Hope for the Heart

By Claire Kiger

It was a warm spring day when Amy Addy suddenly fainted in the driveway of her Duluth home. A few moments later, she regained consciousness and glanced at her Apple watch. Her heart rate had hit 200 beats per minute, and she knew exactly what was wrong: she was having an atrial fibrillation (A-fib) episode. She hadn’t had one that severe in eight years.

A-fib is a condition where the heart has episodes of beating irregularly. A minor episode can leave the person feeling tired, light-headed or nauseous, but a major one can cause loss of consciousness or lead to heart failure. These episodes can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days before the heart corrects itself and can be reduced by taking medications. However, a particularly severe episode, like Amy experienced, may not correct itself. In these cases, the heart rhythm can be fixed with a low-energy electric shock called a cardioversion.

Amy arrived at the emergency department and they confirmed that she was having a severe A-fib episode. However, she was unable to have a cardioversion. For this procedure to be an option, the person needs to have taken a blood thinner for at least four weeks. Because Amy had been experiencing minor episodes, she was not on a blood thinner. All she could do was return home and wait for the episode to end.

Considering an ablation

“I stayed in A-fib for 10 days straight,” Amy said. “It was the longest one I had been through.”

Shortly after, she met with St. Luke’s electrophysiologist Dr. Yan Dong.

“Taking medications for A-fib isn’t for everyone,” Dr. Dong said. “If someone is experiencing side effects or the medications aren’t working, having an ablation is another option.”

An ablation is a minimally invasive procedure where small scars are created in the heart. These block the abnormal electrical signals that cause A-fib.

Even though Amy had been through surgeries before, she was unsure and worried about having an ablation.

“Dr. Dong told me that there was an 80% success rate,” Amy said. “I was scared we would go through the whole process and it wouldn’t work.”

Minimally invasive heart surgery

A few days after seeing Dr. Dong, Amy had a second major A-fib episode.

“It lasted 10 days again,” Amy said. “That really settled it for me. After that, I knew I needed to have an ablation.”

Amy talked to Dr. Dong again and scheduled her procedure.

St. Luke’s electrophysiologist Dr. Yan Dong loves taking the time to connect with her patients by explaining everything carefully and encouraging them to ask questions.

Workforce training to meet your needs on your schedule.

“The way Dr. Dong handles herself really put me at ease,” Amy said. “She’s so calm and concise. She made me feel heard and answered all my questions.”

On the day of Amy’s procedure, she went to St. Luke’s at 5:30 am.

“An ablation can last anywhere from two to six hours. A particularly complicated case can take longer,” Dr. Dong said. “But, because it’s minimally invasive, it’s very low-risk and many people are able to go home the same day.”

Amy woke up over five hours later to the news that everything had gone according to plan. Her ablation had been a success.

“I was in tears,” Amy said. “It gave me so much hope.”

Heart Care at St. Luke’s

Since Amy’s procedure, she’s been able to lead a normal life again. She now has the stamina she needs to keep up with her two small children and enjoy her hobbies. While Amy is still taking a few medications as she heals, she hopes she will eventually be medication-free.

After her experience, Amy is grateful for how Dr. Dong cared for her.

“She’s a huge asset to our community – especially as a woman caring for other women,” Amy said. “I feel like she gave me my life back.”

Dr. Dong believes that the care she gives wouldn’t be possible without the support of her team at St. Luke’s.

“My team goes out of their way to put patients at ease,” she said. “It makes all the difference.”

To learn more about heart and vascular care at St. Luke’s, visit slhduluth.com/heart. D

Samantha Roffers, a Moose Lake writer, believes it’s important to shop for things you love and feel comfortable in. Everyone’s style is unique and that’s what makes it so special.

By Samantha Roffers

Hellodear readers! I hope this issue finds you well. Hooray, you made it through the holidays! Maybe you’re like me and absolutely love every holiday and all the corny traditions that come with them… Maybe you’re like my husband, happy they are over and thankful that over 300 days separate you from the next turkey or ham dinner! No matter what side of the fence you stand on we can agree it's time to buckle up, because we are rolling on into 2022!

There's something so exciting about a new year, filled with resolutions, hope and promises. If you’re like me, I like to set goals for the upcoming year. I keep them in a note on my phone so I can check them off as I achieve them. Alright, enough rambling from me, let's dive into the goods.

The boutique we visited for this month's issue is absolutely amazing. This may have been one of my favorites (though I think I say that every time). This place is bursting with love and positive vibes. It is very clear to see that from the front desk, to the stylists and professionals working all throughout the building that this place was founded on a passion for fashion and making people feel good. Posh Affair Boutique is perfectly nestled within Serenity Spa and Salon in Superior. From the moment you walk in you are warmly greeted and immediately notice a beautiful salon to your left and the front portion of the boutique to your right. The front area of the boutique showcases outfits that are well thought out, accessories, unique gifts, skin care, hair care, makeup and more. While that may sound like a lot of things to look at, it's laid out with such care and precision it is truly enjoyable to shop through it all. Behind the front room is another large room full of tops, bottoms and more accessories as well as a large dressing room. I found so many awesome looks here and, as per usual, went home with a bag full of goodies! D

by Sam

When I tell you this first look was effortless, I mean it. I wore yoga pants, tall boots and a grey long sleeve to the store… All I did was throw this gorgeous shawl over that. It took the outfit from plain to gorgeous in two seconds. This shawl was so soft and beautiful, perfect for any winter or fall function. The mock turtleneck is so stylish and warm, I definitely wanted to leave this top on all day. You could pair this cozy top with many different bottoms and accessories to make this look all your own.

2

This second look was so fun! I instantly felt sassy and confident when I slipped this graphic tee dress on. With a long slit up the sides and an adorable graphic across the chest, it totally spoke to my western-loving heart. This dress could be worn in any season. I paired it with yoga pants, tall boots and a flannel around the waist for some shape. I would love to throw a soft maxi cardigan or jean jacket over it, too. You could easily wear this dress with sandals, flats or boots. This dress looks great alone, but I am dreaming of pairing it with a large belt, turquoise jewelry, big hair and some sassy red cowboy boots!

3 4& 5

This third look is totally timeless and adorable. I paired this butter-soft sweater with a pair of super stretchy flares and nude boots. The sweater was a winner in the details. With a mock turtleneck, flattering cut and oversized sleeves, it takes it a step up from your everyday sweater. It’s perfect for winter or to break out next fall for family photos! I would love to dress up this look with some gold jewelry or dress it down with some cute flats and a cozy puffer vest.

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