The blessing of a new heart

Cynthia Johnson, a wife and mother of four, has suffered from a genetic heart condition for most of her life.

“It started when I was 21,” Johnson says. “And I did well for a long time. But over the last three years, my health went downhill. I couldn’t do as much as I wanted to. I had to stop working. And I couldn’t do the things that I enjoyed doing.”

Another hospital turned her down for a transplant. With her health deteriorating, Johnson turned to Piedmont Atlanta Hospital.

After waiting for 98 days, Johnson finally got the news she was hoping for: Her doctors had found a donor heart for her.

It’s only been a few weeks since Johnson had her surgery, but she is extremely happy and optimistic about the future.

“This feels wonderful,” Johnson says. “I felt my heart beat, and I just cried because I haven’t felt my heart beat in over a year. I told my nurse that she needed to check my pacer because I think something is wrong. And she said, ‘No ma’am. You have a new heart. You don’t have a pacer anymore.’ And I had to put my hand there.  And I felt it beating. It was beautiful.” 

Need to make an appointment with a Piedmont physician? Save time, book online.