The Mended Hearts, Inc.
Hearts of Jersey Chapter #179

February 2010

Message from the President

Welcome to American Heart Month. February always brings out many articles in newspapers and magazines. There are opportunities for heart patients to have blood pressure checked and in general reminders of all the things that you’re supposed to do as a heart patient. It’s a good month to organize your own care and to remind yourself that you are responsible for your care. All the doctors and nurses can prescribe, plan routines, and offer suggestions of the things you should do but only you, the patient, can carry out the orders. You’re in charge.

Last month the newsletter featured an article detailing the plans for chapter elections. The office of the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer are to be filled. All of the existing officers have been in office several years. It is indeed time for new blood. Although the date for nomination closing was February 12, I am sure that if you contact Rita or Jack Beerman at 732-714-1040 before February 20, they will be glad to accept your nomination. Don’t depend on another person suggesting your name or nominating you, if you believe you can handle an office, nominate yourself. Chapter 179 has over 120 members; please do your share of the responsibility to keep the chapter active.

In November, I had the opportunity to detail from personal experience a trip to the new JSUMC Northwest Pavilion Emergency Department. At that time, I had nothing but praise for the facility, technology and staff. As would be the case, I had the opportunity in January to repeat that visit and to follow up the next step. This time they didn’t release me and send me home; I was admitted to the hospital.

It all started with a severely upset stomach that didn’t respond to normal antacid treatment. I tried to sleep and about 4 a.m. I awoke with a left arm tingling, perspiration and modest pressure in the chest. I know if I called 911 they would take me to another hospital. I violated all the rules and asked my wife to drive me to Jersey Shore University Medical Center. The computer database at JSUMC already had all of my information stored so I didn’t have to spend hours reconstructing it at another hospital.

My previous assessment of the Emergency Department performance was repeated and improved. Around 9:30 a.m. I mentioned to the nurse assigned to my room that I had missed breakfast and was hungry. Shortly afterwards she brought a tray with a full breakfast: cereal, juice, hot tea. I marvel at the staff not only for their efficiency but their dedication to patient comfort. It might’ve helped to have the room temperature a little higher but the heated blankets were appreciated. I noticed the many of the staff were wearing fleece jackets; perhaps the patients should be issued something similar instead of the traditional hospital gown. I looked for a thermostat in the room but didn’t find one.

There had been a parade of doctors during the day and the decision was made that although I didn’t appear to have had a severe heart attack it was in my best interest to admit me to the hospital for further tests. Now I had a chance to find out how the Northwest Pavilion really worked. My first comment applauds the nursing staff. In my short stay Marian, Charico, Maria and Sandra cared for me. A nurse patient contact no longer depends on a flashing light. I pressed the button on the bedside control and within seconds, the nurse responded over the intercom.

After ultrasound scanning and a chemically induced stress test it was determined that the symptoms, while similar to heart attack, were the result of stomach ailment. It was better to err on the side of caution, thank you JSUMC.

While I’m sure that the new facility is still in the shakedown mode, I have a short list of suggestions. There need to be specific yet simplified instructions for using the television and intercom systems. That should include a channel listing. I discovered a real nice keyboard in a drawer but found there is no way to connect it to the Internet. That may be a future addition. It would be nice if the lights in the hallway could be reduced after 11 p.m. to make sleeping easier.

The Northwest Pavilion is truly the hospital of the future and it’s here now.