ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, November 30, 1996 TAG: 9612020045
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-6 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: CALCUTTA, INDIA
SOURCE: Associated Press
Mother Teresa was near death after a heart attack a week ago, but doctors who removed blockages from her arteries Friday said the 86-year-old nun will recover and be able to return to work.
One surgeon said Mother Teresa had a weak heart but astonishing ``spiritual strength.''
``She surprises us every time. I've seen her near death at least on four occasions, and her recovery has always amazed me,'' Dr. Patricia Aubanel said.
Aubanel helped perform artery surgery known as angioplasty Friday on Mother Teresa, as well as in 1991 and 1993.
Speaking to reporters two hours after the surgery, Aubanel also revealed for the first time that Mother Teresa had suffered a mild heart attack Nov. 22. She had been hospitalized since then with chest pain and breathing difficulties.
Aubanel said Mother Teresa's survival was in doubt after the heart attack. Doctors had delayed an angiogram, a delicate test that revealed blockages in two arteries, because of concerns about her age and poor condition. They performed the angioplasty immediately after the angiogram Friday.
``Mother could not have lived had we not been able to accomplish this,'' said an upbeat Aubanel, flanked by the other six members of the medical team.
Mother Teresa was sleeping comfortably by midnight after dining on chicken soup and toast, the hospital said. She was weak but in stable condition, and expected to remain in the hospital several more days regaining strength after the operation. Doctors also will use drugs to treat an irregular heartbeat detected three months ago.
Aubanel said Mother Teresa was awake soon after Friday's surgery. ``Her first words were, `Thank you, thank you, thank you. God bless,''' said Aubanel, who is affiliated with the Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, Calif., and flew in last week to join Indian doctors treating Mother Teresa.
Dr. Devi Shetty, another member of the surgical team, said Mother Teresa had been transferred to the B.M. Birla Heart Research Center in critical condition Tuesday from a hospital with less experience treating heart patients, and had improved slowly for two days.
Friday ``she was in a better mood. Her lung condition was much, much better and she generally had a feeling of well-being,'' he said.
Earlier, doctors had said Mother Teresa had to be persuaded to undergo the angiogram and angioplasty because she disliked invasive procedures.
Naresh Kumar, a longtime friend, said Mother Teresa has been cheerful since deciding on the surgery, and on Friday was ``happy at the prospect of getting back to her work with the poor.''
So far this year, she has been hospitalized four times - twice with heart problems and twice with injuries suffered in falls.
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