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A Scan That Saved a Life: Mike’s Story
Meet Mike—a former TRA facilities technician, devoted husband, father, and proud grandfather. Like many days before, Mike was working a routine shift, helping out at one of our facilities. Nothing about that day seemed unusual… until a simple favor changed everything.
While making his rounds, one of our CT technologists asked Mike if he would be willing to be a test patient for a CT scanner. Always helpful, Mike agreed. The exam was a CT cardiac calcium scoring scan, a test that measures calcium buildup in the arteries—an early indicator of heart disease.
That evening, Mike went home thinking nothing more of it. But later that night, his phone rang.
The CT technologist was on the line, concern clear in his voice. The scan showed troubling results, and Mike was urged to see a cardiologist as soon as possible.
Mike took that advice seriously.
A Life-Changing Phone Call
“My name’s Mike. I’m 71, and I’ve lived in the Pacific Northwest most of my life,” he shares. “I was just working one of our normal facilities stops when the CT tech asked if I’d be a test patient for a cardiac calcium scoring exam. The scan measures calcium buildup in your arteries.”
After the call that night, Mike quickly scheduled an appointment with a cardiologist. What followed was a series of tests and scans—each one revealing more about what was happening inside his heart.
“It wasn’t until the final tests that they told me I had major blockages,” Mike says. “I honestly believe that CT scan saved my life.”
His surgeon put it plainly: “You’ve got a strong heart, but the plumbing is all messed up—and we need to fix it.”
The Road to Recovery
In September 2020, Mike underwent open-heart surgery. By early October, he had a triple bypass. The surgery went well, though recovery had a small setback when Mike went into atrial fibrillation, keeping him in the hospital a few extra days.
Still, he looks back on the experience with gratitude.
“It could’ve been a heart attack out of nowhere,” Mike reflects. “Instead, I had people looking out for me, guiding me toward the care I needed. That made all the difference.”
Why It Matters
Today, Mike feels better—and sees life differently.
“It’s all about family now. Being there,” he says. “I told my granddaughter when I had open-heart surgery that I just want to be there for her future wedding. I think I’ve got a good ten years to go.”
Mike hopes his story encourages others to listen to their instincts—and their doctors.
“If you have a family history of heart disease, or things that keep you up at night, talk to your doctor,” he says. “Ask about a CT calcium scoring exam. It might save your life too.”
Take the Next Step
If you or someone you know may benefit from a CT cardiac calcium scoring scan, start by scheduling an appointment with your doctor. Early detection can make all the difference—and just like Mike, it could change your life. Check out Mikes story video below.
Learn More
Don’t skip a beat! Schedule your CT Cardiac Calcium Score today!
Call us at 253-841-4353 or schedule your appointment online: https://patientconnectiondinw.medinformatix.co/auth/nopasswordsignin