Testimonials

My wife and I first met Doctor Betty Kim on October 11, 2013. When it became clear I would need by-pass surgery, Doctor Simprendorfer, my cardiologist, strongly recommended Dr. Kim. We met her on Friday afternoon. She had surgeries scheduled through the following Thursday but sensing I was anxious to have the procedure as quickly as possible she suggested Saturday morning. Shortly after our discussion I was admitted to the cardiac floor at Penrose Hospital.

I recall feeling badly that she and the team had to do surgery on Saturday morning, but they assured me it was fine with them. From that moment to the present it has been a journey we never could have anticipated. In a word, we are extremely grateful for the ongoing care we continue to receive.

On Saturday, Dr. Kim performed a quintuple heart by-pass. Before the surgery, I told her she was God’s gift to us at a critical time. It did and it has.

The surgery lasted nine hours due to all that needed to be done. That included harvesting of leg vein and mammary artery, ablation for atrial fibrillation, removal of the left atrial appendage and five by-passes.

The fragility of my heart tissues called for extreme care. Dr. Kim and her team more than met the challenge. My waiting family was updated during the procedure. I was in the ICU for four days and the cardiac floor an additional six days. When I returned home Dr. Kim and her staff were in frequent contact with my wife and visiting nurses. During that time I experienced shortness of breath so we returned to the hospital for further tests. I had developed a small pulmonary embolism and fluid around the lungs which they treated successfully.

During my hospital stay Dr. Kim stopped by my room each morning when she wasn’t in surgery and in the evening before leaving the hospital. I was deeply appreciative of these contacts.

The care was beyond what we could have hoped for. After the ICU and cardiac floor I was released to go home. That started the nursing and physical therapist treatments.

When they determined I was ready and off oxygen I went to cardiac rehab. That, too, continues to be a rewarding experience with a dedicated, professional staff. The rehab will end shortly and I’ll be back to the gym and “normal” activity whatever that may be for a 77 year old after by-pass.

When I share with friends my time with Dr. Kim and her staff, they are envious. With good reason. I am an impatient patient so their extra time and care were eagerly accepted.

Thank you Dr. Kim and staff, you have come into our lives at a critical time. Obviously what you have done was literally life changing and we are forever in your debt.

My wife and I have offered “thank yous” but that seems like so little for doing so much. That said, here it comes again. Thank you, thank you, thank you. We are way beyond grateful.