Blue Ridge Cath Lab Welcomes One Of First Patients

By JENNIFER M. PHELPS

The News Herald

Wednesday, November 24, 2004

 MORGANTON - Morganton resident John Henry Gurley has been in and out of hospitals all his life.

After undergoing treatment for esophagael cancer, a hip replacement and prostate surgery, he’s certainly no stranger to how the medical world works.

Recently, Gurley, 84, began experiencing pain in his chest and shoulder, as well as shortness of breath.

On Tuesday, at the request of his physician, Dr. Roger L. Seagle, he was admitted to the new Blue Ridge HealthCare cardiac catheterization laboratory at Grace Hospital and became one of the first patients to undergo a procedure there.

The facility, which opened on Nov. 15, was designed with state-of-the-art, digital technology to help doctors better detect early signs of heart disease, so patients wouldn’t have to leave their community to receive advanced diagnosis and treatment.

“It always gets bigger and better,” a relaxed Gurley said as he lay in a sage-colored, pre-procedure room. A large painting of a mountain range hung beside his bed.

“When a patient comes in for a diagnostic cath, they’re usually very nervous,” said Laura Lambeth, who oversees patient care at Grace and Valdese General hospitals. “We wanted to have an environment that was very calming, soothing and relaxing and wouldn’t be as intimidating as a sterile environment.”

Three of Gurley’s five children, who came to support their father, sat close by as a nurse checked Gurley’s vitals.

“This feels much better than in the truck,” said his oldest daughter, Linda Poteat, referring to the mobile cath lab that used to travel to Grace and Valdese General hospitals once a week.

Poteat nestled in a corner chair and stroked its polished arms.

“This is just lovely,” she said.

When Seagle was ready in the procedure room, Gurley said his see-ya-laters and was wheeled down the hall, where Seagle’s Nurse Practitioner, Janice Macopson, had just stood.

Macopson said she’s sure the permanent lab’s accessibility will give patients a greater sense of ease and security, since family members weren’t able to board the old trailer with their loved one.

“It’s got to be easier knowing they’re close,” she said.

As Gurley’s children waited, Seagle and a team of professionals checked the condition of Gurley’s heart, with sounds of Carole King’s “Tapestry” playing in the background.

After making a small incision in the groin, Seagle and a cardiac nurse, Sally Carpenter, threaded a thin, flexible tube through a blood vessel and into the heart’s chambers.

“He’s conscious, but he doesn’t feel anything because there are no nerve endings on the inside of the arteries,” said Greg Mores, cardiac catheterization laboratory manager.

As Mores pushed a small button to release dye into Gurley’s arteries, Seagle gently moved the catheter around, tracing blood flow on computer screens that suspended X-ray-type images from the ceiling.

“The only time a patient can feel is when we stick the artery in the leg for the initial puncture,” Seagle said.

In 28 minutes, the procedure was complete. Gurley was returned to his green room and mountain painting, where he waited for Seagle’s diagnosis.

“This is minor stuff,” Seagle soon determined. “There’s some blockage but nothing serious. We’ll treat him medically. He doesn’t need to have anything more done.”

Seagle told Gurley his shortness of breath was not related to circulation. He suggested rest, medication and a checkup in one week.

“You know, I didn’t have any idea what they were doing in there,” Gurley said after Seagle left the room. “He went in my leg. I thought my heart was up here.”

Gurley pointed to his chest and laughed.

“We’re real pleased with the way they took care of him today,” said Gurley’s son, Bob. “Everyone seemed relaxed and their attitudes were good. I’m impressed with how things are improving over here.”

And while Gurley said no care he has ever received in a hospital compared to the good treatment he was shown by Blue Ridge HealthCare, he said his faith is what ultimately gets him through.

“The good Lord’s taken care of me all this time,” he said.

Jennifer M. Phelps can be reached at (828) 437-2161, Ext. 29, or by e-mail at jphelps@morganton.com. Please read news updates throughout the day at www.morganton.com.