Leland man credits Novant Health team after life-saving open-heart surgery
WILMINGTON, N.C. — As southeastern North Carolina continues to grow, so does the demand for health care services.
A Leland man is counting his blessings after a recent health scare that led to life-saving heart surgery.
What began as a routine stress test quickly turned into a medical emergency for Daryl Bundy.
Bundy, a real estate agent, said he initially believed the exhaustion he was experiencing was simply the result of stress from helping plan his son’s wedding.
“I was exhausted, getting up in the morning wanting to go right back to bed,” Bundy said.
Because of his family history of high blood pressure, Bundy decided to schedule a stress test. The results prompted doctors to send him directly to the emergency room.
“Found out that this wasn’t going to be routine. They highly recommended that I go immediately to the emergency room, and that led to a week of a hospital stay leading up to surgery four days later,” Bundy said.
Bundy ultimately underwent a six-hour open-heart surgery at Novant Health.
According to Novant Health cardiologist Dr. George McLeod, the procedure involved the use of a camera-equipped catheter that allowed surgeons to examine the inside of Bundy’s heart and determine the best course of treatment.
“Our Cath lab team is working around the clock, 24/7, 365, performing life-saving interventions with coronary stents,” McLeod said.
Doctors repaired Bundy’s damaged aortic valve, which acts as a one-way door between the heart’s main pumping chamber, known as the left ventricle, and the aorta, the body’s largest artery.
Following surgery, Bundy began cardiac rehabilitation.
Several times each week, he rides a stationary bike, walks on a treadmill and lifts weights to regain his strength and endurance.
“I just want to mow the lawn and weed eat again. I think I’m going to get to do that in a couple of weeks,” Bundy said.
Bundy’s story comes as Novant Health seeks state approval to add 225 inpatient beds as part of a proposed patient tower at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. The expansion would increase capacity and expand access to advanced heart and vascular care across southeastern North Carolina.
McLeod said projects like the proposed expansion are important as the region’s population continues to grow and demand for specialized care increases.
Today, Bundy says he is grateful for the care he received and optimistic about the future.
“I have a new lease on life and I’m gonna live it well, and I’m going to live it well with passion, excitement and joy,” Bundy said.
For Bundy, the experience served as a reminder not to ignore changes in his health.
He’s now focused on recovery, spending more time with family and making the most of his second chance.
