Michael Fuller
Michael Fuller received a cardiac ablation and wrote a letter to thank his care team at Methodist Hospital Metropolitan for their kindness.
Suffering from atrial fibrillation, Michael Fuller was admitted to Methodist Hospital Metropolitan to receive a heart ablation procedure to treat his symptoms and hopefully improve his quality of life.
In June of 2021, Michael experienced an episode of dizziness and felt lightheaded, which caused him to collapse on the floor at home; Michael's wife immediately called 9-1-1, and he was taken to a different hospital and was cardioverted back into a normal heart rhythm; according to Michael, his heart rate was “all over the place.”
Though he had been on medications to regulate his heart rate, it was agreed upon that a cardiac ablation was needed to provide a more permanent cure for his symptoms.
The hospital he was at did not, however, have the staffing to complete a much-needed cardiac ablation, so Michael was transferred to Methodist Hospital Metropolitan to receive the procedure on September 1, 2021.
According to Michael, his cardiac ablation procedure was a huge success. “I am happy to report that my episodes of atrial fibrillation have been reduced to only one episode since September 1, when I had my procedure. I was having 4-5 episodes a week before my hospitalization and procedure,” Michael shared.
While at the hospital,
Michael’s care experience was what he describes as “first-class.” Michael was so pleased with the care he received at the hospital that he decided to write a heartfelt letter to all those who were involved in his care to thank them.
The letter read:
“Once my wife and I started this journey, the love, concern, and professionalism that we experienced (from the moment that we walked into the front door of Methodist Hospital Metropolitan to the day of discharge) is a model for other medical organizations to implement, which reflects the compassion and desire to make sure that the patient and the family is a top priority.
I do have high expectations concerning health care for myself and my family. Each of the nurses, medical technicians, operating room team, anesthesiologist, Dr. Denker, and the many others involved with my procedure that day showed that they were truly and genuinely concerned with any questions, concerns that I had before after the ablation.
Not only was the professional and exceptional patient care evident concerning my wellbeing, but the relationship of the medical team is also no doubt one that mirrors that the patient comes first. This was evident with their team approach; their constant communication with their fellow health care workers, their willingness to help each other out, verifying and reverifying information, procedures and keeping each other in the loop is something that you cannot teach or force upon any organization, especially a team in the field of health care.
I was curious what the cross and the flame represented that is displayed on Methodist Hospitals. I quote: “The symbol relates to the United Methodist Church to God through Christ (cross) and the Holy Spirit (flame). The flame is a reminder of Pentecost when witnesses were unified by the power of the Holy Spirit and saw ‘tongues as of fire.’ “(Acts 2:3).
I truly witnessed the Holy Spirit bringing together a team of professionals that are unified by their compassion and desire to give the best of themselves so that those in their care will benefit not only emotionally and physically but spiritually as well.
As I was being helped into our vehicle, I was given reassurance by the nurse that they would be here (hospital staff) to address any post-operative concerns. My wife and I conveyed our heartfelt appreciation for the amazing patient care during my stay. Before driving off, I responded, “Don’t give up. You are doing God’s work.”
Please continue to do God’s work; it will never be forgotten!”
We are honored to care for veterans like Michael, and we love providing exceptional healthcare, comfort, compassion, and comfort to all.