A Central Georgia college student is on the road to recovery after contracting a near fatal virus.
In this Healthy Living, I'll introduce you to Chandler Reid and the clinical staff who provided the life saving medical treatment.

Chandler Reid: Four months ago, I was laying up in a bed with tubes coming out of me and I never thought that would happened to me. I was 21 years old.

In January, Chandler Reid thought he had a bad cold or strep throat. Cardiologist Dr. Laura Reed says weeks later doctors discovered Chandler had Viral Myocarditis, a viral infection that causes serious swelling and tenderness in the heart muscle.

Chandler is a young man who developed some cardiac problems and rather quickly deteriorated to the point where he required ventilary support. For a period of time his heart had stopped and he required CPR.

With the help of a mechanical left ventricular device called an Abiomed AB5000, the device immediately began performing all of the work for his weakened heart, allowing the vital muscle to rest and recover.

Dr. Laura Reed: “It is great. It is what we go into medicine for, it is an extraordinary type of event, we rarely see outcomes as good as his. “

The Coliseum Heart Institute hosted a reunion party and celebration to honor chandler. The event reunited chandler with the physicians, nurses and clinical staff that made it all possible.

Chandler Reid : “ I do realize that these people worked on me day and night just to make sure that I live to see the next day. I thank them all for that. “

Chandler’s parents were among the friends, family and medical staff supporting him on his fast road to recovery

Novetta Reed:
“ Relieved. I am just so thankful that he is able to be out the hospital. He is semi independent, he is stronger, and he is looking better. I am so glad he is almost through it. “


Chandler Reid : “It feels great. I am thankful for everyone for that worked on me. I thank God for everything in my life.