Eron Sunshine, of Cumming, Georgia, experienced sudden symptoms from a progressing thoracic aneurysm that required complex surgery at Northside Hospital Gwinnett.
I first noticed symptoms on the afternoon of Sunday, March 30. I felt chest pressure radiating into my neck, along with high blood pressure. I had been living with a stable thoracic aneurysm for 15 years, but over the past six months it had started to grow with every scan.
At first, I thought it might just be anxiety. But something told me to go to the emergency room, and I am thankful I listened to that feeling — because without it, I may not be here today to share my story.
Once I arrived in the ER, everything happened quickly. I was rushed to a CT scan, where doctors confirmed I would need surgery to replace my aortic root while saving my aortic valve. I was then transferred by ambulance to Northside Hospital Gwinnett.
On Monday, March 31, I met Dr. Azad Karim of Northside Cardiac Surgery and his team. My surgery was scheduled, and I learned it would be a complex case. In the days leading up to surgery, I underwent additional tests. Through it all, the staff at Northside Hospital Gwinnett were professional, compassionate and reassuring. I felt at peace knowing I was in the hands of skilled professionals who truly put patients first.
On Friday, April 4, I had surgery. I was discharged a few days later because my recovery was going well. Thirty days after leaving the hospital, I returned for a follow-up appointment with Dr. Karim and his staff. They answered every question I had and took the time to listen to my concerns, which meant a great deal during my recovery.
As I move forward and adjust to my “new normal,” I am deeply grateful to Dr. Karim, his staff, and the entire team at Northside Hospital Heart Institute and Northside Hospital Gwinnett. Thanks to their care, I have the chance to continue this beautiful life with my wife and two sons.
Learn more about cardiac surgery at Northside.
