Johns Creek teacher marks one year since life-saving heart surgery

One year heart surgery anniversary

A teacher at Autrey Mill Middle School is celebrating one year after having a life-changing heart surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. - A Johns Creek teacher is marking a major milestone — one year since a medical emergency forced her to leave school in an ambulance, ultimately leading to a life-saving heart surgery.

What we know:

Aleah Irvin, who teaches at Autrey Mill Middle School, says she was suddenly struck by a stabbing pain in her chest while at work. She was later diagnosed with pericarditis, a condition that causes inflammation of the membrane surrounding the heart. Over time, medication became ineffective at controlling her recurring flare-ups.

After an unsuccessful search for a local surgeon to treat her condition, Irvin found a specialist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago who was able to perform the complex heart surgery.

Following several months of recovery, Irvin returned to the classroom — and says she hasn’t experienced a flare-up since.