Kerri Bryles: Journey to Heart Recovery

My name is Kerri Bryles and I’m a 45-year-old wife, mother, and pharmacist. Exercise has always been a part of my routine, and I especially enjoy boot camp classes. When my husband, Tim, tested positive for COVID-19, he quarantined and recovered. Within a couple weeks, however, I began feeling ill. I checked my oxygen levels, which were low, and decided to go to the local hospital emergency room. 

After four negative COVID-19 test results, I tested positive. However, the local hospital did not have any ICU beds available and, due to COVID restrictions, Tim was unable to join me. I was terrified. 

I was then transported to St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield, MO, where physicians discovered I had torrential mitral regurgitation and was also in cardiogenic shock. Dr. Jeremy Leidenfrost implanted the Impella 5.0® heart pump to allow my heart to rest for five days. Physicians then performed a mitral valve replacement surgery and I returned home to my family one week later. I am grateful for the care I received and overjoyed to be back to my active routine with my husband and three children.