Personalized care from surgery and beyond

In late 2024, Diann Wood was experiencing high blood pressure, and she was managing this with medications.

By January 2025, she ended up in the Emergency department at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital when she experienced dangerously high blood pressure. She was admitted to Ball Memorial for several days for observation and to stabilize her blood pressure; after leaving the hospital, her blood pressure remained under control for a few months but rose to dangerous levels once again.

With her blood pressure remaining high, a heart catheterization was scheduled in May, which found three blockages that would require open-heart surgery. Diann Wood and her husband, William Wood, discussed and reviewed their options, ultimately deciding to have Michael Koelsch, MD, perform the surgery at IU Health Cardiovascular Surgery – Muncie.

“The entire team provided very professional care with a caring, human touch,” says William Wood. “Everyone from the respiratory to the coronary care team provided insight and education on what to expect throughout the entire procedure.”

William Wood had undergone heart surgery a few years prior at a different healthcare organization and had a different experience than his wife. “It was like a factory,” he says. “They moved patients in and out – we have no regrets that we chose Ball for Diann’s surgery.”

Diann Wood was worried about the recovery, but was relieved that even after she went home, her pain was under control. “The team provided a very caring touch that I appreciate,” she says. “I would strongly recommend Dr. Koelsch and the entire cardiology team at Ball to anyone.”

Diann Wood was grateful that a registered nurse visited her home after discharge to check on her progress and recovery. Her care continued with follow-up appointments with Taylor McPherson, NP, who specializes in open-heart surgery recovery, as well as visits to IU Health Ball Memorial’s Cardiac Rehabilitation.

“They do so much, an admirable job,” says Diann Wood. “Ball has an outstanding cardiology program that we would recommend to anybody.”

Locations related to Diann’s story:

IU Health Cardiology - Muncie | IU Health
Heart & Vascular Care | Treatment Options | IU Health