“How many people say that the best hospital stay they had was for an open-heart surgery?”

That’s what Perry Hanchett of Port Allegany had to share after his recent experience with UPMC.

For about four days in a row in October of 2023, Perry experienced a lot of pain in his right shoulder that affected him so much that he couldn’t sleep. His wife took him to the emergency department at UPMC Cole where it was discovered that he was suffering from a heart attack.

This was a surprise to Perry as he didn’t feel any other symptoms – he was smiling and was walking up and down the halls to stay occupied prior to treatment.

Once Perry’s heart attack was stabilized, he was transferred to UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute in Williamsport for additional care. While at UPMC Williamsport, Perry endured another massive heart attack, but again did not feel the typical symptoms.

For a good part of his life, Perry was afraid of something like this happening and the possibility of having heart surgery. His brother, someone he really looked up to, had gone through something similar many years ago and left a lasting impression that if it were to happen to him, he’d go through the same kind of pain that would change him forever.

This was not Perry’s case, and he credits a lot of his experience to not only the Heart and Vascular team, but to everyone he encountered during his hospital stay.

“Every time you needed something, there was somebody there for you. Even the people that came in to clean the rooms asked if they could get me anything,” he said. “They were always concerned for my well-being.”

Perry was able to leave UPMC Williamsport just four days after undergoing a double bypass open-heart surgery. Staying as active as possible throughout his stay and the support of his care team and loved ones helped to make this possible. Perry continues his care by attending cardiac rehabilitation with UPMC closer to home.

CAPTION: Perry walks on a treadmill as part of his UPMC cardiac rehabilitation regimen close to home.