The warning signs of a possible cardiac event were present for months, but Dan Omlor kept making excuses.  He could not walk far without shortness of breath, and he breathed heavily when he climbed stairs.  There were episodes of lightheadedness, and pressure and tightness in Dan’s chest, but he told his family it was nothing of concern because he was just out of shape.  Dan had experienced heart trouble in the past that required placing a stent in his heart to open a blocked vessel, but he had not seen a specialist for some time.  After his physician had moved from the area, Dan had not attempted to find another cardiologist for follow-up care.

When Dan mentioned his symptoms to a group of friends, they highly recommended that he visit Cardiologist Hassan Rajjoub, M.D., at Licking Memorial Hospital (LMH).  “Everyone I talked with had glowing reviews about Dr. Rajjoub,” said Dan.  “He is well respected and appreciated throughout the community.  Everything I heard was positive.”  Dan scheduled a consultation with Dr. Rajjoub on June 25.

During the visit, Dan and Dr. Rajjoub discussed his prior procedure and background.  When Dan told Dr. Rajjoub about the current issues, Dr. Rajjoub scheduled a heart catheterization right away.  “He was very pleasant and kind.  He made me feel so comfortable, and I believe he saved my life,” explained Dan.  On June 27, Dan returned to LMH to receive the heart catheterization.  After a short time, Dr. Rajjoub sought out Dan’s wife, Joan, and daughter, Jodi, in the waiting room to explain that Dan would not be going home.  The heart catheterization revealed Dan had a blockage that required bypass surgery.  He needed to be transported to Riverside Hospital in Columbus right away for the operation.

With the results from Dr. Rajjoub, the surgeon at Riverside felt that the bypass surgery should be performed immediately.  “I do not want to imagine what would have happened if Dr. Rajjoub or the surgeon had waited.  It was too close,” Joan said.  “The surgeon said even though it was late in the day, he felt waiting until the next day would be risky for Dan.”  Dan has little recollection of the day of his surgery, but he does remember Dr. Rajjoub’s calming demeanor which set his mind at ease.  “I believe Dr. Rajjoub and the surgeon at Riverside have a very good working relationship.  The communication was outstanding, and both physicians were so reassuring.  You can tell they both enjoy their profession and caring for people,” Dan said. 

When Dan returned to his own house, members of Licking Memorial Rehabilitation Services began in-home care.  For six weeks, therapists worked with Dan, assisting him in everyday tasks and building his strength.  Dan always has been active and rarely felt ill, so it was difficult to rely on others for assistance.  “The therapists who visited Dan were very good.  They knew when he needed a little push to work harder, and when to encourage him not to push too far,” Joan commented. 

When Dan was strong enough, he began visiting the Cardiac Pulmonary Rehabilitation Clinic at LMH.  “The staff in the Clinic are very knowledgeable.  They make the exercise fun.  They track my progress during my activities and constantly check the data to make sure I am not overexerting myself,” Dan said.  “They increase my activity a little at a time and I am feeling great.”  Dan cannot lift objects weighing more than 20 pounds and has to be careful not to perform movements that might pull the muscles in his chest.  He is temporarily prohibited from participating in his favorite sports – golf and fishing – but plans to continue following orders from the staff at the Rehabilitation Clinic and Dr. Rajjoub to build his endurance and strength so he can golf with his friends when the weather warms again.

Dan also looks forward to spending more time with his family.  During his recovery, his daughters, Jodi and Beth, assisted in his care.  Jodi lives in Newark, and Beth lives in Dover, Delaware, with her husband and children, Evan and Katie.  “My wife and daughters were good nurses.  I really appreciated them caring for me, and my grandchildren were the best medicine,” Dan shared.  He and Joan have been married for 52 years.  He grew up in Mount Vernon, Ohio, and moved to Newark in 1970 to take a job with State Farm.  He retired from State Farm 17 years ago, and has enjoyed traveling and working around his house.  Joan is a volunteer at LMH.

Dan’s family is grateful to see his ornery side return as he grows ever stronger.  They also are convinced that Dr. Rajjoub saved Dan’s life by quickly recognizing the signs of a blockage, and making the decision to send him for surgery.  Dan is grateful to be able to share his story, and has valuable advice for anyone experiencing chest discomfort.  “Listen to your body.  Do not wait,” Dan declared.  “Also, be sure to see a physician regularly for check-ups.”

LMH takes great pride in providing excellent cardiovascular services to the community, specializing in providing timely lifesaving techniques and the latest technology for patients with the risk of cardiovascular disease.  The Cardiovascular team provides a full spectrum of diagnostic and treatment services performed by experienced cardiac nurses and cardiologists in a serene environment.  The LMH Cardiac Imaging Lab has received the Mission: Lifeline® Gold Receiving Quality Achievement Award for implementing specific quality improvement measures outlined by the American Heart Association for the treatment of patients who suffer severe heart attacks, and is nationally accredited by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories in echocardiography and adult stress echocardiography.  The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program focuses on complete cardiac patient care, including the development of an individualized health and fitness plan, and is designed to restore and enhance both the physical and psychological health of patients.  The Program is certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, and has met quality standards required by the Association to ensure the highest level of patient care.