A second opinion gives Linton man a second chance

For Otho Waggoner of Linton, Indiana, there's nothing better than a day spent fishing in the sunshine. He also enjoys a variety of outdoor activities including yard work and riding his motorcycle.

Unfortunately, after decades of heart problems, even simple daily activities started to become a challenge.

Waggoner suffered his first heart attack at age 32 and has been battling heart disease ever since.

Over the years, he received a pacemaker and underwent multiple stent surgeries, but his symptoms continued. Constant fatigue and chest pain took a toll on his daily life, often leaving him exhausted from simply walking down the driveway or going grocery shopping.

After being told by his doctors that nothing more could be done, he decided to see IU Health Bloomington cardiovascular surgeon, Bryan McDonnell, MD.

“When I got the second opinion, it felt like the ton of bricks hanging over me was gone,” said Waggoner.

Dr. McDonnell performed a coronary artery bypass surgery, a procedure that involves creating a new pathway for blood to flow around blocked arteries in the heart caused by heart disease.

Two weeks after surgery, he was already walking longer distances and noticing a remarkable improvement in his quality of life.

“I’ve never had that good of an experience before. Dr. McDonnell changed my perspective on doctors and hospitals,” said Waggoner. “He’s not only good at what he does but he's good at talking to you and explaining things thoroughly so you understand. It feels like he's someone that you’ve known all your life when you sit and talk to him.”

His care team during his five-day stay at the hospital also had a huge impact on his positive experience.

“They’re all like a close-knit family the way they work together and make you feel like a person, not a paycheck,” said Waggoner. “It makes me get this feeling deep down inside that there's people out there that still do care and will listen.”

While he patiently continues his recovery and awaits the start of cardiac rehabilitation, Waggoner is especially excited to return to the water and enjoy fishing again in the coming months.

He’s also planning to visit his care team and bring them cookies to share his gratitude for the life-saving treatment they provided for him.