Open Heart Surgery Patients

Brothers-in-law Roger Desrochers of New Bedford and Henry Sylvia of Fairhaven have a lot in common — from marrying sisters, Dottie and Connie, to developing heart disease.

The Desrochers and the Sylvias raised their children together, enjoy weekly card games and have come to depend upon each other in their golden years. Their similar experiences with cardiac care at Charlton Memorial Hospital have further cemented that bond.

Roger & Dottie Desrochers of New Bedford with Henry & Connie Sylvia of Fairhaven

Roger Desrochers: I had my first open heart surgery in 1991 at the Lahey Clinic. Early in 2003, I wasn't feeling too good and went to Dr. Mark Desnoyers for a check up. I had a stress test, then a cardiac catheterization at St. Luke's. That's when I found out I had to have open heart surgery — again. I didn't want to go to Boston. I wanted to stay close to home.

Dr. Desnoyers said, "Go to Charlton." I had surgery on May 1. The care I got at Charlton was very, very good. The nurses were wonderful and watched me very carefully.

My heart surgeon, Dr. Thomas Carr, visited me every day — sometimes two or three times a day. I could tell they really cared about me. I have nothing but admiration for the hospital staff.

Henry Sylvia: In October, I started losing my breath. My doctor sent me to a local cardiologist, Dr. Eric Levine. I had a stress test and other tests done. Dr. Levine told me that I should have an angiogram right away. I had it done in Boston, where I was told I should have open heart surgery right away. Roger and Dottie drove us to Boston for the angiogram — we got so lost on the way home!

I started thinking about it and I really did not want to go back to Boston for open heart surgery. Roger said, "Dr. Carr is terrific. Why don't you go to him at Charlton." So that is what I decided to do. Dr. Carr operated on me on December 17, 2003.

Everyone who worked with me was very nice. They make you feel confident during a very scary time. My nurses were great — especially Karen Chabalowski and Cyrus Ferri, who took care of me in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit.

I would recommend Charlton to anyone. If they have questions, they can come talk to me.

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Photos by Corinna Raznikov.