Thanks to Dr. Jonathan Tobis and the UCLA Interventional Cardiology team I am alive and hiking today. In January 2004 I went to my primary doctor due to increasing fatigue, actually falling asleep driving home from work. I had an echocardiogram that revealed a birth defect that had never been diagnosed for 40+ years, a large atrial septal defect (ASD). I saw a local cardiologist who researched the best doctors to correct this, and he sent me straight to Dr. Tobis at UCLA. My husband and I were impressed not only by his clear explanation of the solution, but also his care for me as a person. On the big day we came in at 8:30 AM, I was in the cath lab at 9:30 AM, and they sent me home at 4:00 PM, the proud recipient of a large Amplatzer septal occluder. I felt dramatically better the same day. My ankle swelling was gone the next day. The instant cure blows my mind to this day. I am grateful every day for the skill, technology, and compassionate care I received from Dr. Tobis and UCLA. You really are the best!
