Thriving After Emergency Open Heart Surgery with Dr. Trevor Upham — Travis Mayo's Story

Travis Mayo began his career in the fire department, where he frequently provided assistance during medical emergencies. Witnessing individuals in distress profoundly impacted him, so when it came to his own health, he was vigilant to never ignore the warning signs of illness. 

In September 2024, Travis began to experience difficulty breathing while walking, despite being a very physically active person. Before long, he also developed chest discomfort. He tolerated the symptoms for about two weeks.

On Sunday, October 7, his symptoms grew progressively worse, so he went to the emergency department at a hospital in Nash County the following day. 

"I wanted to get checked out because I was well aware something was wrong."

Providers did not see anything alarming on the initial electrocardiogram (EKG) and enzyme test. To be cautious, they asked to keep him overnight for monitoring, and he agreed.

On October 8, they performed a stress test and took him to the catheterization lab, where they discovered a blockage. 

"Even though I had no history of heart issues, I knew something was not right, so I was prepared for the idea that I might need a stent. I wasn't prepared, however, for the news that I required open heart surgery and a bypass."

Too many times, Travis had seen the same symptoms result in someone experiencing a heart attack and needing to be rushed to the hospital or dying on the spot. He was relieved to know that his cautious approach saved his life.

An Introduction to the Wake Way

The evening of October 8 at 8:30 pm, he was transported by ambulance to the WakeMed Raleigh Campus 3E for surgery. Trevor Upham, MD, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery medical director and surgeon, was lead physician on his case, and he ran additional tests to fully evaluate him to make surgery safer.

"The kindest medics took great care of me and kept me calm in a time of immense stress. The care did not stop there as I was admitted to a room on the 3E floor. The nurses were so kind and focused on the job at hand. The following day was a busy day. From the person who moved me from one test to the next to the personnel administering the test — all were so kind."

News of Open Heart Surgery in the Best of Hands

Following additional testing, ultrasounds and surgical prep, Dr. Upham determined that the surgery needed to take place urgently, so Travis was scheduled for a 7:00 am coronary artery bypass grafting.

“With increasing chest pain and severe left main and left anterior descending (LAD) artery blockages, he needed urgent coronary artery bypass surgery before he had a heart attack or worsening damage to his heart,” reveals Dr. Upham.

Travis recalls, " The day of surgery continued my experience of exceptional care — each person who had a part in it fully explained what to expect. Dr. Upham informed me that I may also need an aortic valve replacement, which would take the surgery from a little over three hours to closer to six hours, if necessary. Luckily, that was not an issue, and I was out of surgery in about 3.5 hours."

Travis was wheeled to the post-operative cardiothoracic intensive care unit (CTICU) for two days where he received superb, around-the-clock care.

"I had some pain mostly where my chest was opened as well as throughout my abdomen, but my pain was well managed. While in CTICU post op, the staff were remarkable and made sure I was taken care of around the clock." 

With continual improvement, Travis was then taken back to 3E where he received care from several capable providers.

"The staff were on point and performed their job at the highest level. I can’t remember all the names, but I was privileged to have one registered nurse for three consecutive days, named Heather M., and she truly looked after me with the kindest and utmost care." Travis continues, "Dr. Upham also followed up with me after the surgery, explaining that he didn't have to do the valve replacement, that my stenosis was mild and that within 12 weeks, I should feel brand new."

Travis received physical and occupational therapy while at WakeMed and adhered to directives provided, eagerly walking around and demonstrating his self-care abilities to speed up his discharge. Within three days, he was authorized to return home and was transferred into the care of his local cardiologist who scheduled him for cardiac rehab within their county. 

"Today I feel great. I've been walking two miles a day and have returned to my desk job." 

A Heart of Gratitude for Exceptional Care

In considering the exceptional care he received from Dr. Upham, Travis says, "Thank you for the job you do and the knowledge you and your staff have acquired. You are truly a life saver and there is no price that could ever be placed on that. You answered my questions, discussed the good and the bad and made me feel at peace with you in charge of the operation. I could not have asked for a better team."

Travis has bragged so much about the high-quality care he received at WakeMed that a friend who was having similar symptoms scheduled an appointment with a WakeMed cardiologist.

"I tell people all the time about the level of care I received at WakeMed," Travis glows. "Ironically enough, a friend called to share that he had similar symptoms and would now trust no one else other than WakeMed."

In gratitude to the entire staff, he also offers kind words.

"From the moment I was picked up to the moment I was discharged, every person at WakeMed was extremely kind and wished me a speedy recovery and good luck in the operating room. That level of service is hard to come by these days. I'll never forget it."

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About WakeMed Heart & Vascular

WakeMed Heart & Vascular physicians bring together expert cardiovascular, thoracic and vascular surgeons who are dedicated to delivering the highest level of cardiovascular care in Raleigh, Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Wake Forest and Clayton, N.C. For decades, these physicians have chosen to bring their talent and expertise to WakeMed for its reputation for excellence in cardiovascular care and commitment to providing the most exceptional patient experience.