Advocate Good Samaritan patient recognized at Bulls game during Heart Health Month

For 87-year-old Fritz Wilson, Thanksgiving of 2023 was one to remember. But not for the reasons you’d expect. Little did he know that a routine trip to visit family and his grandchildren in the Chicago area would turn into a life changing event.

Wilson, who resides in Chassell, Mich., a small town in the upper peninsula, is a retired teacher, coach and administrator of more than 40 years in the Michigan public school system.

He always led an active and healthy lifestyle as a youngster and remained active serving as an official for numerous sporting events at the high school and collegiate levels for more than 30 years. His son, daughter and four grandsons help keep him active as well.

This past November, Wilson, who lost his wife almost a year ago to cancer, flew to Chicago for what was supposed to be a two-week visit to visit his daughter, Jan, and her family around the Thanksgiving holiday. Everything was going great, and he and his family were enjoying the time with their grandkids.

But about a week into his visit, Wilson began experiencing heart discomfort in the center of his chest that was sensitive to the touch. The discomfort increased when he attempted to lie down.

Without wasting any time, Wilson was brought to the nearest ER to be evaluated, and it was there that they discovered an atrial fibrillation and a faulty aortic valve. He was observed overnight and was told to follow up with a cardiologist as soon as possible.

Wilson’s primary care physician back home in Michigan had been monitoring him for a heart murmur for years. But this was the first time he had any noticeable symptoms. Wilson had never seen a cardiologist for his murmur since the nearest heart specialist is 100 miles from his home.

Unfamiliar with the Oswego area, where his daughter resides, Wilson wasn’t sure where to turn for a cardiologist in the area. His daughter reached out to a physician who is a family friend and he recommended Dr. Mahesh Raju and his team at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove. Wilson was able to get an appointment the following day.

Wilson bonded with Dr. Raju immediately and had full confidence in he and his team. The next few weeks included testing to better understand the issues of his heart including EKG’s, an echocardiogram, ultrasound of the carotid artery and an angiogram.

The day of the angiogram was a long one and Wilson’s nurse did a great job taking care of him and giving reassurance. Luckily, the angiogram showed that he would be a candidate for the less invasive TAVR surgery since his arteries didn’t have any blockages. Still, Wilson was informed of the risks involved with the surgery, including the chance of heart attack, stroke and death.

“Any time you hear things like that it is normal to feel some anxiety of what lies ahead and this was no exception,” said his daughter, Jan. “Dr. Raju and his nurse practitioner, Brianne Nolan, spent a lot of time explaining the procedure and answering his questions, which gave my dad the comfort and confidence needed going into surgery.”

The TAVR surgery was scheduled for Jan. 15, when a Medtronic heart valve was placed in his heart. The surgery went smoothly and Wilson miraculously was walking the hospital halls that evening. His night nurses helped keep him comfortable during the night and provided great care. Twenty-four hours after surgery he was dressed and ready for discharge.

“I wouldn’t have worried so much if I knew how easy the surgery would be,” Wilson said. “I’m so grateful to the entire team at Good Sam, starting with registration all the way to post-surgical care. My care team was phenomenal and I would like to thank each of them for all they have done.”

Today, Wilson keeps up on his walks for his regular exercise and has decided to stay with his daughter for the next few months so he can attend the cardiac rehab program at Good Sam before returning home to Michigan.

His stay in Chicago was made even more memorable a few weeks ago on Feb. 6.

That’s when he and his family were guests at the third annual Advocate/Chicago Bulls Hoops & Hearts game at the United Center, an event that highlights the importance of heart health and draws attention to cardiometabolic diseases.

Wilson took part in a pregame dinner with other Advocate heart patients, received a custom Bulls jersey and participated in the Fan Tunnel experience where he met Benny the Bull and high-fived Bulls players on their way out to the court before enjoying the game from the stands with his family.

“The Hoops & Hearts event was a special night for me,” Wilson said. “Not only did I enjoy the wonderful meal and attending the Bulls Game with my family, but I was happy to spend time visiting with the doctors who operated on me and have a chance to thank them again for the excellent care they provided.”