Dee Dee Vance: Quality Heart Care Close to Home
8/28/2023
POPLAR BLUFF, MO – “I couldn’t stand to make my cup of coffee and that’s when I knew I had to seek help.” Dee Dee Vance, a retired Butler County hairdresser for more than 40 years, knew something wasn’t right when she woke up on August 7, 2023.
Vance drove herself to Poplar Bluff Regional’s emergency room and “had to call a friend from the parking lot to help me inside because I couldn’t get out of the car.” Immediately, ER staff assessed her condition and sent her straight to CT scans after initial evaluation indicated signs of a heart attack.
Dr. Roland Njoh, interventional cardiologist, quickly found two blockages in her heart and placed one life-saving stent.
In the cath lab, Vance saw someone she knew. “I noticed Michelle – I used to cut her hair when she was little - and she held my hand throughout the procedure, keeping me calm and talking me through the process.”
Vance recovered in the critical care unit after the stent was placed.
From the ER staff, to the cath lab team and everyone on critical care/second floor, including the nutritionist “who would help plug my phone in, went above the call of duty, every single person was exceptional,” Vance said of the team who cared for her while in the hospital.
A week before the heart attack, Vance was experiencing shortness of breath, overwhelming fatigue and discomfort in chest. “I brushed it off, but now I will always take these signs seriously and go straight to Poplar Bluff Regional!”
“They saved my life,” Vance said. “I will never use another hospital and will encourage anyone who will listen to go to PBRMC when they FIRST experience signs and symptoms of a heart attack.”
Vance says she plans to “take it easy” for several weeks and spend time with her loved ones enjoying each day.
“Vance’s experience serves as a testament to the dedication and excellence of our PBRMC healthcare professionals working together in emergency situations to ensure the well-being of our community members,” CEO Clyde Wood added.
Photo 1 - Dee Dee Vance recovering in critical care at PBRMC
Photo 2 - Dee Dee Vance enjoying the moment with one of her favorite singers.
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