Couple gets same life-saving heart procedure in less than a year

JOPLIN, Mo. –  With valentine’s day approaching this weekend, couples everywhere will be opening their hearts to one another. But one area couple is sharing the story of both of them getting a life saving heart procedure over the past eight months.

Charles and Lorena Sweeney got married more than 50 years ago. In June, Lorena needed a transcatheter aortic valve replacement; then in October so did Charles.

Freeman Health System performed both surgeries and says the procedure is done while the heart remains pumping, eliminating the need for a heart lung machine.

Lorena says she and Charles are back to their old selves.

“I feel great I can do I can do. I still work part usually once a week. I play the piano and organ at the church. I teach a Sunday school lesson, and I’m very active,” said Lorena.

“The success stories where people are unable to walk and then suddenly they are back to their 2 mile walk or they are out mowing their grass that is very gratifying,” says Freeman doctor John Cox.

February is also American Heart Month, a time when all people can focus on their cardiovascular health.