DALLAS' STORY

Years ago, Dallas was diagnosed with a slowly developing narrowing of his aortic valve. He visited with several doctors over a number of years to get more information and various opinions on his diagnosis. He also started his own research, reading up on the various options for valve repair. 

As time went on, Dallas noticed he was getting tired more easily, especially when working. He knew the problem was getting worse and would need taken care of very soon.

“Most people were going to Cleveland for this type of valve repair,” Dallas recalled. “But, I was told that a new doctor was coming to Aultman that was trained in this type of surgery, so I decided to meet with him.”

That new doctor was M. Rizwan Sardar, M.D., who joined the Aultman team in October 2016. Dr. Sardar is an interventional cardiologist who specializes in cardiovascular disease, cardiac and peripheral intervention, heart failure and a new field of cardiology called structural heart disease.

“Dr. Sardar answered all my questions and put me very much at ease,” continued Dallas. “I gained confidence quickly in this doctor … with the answers he gave and the manner in which he answered them.”

After their initial meeting, the two met for a complete physical and health history. After that visit, it was determined that Dallas was indeed a good candidate for the TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) procedure. The surgery date was set for Dec. 14, 2016.

Dallas was impressed with the entire team that worked with Dr. Sardar, all of whom he met with prior to the surgery – and many came back to see him after surgery, too.

“It was a very good team. A number of team members I had met the morning of the surgery appeared in my room the day after the surgery to check on me,” Dallas recalled. “It made me feel good to know the team all had an interest in my condition.”

His wife Joyce agreed. “I was amazed at the number of people who checked on him before surgery – and the amount of people that actually cared,” she said. “He had really good care here.”

Dallas recovered quickly and was released to go home after just two nights and three days here at the hospital. He credits his positive outcome to Dr. Sardar and his entire team.

“I truly felt I was getting the best possible care,” Dallas said. “The nurses were very attentive and they worked together so well – always checking and double-checking. It seemed that there was always another nurse willing to come in and help whenever needed.”

Dallas is gradually returning to life as normal “for an old man.” He continues to work with Dr. Sardar’s office on follow-up care and appointments.

“I am so glad that a man in his 90s didn’t have to go up to Cleveland for this valve repair surgery,” Dallas continued. “Thank you, Dr. Sardar – and thank you to Aultman for bringing a doctor to the Canton area with the knowledge and expertise to do the work!"