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Margaret's Story

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Carotid Endarterectomy

Seven years ago, Margaret G. suffered a transient ischemic attack (TIA)—a mini-stroke whose effects, thankfully, quickly vanished. With no lingering symptoms, the Flourtown, Montgomery County, resident continued working as a bank customer service representative in Plymouth Meeting.

As a result of the TIA, however, she began having regular checkups with her cardiologist. Last fall an ultrasound he ordered by her cardiologist showed that her left carotid artery—one of the two main sources of blood to her brain—was 80 percent clogged.

Her cardiologist quickly referred her to Andrew B. Roberts, MD, a Temple vascular surgeon whose specialties include carotid endarterectomies. Both doctors agreed she needed the surgery to remove the blockage.

"To be honest," says the 69-year- old, "I had never heard of that type of surgery and I was very nervous and skeptical about having my carotid artery operated on. But Dr. Roberts was wonderful and very reassuring."

Last September Dr. Roberts successfully unclogged her carotid artery at Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus, which is just eight miles from her home. "My experience at the hospital, both during and after the surgery, was fine," says Margret, who had previously gone to Jeanes Campus for her TIA. "The nursing care was wonderful. They were very attentive."

Margaret also appreciated the fact that her doctors at Jeanes Campus were Temple Health physicians. "I feel Temple University Hospital is one of the best hospitals in the area, so I'm glad Temple physicians are available at Jeanes Campus. I like being in a teaching hospital; it helps assure that the doctors you are dealing with are among the best."

After her surgery, Margaret retired from her part-time sales clerk position at a department store, a job she had taken after ending her 30-year banking career. Then, for the first time in her life, she joined a gym.

She now spends five days a week walking on a treadmill and working out on other exercise machines. She also enjoys spending time with her family, including her daughter, son and grandson—a 21-year- old Temple student with whom she regularly has dinner.

"I feel," she says, "absolutely fine."