Dr. Bruce Erdmann, and his wife Meri Sue, were enjoying Easter Day in Naples, Florida. After watching TV for a couple of hours, Bruce stood up and felt discomfort in his chest. He began to sweat profusely and turned white in color. Soon a neighbor, an internal medicine doctor, was driving him to the hospital. After being admitted, Bruce was told that he had had a heart attack. He underwent catheterization and discovered he had triple vessel disease. This meant major surgery for a triple bypass was needed within a few days. Bruce’s son, Bryan, after hearing the news, reached out to his own personal cardiac team in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The team advised Bruce and Meri to get home to WI where a special heart treatment could be done. With Meri Sue experiencing her own health issues and having been in the FL hospital for four days, Bruce decided to call SkyMed.
To fly Bruce home, the WI surgeon had to persuade the attending FL doctor to sign a Fit to Fly form. The form was finally signed at 10pm. At 11am the next morning, Bruce had an ambulance ride and a medical transport jet, both arranged by SkyMed, waiting at the airport. In less than three hours, he was home and attended to by the cardiac team. After reviewing his catheterization, it was determined that he did not need major surgery but instead the implementation of three stents which could be done by a much less invasive incision at the wrist which avoided open heart surgery with its risks, and a significantly faster recovery.
How did you find out about SkyMed and why did you choose SkyMed? Bruce describes, “I was at a BMW Rally in Virginia. Because I had a 21-day motorcycle tour planned in Europe, I visited with a SkyMed Representative who presented a SkyMed plan that was so complete- there was no way I could not join as a member. I am forever grateful. I was amazed at how easy it was to apply. SkyMed not only took care of me, but they also took our vehicle home!”
What would you tell your friends about your experience with SkyMed? “I tell my friends my story! SkyMed is the only plan that I am aware of that works seamlessly and is relatively inexpensive. My friends travel and we are all concerned about not knowing when a health issue may arrive. SkyMed works!”
Do you have any tips to share on ‘how to’ survive a life challenge? “Take good care of yourself, exercise daily, eat wisely, get your rest, and listen to what your body tells you. And if you need medical transportation, SkyMed is the answer!”
