Sugar Beet Farmer Beats Heart Blockages and Returns to Fields

Jim Terwillegar - Midland, MI

Sugar Beet Famer, Spouse, Grandfather & Heart Surgery Patient

“The care from Dr. Mattichak, Dr. Gurbuz, and the entire team was exceptional. After 12 weeks of cardiac rehab, I was back farming. Today, I'm feeling great and making the most of every moment.”

At 65, Jim Terwillegar, a Midland sugar beet farmer, is following in his father's footsteps. Strength and longevity run in his family, so when he first began tiring more easily than usual, he chalked it up to getting older. One day after planting, Terwillegar could barely make it down the hill to his house. He had to stop to rest along the way. When he got inside, he and his wife, Kelly, knew something wasn’t right. She took him to MyMichigan Medical Center Midland’s Emergency Department, and he was admitted to the Medical Center overnight for testing and observation. Looking back, Terwillegar is grateful he listened to his body. The decision may have saved his life.

Terwillegar underwent a stress test, CT scan, and echocardiogram. To gain a clearer understanding of what was causing his symptoms, Interventional Cardiologist Stephen Mattichak, M.D., performed a heart catheterization. It revealed severe calcium build up and significant blockages restricting blood flow to his heart. His condition was too extreme for stent placement and required open-heart surgery.

“Once the results of the heart catheter were reviewed, things moved pretty quickly,” he said. “They showed me an image, and there was just a thread of blood going through to my heart. The surgeon cleared his morning so he could operate on me the next day, and they began preparing me for surgery. Kelly used to be a paramedic, and she was even surprised by the speed of things.”

Cardiovascular Surgeon Tayfun Gurbuz, M.D., performed a successful triple coronary bypass on Terwillegar. During the surgery, healthy blood vessels were used to create new pathways around three severely blocked coronary arteries, restoring blood flow to his heart muscle and reducing his risk of a heart attack.

“When I was waking up, I remember being able to squeeze the nurse’s hand when asked,” he said. “When I was asked to do it again, I realized this time it was my daughter’s hand. I was instantly so grateful.” The emotional moment reinforced his determination to recover. When Dr. Gurbuz checked on him the next day, Terwillegar was already sitting up in a chair with good color and a positive attitude.

“All the personnel I encountered in the hospital were great,” he said. “They cared for me so well, Adam and Mitch, in particular, were efficient, compassionate, and made sure I had everything I needed. I wanted to walk as much as possible while I was there, and they helped make that happen.”

Terwillegar received visits from MyMichigan Home Care early on in his recovery. He then participated in cardiac rehabilitation, working with Molly White, B.S., C.C.R.P., and the therapy team to safely rebuild his strength and endurance. Terwillegar felt better more quickly than he expected and completed home exercises. In fact, he admits the rehabilitation team occasionally had to remind him not to push himself too hard.

After just 12 weeks, he was back farming. At his six-month follow-up, Dr. Mattichak, dubbed him a “poster child” for open heart surgery recovery. Today, he is back to walking his land, chopping wood, eating a heart-healthy diet, and staying connected to his primary care provider. He hopes to continue following the example set by his father, who is now 102 years old.

“Recovery from this type of surgery is long, but I have a strong will to live like my dad,” he said. “I’m rebuilding my heart strength and am feeling great. I’m ready to get back out with my softball crew this summer, have fun with my family, and make the most of the time I’ve been given.”

Those who would like more information about MyMichigan Health’s comprehensive heart and vascular program may visit www.mymichigan.org/heart.