July 3, 2024, started as any other day for Carl Whitcomb – in the field among the plants he’s lovingly nurtured for decades. Whitcomb is a plant-breeder and educator who is responsible for bringing the red crape myrtle not only to Oklahoma, but to the world. He’s devoted his life to the work he loves. At 84 years old, he’s not ready to give it up. So when he started having chest pain, he called his doctor.
Dr. Jon Johnson’s nurse advised him to go to the emergency room, which was an unfamiliar place for Whitcomb. He’s been healthy all his life. He’s never broken a bone or had a prolonged illness, so he found himself in unfamiliar territory as he checked in. After running tests and diagnosing the root of his symptoms, Whitcomb was surprised to learn he needed heart surgery immediately.
“They took me back, did an EKG, took blood samples and by 7 o’clock, I had five stents in my heart,” Whitcomb said. “I didn’t know what to expect, but I never felt uneasy. I never felt concerned. I’m an unorthodox scientist and was curious as to what was going on.”
After being admitted to the hospital, the team at Stillwater Medical encouraged Whitcomb to rest, making him surrender his tattered notepad and pen – the essential tools he never leaves home without. It was uncomfortable for him at first, but without something to ‘do,’ he found the space to think and reflect on his life.
He found gratitude for the years he’s lived on this earth. Gratitude for his terrific wife of 61 years, LaJean, and for his two terrific sons, Andy and Benjamin, and their families. And gratitude for the medical staff who acted quickly, without hesitation to ensure this season of his life would not be his last.
“I thought, if this is the end of it, I’m 84 years old. My bucket list is pretty well checked off. And if I overcome this one, great. Another day, another week, another year, five years, ten years; whatever I’ve got. I’m going to enjoy every single one of them,” Whitcomb said.
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, claiming millions of lives each year. This condition encompasses a range of cardiovascular issues, including coronary artery disease, heart attacks, arrhythmias and congenital heart defects. Often referred to as the “silent killer,” heart disease can develop over time without noticeable symptoms until it’s too late.
The team at the Stillwater Medical Cardiology Clinic includes expert cardiologists, registered nurses and radiological technologists trained to diagnose and treat a full range of cardiovascular illnesses and conditions. Dr. S. Poludasu, Whitcomb’s cardiologist, acted quickly and provided trusted guidance to restore his heart health.
“There are certain people that contribute to your life and there’s just no way to fully acknowledge and share how powerful their influence really was,” Whitcomb said. “My experience at Stillwater Medical Center was powerful. I thank them for giving me more years to enjoy.”
If you’re concerned about your heart health, the good news is that heart disease is largely preventable. Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk dramatically. This includes eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, along with regular physical activity. Quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake and managing stress are also essential. Stillwater Medical Center offers painless vascular and CT heart screenings designed to assess your risk for cardiovascular disease for just $50. To schedule a screening call 405-742-5622.
For Whitcomb, the quality, compassionate care he received at Stillwater Medical has allowed him to carry on with the life he loves – filling his trustworthy notepad with more stories, ideas and observations that will impact the world around him.
