A True Patient Story Told by Leslie and Her Stepmother Gladys

“I was walking across the parking lot when I started having a hard time catching my breath. I didn’t want to make a big deal out of it – but asked my co-worker Patricia to help me inside the building. She was worried and thought it would be best to call 911.” ~ Leslie

“The week before, Leslie mentioned feeling a little tired but I didn’t think much of it. That’s why I was so surprised when her brother called and told me she had been rushed to the hospital with difficulty breathing!” ~ Gladys

“When the rescue squad arrived I told them to take me to University Medical at Princeton. Today I know those words saved my life.” ~ Leslie

“Once she got there, Leslie told the ER doctor she felt okay. Thank goodness, Dr. Garibaldi knew Leslie’s earlier symptoms could mean something really serious. She didn’t hesitate to call Dr. Mahalingam for a consultation.” ~ Gladys

“I was relieved to see Dr. Mahalingam, my cardiologist. She has multiple board certifications and had already treated me for high blood pressure. I had a lot of trust in her.” ~ Leslie

“I remember Leslie describing her as not only a kind and caring woman, but incredibly knowledgeable as well.” ~ Gladys

“Dr. Mahalingam immediately gave me a cardiac exam, and noticed I had a very loud and significant heart murmur. She knew something was wrong, and performed an echocardiogram on the spot. I was in the process of having a heart attack!” ~ Leslie

“Everything was happening so fast. There was no time to waste. Dr. Mahalingam asked her partner, Dr. Shanahan, to perform an emergency life-saving cardiac catheterization to keep Leslie’s arteries open until she could get into surgery. It worked. Leslie made it.” ~ Gladys

“Knowing everything I know today, I don’t think I would be here if it wasn’t for the great skill of the ER doctor, and the responsiveness and expert care of Dr. Mahalingam and her partner. Everyone acted so quickly and professionally, yet still managed to keep me calm the whole time.” ~ Leslie

“Now I know why Leslie always thought so highly of Dr. Mahalingam. It’s because she and her team actually took the time to get to know her personally and as a patient. And when it mattered most – that made all the difference.” ~ Gladys

“Today I live every day as if it were my last! I am more active and involved in life than ever before. Dr. Mahalingam showed me care that was unconditional. And for that reason – I have my second chance.” ~ Leslie

University Medical Center at Princeton is not licensed for cardiac surgery. This cardiac bypass surgery was performed at a tertiary hospital.