Life-Saving Care, Lifelong Support

Sometimes the right people are brought into your life at exactly the right time, and that was the case when Sue Chappell met cardiothoracic surgeon Nicholas Lopez, MD.

What started as an undiagnosed issue with hyperthyroidism soon developed into a relentless cycle of hospital stays for Sue as doctors from Paducah to Nashville were trying to get her body back under control. Sue began experiencing rapid or irregular heartbeats as a result of the production of too much thyroxine hormone.

After multiple electrical cardioversion procedures to correct her heart rhythm were ultimately unsuccessful, Sue had a surgical procedure where a pacemaker was implanted to ensure her heart maintained a normal rate and rhythm.

“Weeks after my pacemaker was installed, I ended up in Baptist Health Paducah Emergency Department,” Sue said. “After an echocardiogram, I was introduced to Dr. Lopez. He found what others had missed and informed me that the reason I hadn’t been feeling well was because during my procedure to receive a pacemaker at a different facility, they had punctured my heart and I had been bleeding internally for over seven weeks.”

Sue recalls that she was “lucky to be alive,” and has since spent her time to help local healthcare continue to make great strides that can help others during times where they need it most.

“Dr. Lopez saved my life, and before that, my husband received cancer treatment at Baptist Health Paducah giving us more time together to make precious memories,” she said. “Baptist Health has always been our first choice, and by supporting Baptist Health Foundation, I am making sure that the same compassionate, knowledgeable care that has helped my family can be there to assist others during times of triumph and tragedy.”