Melanoma twist leads to heart diagnosis
Pittsworth man John Jenkins is in the unusual position of feeling lucky he needed to have a melanoma removed last year.
John recalls he was coming out of an anaesthetic at a nearby day surgery when he experienced a rapid heart rate and then had hypotension with chest pain.
He was admitted quickly through St Vincent’s Private Hospital’s Emergency Chest Pain Service and came under the care of local Cardiologist Dr Ryan Schrale.
John had a series of urgent diagnostic tests onsite at the hospital’s cath lab which discovered John had two severely blocked coronary arteries.
Dr Schrale performed surgery to insert stents, tiny wire mesh tubes that are placed into a narrowed or blocked coronary artery.
John, who turned 74 in May, laughs at the description that he’s a “bionic man” but wonders what might have happened without St Vincent’s when the chest pain and other symptoms started.
“I think having the melanoma removed was a blessing in disguise,” John said.
“I was very lucky to have Dr Ryan – we call him that rather than Dr Schrale.
“He’s a lovely man. He explains everything and he has a good bedside manner.”
John said in further good news, a recent check-up with his favourite “doctor with heart” revealed he’s “fighting fit”.
“He doesn’t want to see me for another 12 months.”
If you’re experiencing chest pain, call triple-0 immediately and request a transfer to St Vincent’s Private Hospital’s Emergency Chest Pain Service. It is available 24/7 through the hospital’s Emergency Centre.