Frankfort Man Back in Blue Suede Shoes After Heart Surgery

Dave Thomas of Frankfort didn’t always share his sister’s zeal for Elvis Presley, that is, until he watched a bunch of The King’s 1960s movies.  

Since then, not only is he a huge Elvis fan, but as a popular Elvis impersonator himself, Thomas has his own big fan base, performing dozens of shows a year in local venues. 

Since the 63-year-old also drives a school bus and has other odd jobs, he works out regularly to keep in shape. 

That also includes regular check-ups with his primary care physician Dr. William Will. On one visit late last year, his EKG showed an abnormality. But he didn’t get all shook up … at least not yet. 

“I had just finished running five miles!” Thomas said. “My doctor didn’t think it was anything, but he scheduled me for tests.” 

One was an echocardiogram. And after the nurse performing it left the room, Dr. Abdul Sankari, an interventional cardiologist on staff at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, popped in to tell Thomas he needed to be seen in his office the next day. 

The nurse and Dr. Sankari spotted a bulge – an aneurysm – on Thomas’ aorta. If left untreated, the bulge could rupture, leading to further complications; even death. 

Although such aneurysms can present with throbbing pain, hoarseness and other symptoms, Thomas said he had none.

“It could be genetic,” Thomas said. “My father had several heart surgeries.” 

Dr. Sankari referred Thomas to Dr. Pat Pappas, a cardiothoracic surgeon and medical director of Silver Cross Hospital’s heart surgery program.

“The first thing he said to me was, ‘You really do look like Elvis!’ Then he said I needed an aortic valve replacement.” 

Following a successful surgery, Thomas was soon visited by therapists from the hospital’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Department. 

“We go over what the patient needs to do and not do; then we have them walk in the hallway as soon as possible,” said Kim Mason, Clinical Supervisor for Cardiac Rehabilitation at Silver Cross. “That helps patients recover better and faster. 

“He also was exercising before surgery. That helps recovery as well.” 

And how was the experience of working with “Elvis?” 

“Oh, my gosh. He was a pleasure to work with,” Mason said. “You could definitely tell he is a performer. For his final outpatient session, he showed up dressed as Elvis!” 

Thomas was equally complimentary of the cardiac rehab staff. 

“I was so lucky. They were the best rehab people you could find.” 

He was doing so well after being released – even after he continued with outpatient therapy –

Thomas performed as Elvis eight days after getting home. He credits a close relationship with his grandson, Drake, 18, a drummer, with helping him through that performance. 

As he got stronger, Thomas realized he may have been more affected by the aneurysm than he initially thought. 

“Sometimes, I would be so tired at the end of the day. I thought it was just getting old, and that I work two jobs in addition to performing. Now, I feel like a million dollars. I can’t thank my doctor and the people at Silver Cross enough. They saved my life. Silver Cross is a wonderful hospital.” 

The experts at the Midwest Institute for Heart at Silver Cross Hospital can help you stay well. A $49 Heart Scan can help determine your risk for heart disease. Schedule one today at silvercross.org.