John Pereira from Eindhoven will undergo open heart surgery on Wednesday, on his 71st birthday. And the special thing is that everyone can watch live during the procedure in the Catharina Hospital in Eindhoven. Not everyone would allow this, but John has a special reason why he likes to cooperate: “I hope I help other people who also find it exciting to undergo such an operation.”
John lives in Eindhoven with his wife Aaltje. In April he developed breathing problems. After a visit to the doctor, fluid was found behind the lungs. This could be solved, but the advice was to have the cardiologist look at what could be the cause. Then an important artery near the heart was found to have a narrowing. “That’s when I first learned that I’m a heart patient,” says John. He and his family were shocked.
“I want to see my granddaughter grow up.”
John didn’t have much faith in the future at first. “I was afraid. Afraid of the possible consequences of an operation, especially because I still feel so good.” That is why he doubted whether he wanted to be operated on. But he wants nothing more than to see his granddaughter Ziva (11 months) grow up. That is why he has decided to continue.
He has every confidence in heart surgeon Bart Koene, who will perform his operation. “I googled him first,” says John, laughing. “And I also made a nice appointment with him. If the operation was successful and I have recovered, I will teach him to drive with a trailer.” John gives driving lessons to people who want to get their trailer driving license. He also gives motorcycle lessons.
“You can’t get a better present.”
When the doctor asked if John wanted to participate in a live broadcast, he thought it was a joke at first. Sure, because the surgery is on his birthday. “I was already looking where the cameras were,” jokes John. Besides that the live images are educational for healthcare professionals, John hopes that he can help other people who also find it exciting to undergo such an operation. “Have faith.” And as for his 71-year-old birthday, John has only one thing to say: “You can’t get a better present, can you? I’m looking forward to getting back in shape and getting back on the bike.”
Heart Week Catharina Hospital
During the annual Heart Week, more than 800 healthcare professionals from all over the country come to the Catharina Hospital. They are informed about the latest developments in the field of cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery. One of the topics is John’s heart surgery.
The heart surgery will be broadcast live on Wednesday from 13.00 on Omroep Brabant on television (Ziggo on channel 30 and KPN channel 507) and on YouTube. You can also ask questions by sending an email to: [email protected]. Questions are welcome both now and during the operation.