‘I feel like a new woman; back behind the wheel again’

She has loved driving for nearly seven decades – and she has loved shopping for just as long.

Now, thanks to a cardiac operation at the Conemaugh Health System – a transcatheter aortic valve replacement or “TAVR” – 85-year-old Emmie Hobbs is back on the road again.

“Having heart issues can really slow you down. But I feel like a new woman with the TAVR. And I’m back behind the wheel again,” said the Ferndale Borough resident with a smile and glint in her eye.

Before Dr. Savas Mavridis performed the minimally invasive TAVR surgery on her in January, “I had no energy and was tired all the time.” Her driving – and just about every other activity – had come to a stop.

“I feel great again. My heart is beating just the way it should. I have all the freedom in the world. And I’m driving my little Toyota to all the stores again,” said Emmie, who underwent rehab at Conemaugh’s Crichton Inpatient Rehabilitation Center.

“I’m really looking forward to going back to Bedford for all the craft shops and festivals, especially during apple season. I can do what I want when I want to do it.”

For now, Emmie is happy with her three-times-weekly outpatient exercise/rehab sessions at Conemaugh’s East Hills Cardiac Rehabilitation Center.

“The girls there – Kim, Michelle and Kylie – are wonderful. They do a great job coaching and pushing me on,” she said. “I’m up to 60 minutes of exercise and 12 minutes on the treadmill three days a week. It’s hard work, but well worth it.”

Emmie’s heart woes began about two years ago, when she passed out in her kitchen at about 2:30 in the morning. “After that episode, I began seeing doctors at Conemaugh,” she said.

A pacemaker, triple-bypass and TAVR later, she’s doing just fine.

“Well, I just put everything in God’s hands. He’s taken great care of me. And I’m sure he’s helped Dr. Mavridis and his excellent staff bring me back to health, too,” she said.

“Conemaugh is great. I couldn’t ask for better care. My advice is to listen to your doctor. Don’t hesitate to have an operation. Then just live your life.”