This particular heart issue I have has no name for it and is usually only found in autopsys. In the 41 years I've been alive I probably scientifically should not be here. Most cases with a similar disease rarely make it to their early to mid 20's and statistics show sudden death is the outcome. Occasionally a similar form is found in babies between birth and 3 years of age and can be corrected at time's depending on severity.

 This particular procedure on myself is going to be pretty experimental but it will be handled as a everyday bypass surgery with an artery from the leg. I do not have a guarantee that the artery from the leg will work because of where it is going to replace the coronary artery in the heart that is being constricted severely. Between technology great doctors and God we are praying.

 I still have a weak heart we do not know if this will correct this or not for another 3-6 months at least. If it does not a pacemaker will be used. They do not want to use any medication on me at this time excluding one beta blocker to keep me somewhat stable now and lipitor for somewhat of high cholesterol. They have changed my diet completely I have not had a cigarette since September 19th. Just standing still and smoking one cigarette my heart rate will get over 160 so that is the end of that. I'm actually doing okay and feel a little better with the 2 medications they have placed me on. However medications being given as a solution is not going to correct a kinked hose and and also give it it's own spicket to flow from. I will be a more than fortunate person to walk away from this in many ways.

 We have or I have had my laughs I've cried I've had sleepless nights and days anxiety stress and worry. I'm slowly coming around to laughing more and have even joked about naming the extremely rare heart condition after the doctor that has discovered this and the surgeon that will be performing the operation.

How did we discover this? I have been having some symptoms for some time now and they have progressed for now I don't want to get into how long exactly. I became extremely weak while ironically getting ready to go to the cardiologist. I actually asked on the way if we could just go to hospital but was told it was probably just anxiety. I know anxiety and panic attacks it was not either of the two. I was in the dr's office maybe 10-15 minutes he ran EKG it appeared pretty normal to an extent. The doctor listened to my heart once again and simply stated your going to the hospital right now you don't have time for anything else. 10 days later multiple x-rays, several blood test, 2 CT scans, 4 mri's, echo cardio stress test, a heart cath, a chemical stress test, a CT with dye with 3,000 pictures one doctor finally found the coronary artery hidden and being constricted. The odds of finding that in a living person are not even existent. Many of us have joked we should name it after me honestly myself I would not accept it. I would however if I do pull through this with flying colors and recover well I would more than willing to place the name of the cardiologist in which discovered this and the surgeon that will be performing a one time only operation. These two men will most definitely deserve the credit in so many ways it's unimaginable right now.

Eventually one day I would really enjoy sharing my story and helping others overcome life threatening situations such as these and how I have pushed through them even being diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and ocd. I will tell you without a sense of humor and laughter you have the wrong cure.

John Gerhardt of Texas City, Texas

Submitted Oct. 1, 2016

Office staff was very rude. Spoke down to every patient that approached the front desk inquiring about the hour wait. Dr Farrell was very short with us considering we were discussing a major issue. His suggestions and resolutions changed within the same visit. I personally feel he should consider retiring! Will not be returning for our follow up visit.

Submitted Jan. 17, 2015

May be a good doctor, but he's very rude and self entitled.

Submitted Oct. 6, 2014

Very happy with him. Trust him and feel very comfortable with him. Office staff very nice.

Submitted Feb. 9, 2014

The office staff is very rude and unprofessional. The doctor is knowledgeable but I find he is often contradictory from one office appt. to the next.

Submitted May 18, 2012

Submitted Aug. 18, 2011

This doctor has excellent technical skills, but the worst bedside manner of any doctor I've ever dealt with.

Submitted Oct. 17, 2010