About Me (In My Own Words)
My name is Ernie. My wife Bonnie and I live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I retired in 2008 from Paddock Lake, Wisconsin after working there as Village administrator. My first cardiac valve surgery was in Milwaukee. I had an aortic valve replacement due to aortic insufficiency related to a congenital bicuspid valve in 2007. Subsequently, I went into atrial fibrillation post surgery and had been in it until recently. I had some mitral valve regurgitation at that time that progressed into prolapse.
My most recent surgery was on August 19, 2013 at OSF St. Francis in Peoria, Illinois by Dr. Dale Geiss. I was referred to him by both of my daughters who live in the Peoria area and have worked in the health field for 20 plus years. During my initial visit with Dr. Geiss I was so impressed with the time he spent with me and my family. He was informative, realistic and supportive. Dr. Geiss' staff was also very helpful in obtaining my current and past records from Milwaukee and Wausau.
Dr. Geiss performed a mitral valve repair and MAZE procedure. While I was in surgery, my family was kept informed by the chaplains whose kind hearts go above and beyond their duties.
While in ICU and step down at OSF St. Francis the staff and Dr. Geiss' professionalism shined. My family and I cannot say enough about the level of care I received from Dr. Geiss, his staff and the staff at OSF. Not once did we see a staff member enter the room who did not wash their hands. I had no surgical complications and was discharged home in nine days.
Bonnie and I are currently staying with my daughters as my recovery continues to progress. I have started cardiac rehab and will continue in Upper Michigan. My heart rate is more regular and my hopes are that I will return to sinus rhythm as some time progresses after the MAZE procedure.
We cannot say or do enough to express the sincere gratitude we have for Dr. Geiss, his staff and the staff at OSF St. Francis. He is by far the most dedicated, professional and confident physician I have ever met. God has blessed me and my family. We thank him everyday for Dr. Geiss and his staff for all they have done for us.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Eagle Harbor, Michigan
