE TEAM SAVES LIFE AND CHRISTMAS FOR LOCAL FAMILY
Dr. Laga said, “Gregg performed exceptionally well following the double coronary artery bypass graft procedure. This is a result of the extremely responsive and excellent operative team here at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital. They are the best I have worked with in thirty years. Gregg’s condition was life-threatening, and waiting to operate until after the holiday was not an option. We have the resources and team in place at this world-class hospital to promptly and precisely execute all aspects of this and other emergency cardiothoracic procedures. I highly praise the administration for their dedication to excellence that allows us to be prepared for and achieve successful patient outcomes in such complex cases.”
Disease takes no holiday, and neither does the operative team at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital. “Patient care always comes first,” said Dr. Laga. “This team is highly trained and ready to help. I may lead the team, but what I do cannot be done alone. I must act in concert with several other individuals who play critical roles. It is with the expertise of Tj Esparza, RN-CST, Megan Johnson, RN-CST, Rachel Scalzo, RN, Anna Gawloski, CSFA-CST, Cassandra Thorpe, CST, and Ben Petts, CST, that Gregg’s procedure was completed promptly and successfully.”
Gregg said, “The entire team is phenomenally impressive. While I was in the ICU, Dr. Poullette visited me every day. Dr. Laga and his team saw me every day. I received comprehensive care and attention throughout my stay. Everyone was well informed and worked together to provide the best care possible. My cardiac rehabilitation and follow-ups have all been excellent. Approximately six weeks after my procedure, the cavity between my lungs and chest wall filled with fluid, which is not uncommon after such an invasive procedure. Dr. Srikanth Davulrui, Pulmonologist, Intensivist, and Sleep Medicine Physician, tapped and drained the fluid from around my lungs three times. He coordinated care with Dr. Laga, who inserted and removed the chest tube I needed during this additional hospitalization. Everything has cleared up, and I have made a full recovery.”
“TURNING 70 TOOK ON A NEW MEANING TO ME. I NO LONGER VIEW AGING AS SCARY. NOW, ANOTHER BIRTHDAY IS A BEAUTIFUL GIFT AND REASON TO CELEBRATE.” -GREGG GUTTORMSEN
Gregg said, “Through this experience, I have gained immense appreciation for the excellent medical care in my community and boundless gratitude for the dedicated and skilled professionals at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital. From the CNAs to the Cardiothoracic Surgeon, I was confident that I was in good hands every step of the way. With their efforts and blessings from a greater power, I am still alive. On April 10th, I turned 70 years old. On April 11th, my second grandchild was born- Mia! I am a proud and lucky grandpa. Turning 70 took on a new meaning to me. I no longer view aging as scary. Now, another birthday is a beautiful gift and reason to celebrate. Thank you to the entire team that saved my life and gave me the ultimate gift of another Christmas and birthday with my family. It is a privilege that I am here to tell my story and give future patients the encouragement to reach out when experiencing concerning symptoms.”
For more information or to schedule an appointment with Cardiology, contact 262-653-5483.
