A Patient’s Journey: From Foot Care to Heart Health

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For Don Dudley, 63, managing his Type 2 diabetes and peripheral neuropathy meant regular foot care was essential. Under the care of foot and ankle surgeon Gina M. Lagnese, D.P.M., at Bayshore Medical Center, he was doing just that.

But in 2023, a simple blister on his toe became a serious infection, leading to a surprising turn of events. When Don came to Bayshore for surgery, pre-operative testing revealed an underlying heart condition, atrial flutter. His foot surgery was paused while cardiologist Shaddy Younan, M.D., performed a procedure to reset his heart’s rhythm.

During his week-long hospital stay, Don received IV antibiotics for the infection and was struck by the team’s kindness. “From my nurse Kesha, to Donna, who cleaned my room, to the volunteers and patient experience coordinators, everyone was unbelievably kind,” he said.

After his discharge, the team at the Bayshore Infusion Center worked around his schedule to continue his daily IV treatments. With the infection cleared, Dr. Lagnese performed the foot surgery. Don is now back to his hobby of competitive trap shooting.

“Our goal is to provide our patients with personalized care right here in their community,” said Dr. Lagnese.

Don agrees. “From start to finish, I had an incredible experience,” he said. “How many people can say that after going through something like this?”

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