Jim Mulligan

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Jim recently has been experiencing severe shortness of breath.  He has COPD and was attributing it to that condition.  However, after he had a good pulmonary exam, there was concern that there were other health factors contributing to his problem.  He had several heart tests including an echo cardiogram and ultrasound but no major problems were detected by these tests.  Since his problems were getting worse, the cardiologist ordered an angiogram.  This was done Tuesday, February 27th at Honor Health Scottsdale Shea.  This showed he had many major heart blockages which needed to be addressed immediately.  Otherwise, he more than likely would suffer a major heart attack in six months or less. He was looking at either triple or quadruple open heart bypass surgery or treatment through interventional heart surgery which involves angioplasties and stents.  It was a very hard decision because there were great risks with both procedures.  Jim made the final decision that he wanted to have the interventional surgery.  This proved to be very intense.  The surgery was done on Thursday, March 1st and lasted over 6 hours.  During the surgery, they needed to use an impella heart pump.  This was inserted through the left shoulder and from what we understand was only the second time this has ever been attempted in Arizona.  The surgery went as planned but unfortunately after two days of not responding well, it was determined that he had suffered a posterior cerebral artery stroke during the surgery.   The main after effects of this type of stroke are loss of peripheral vision and confusion.  The confusion should subside as the brain swelling goes down.  We're not sure how much the vision will improve.  The next 3 months are critical for rehab.


Today, Wednesday, March 7th, he was transported to HealthSouth Scottsdale Rehabiliation Hospital, 9630 E Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85260 where he will receive acute treatment for the next week or longer.


Thanks for all the prayers and support we have received.