Artificial Heart Transplant Patient Takes First Trip Outside Hospital

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The first Oklahoma man to have his heart removed and replaced with a total artificial heart took a trip outside the hospital for the first time in three months.

Troy Golden, a Geary pastor, was born with a genetic condition that destroyed his heart. With no transplant available, doctors at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center performed the surgery giving the 45-year-old a device that will keep him alive until a heart becomes available.

Tuesday, Golden took a lunch break at Hideaway Pizza, eating with a table full of doctors and nurses and with his portable heart pump in tow.

The field trip of sorts was part of his physical therapy.

"I'm still building up my strength so that is an adjustment. I'm not able to do exactly what I want to do yet but I'll get there," Golden said.

He hopes to be released from the hospital in a few days and said he can't wait to sleep in his own bed.

More: Geary Man Given New Life with Artificial Heart