Robert knows a thing or two about a good beat. A lifelong drummer, he understands
that any good song needs a steady beat, and the same can be said for a
healthy heart. Fifteen years ago, Robert’s demanding career took
its toll on his health when he suffered a mild heart attack. The event
was a wakeup call, and Robert knew he needed to make major changes to
save his life. Less than three months later, he retired from his stressful
job and moved north from the chaotic streets of Los Angeles to the peaceful
orchards of Tulare.
Last fall, 14 years after moving to Tulare, Robert’s elevated blood
pressure was making him worry, so he made an appointment with Sarmad Said,
MD a cardiologist affiliated with Kaweah Delta. Robert passed test after
test, but his blood pressure remained elevated. Thankfully, he was in
the expert hands of Dr. Said. "Dr. Said didn’t turn away from
me. He took the time to listen and scheduled me for an angiogram to take
a closer look." Just as Dr. Said began the procedure, Robert’s
blood pressure dropped dangerously, revealing to Dr. Said that an artery
blockage was likely and heart surgery would be necessary. In the end,
Robert’s heart required quadruple bypass heart surgery, performed
by Kaweah Delta-affiliated Cardiothoracic Surgeon Leheb Araim, MD. The
surgery saved his life and he’s forever changed.
Now, Robert’s on his comeback tour and believes he was meant to move
to Tulare County to be treated by the compassionate team at Kaweah Delta.
"I really can’t convey the appreciation I have for Dr. Said,
Dr. Araim, and the hospital’s medical staff. It wasn’t just
a hospital experience. It was a people experience. I was always told by
music teachers that the drummer is the heartbeat of the band, and Kaweah
Delta’s goal was to give me the beat back. They revive and restore
lives, and I’m one of them. Those are the people who bring you back
to life."