A Heart in Our Hands
Karl Bayer
May, 2016
Physicians: Don Brooks, MD; Yu Lam C. Chiu, MD; Kourosh Baghelai, MD
Karl Bayer, 69, of Watervliet, is a man on the go. He’s been the publisher and editor of the Tri-City Record newspaper for 32 years and currently serves on Watervliet’s Downtown Development Authority, and in the past served on the Airport Board, Planning Commission and the Community Hospital Board. He loves to fish and ties his own flies. If that doesn’t keep him busy enough, he’s also the proud father of three and grandfather of nine.
However, as Karl put it, “I’m slowing down a little bit. This heart deal, the last couple of years, has really changed my lifestyle.” Last fall, after feeling overly tired, Karl made an appointment with cardiologist Don Brooks, MD. Dr. Brooks explained that one of the valves in Karl’s heart had calcified. As a result, the valve was not closing properly and would need to be replaced.
Around Thanksgiving, Karl got to the point where he could not walk to the mailbox without feeling out of breath. After additional tests, Dr. Brooks concluded that it was time to take action and referred Karl to local cardiologist Yu Lam C. Chiu, MD. Dr. Chiu recommended that they complete the valve replacement sooner than later while Karl was still healthy enough to recover.
Shortly before the surgery, Karl’s wife, Anne, realized that although she had talked to almost everyone on the surgical team, she had yet to meet cardiothoracic surgeon Kourosh Baghelai, MD, the doctor who would perform the valve replacement. Dr. Baghelai came to the room immediately and took the time to chat with Anne and answer any questions she had. “I just knew that I needed to meet Dr. Baghelai before the procedure took place – after all he was going to have my husband’s heart in his hands,” said Anne.
Dr. Baghelai’s hands were to be trusted, as Karl recovered very quickly from the valve replacement. “In a day’s time they had me walking up and down the halls,” said Karl.
Karl was so impressed with his experience at Lakeland that he went on to write several columns documenting his surgery and recovery. “The staff makes you feel like they genuinely care for you – and they do. I was glad to return home, but there’s a lot of people on my care team who I miss.”
Karl attributes the success of his surgery not only to the proactive action of his physicians, but also to the ways in which Lakeland kept him informed throughout the entire process. He had access to pamphlets, videos, and other materials that let him know exactly what to expect. “I was so well-prepared – there was no fear,” he said.
Karl said he particularly enjoyed having online access to his medical records through MyChart. “I love MyChart. It was step by step: what to expect, how it’s going to happen, what’s going to happen. And any time that I wanted a refresher, I’d just go back and access the materials again,” said Karl. “There’s a clear advantage to seeing all your doctors, medications, test results, and x-rays.” Karl could also easily share information with his family and kept everyone informed about what was happening with his care.
Today, Karl continues to tackle cardiac rehabilitation with a positive attitude. “I got an email a week ago from Troy Teagardin, PA. I asked him if there were any limitations and he said, ‘Flap your wings and fly!’”