Healing Beyond the Heart: The Power of Cardiac Rehabilitation
Avid Fisherman, Dow Chemical Retiree, Heart Patient
“I have been through physical rehab before, but the educational component in this program really opened my eyes. It helped me so much mentally, and I have to believe it helped others as well.”
Unfortunately, Chuck Ward, 81, knows a great deal about heart disease. With a family history of cardiac issues and a total of nine stents placed in his heart to keep blood flowing properly, heart care has become a familiar part of his life. On the positive side, he has developed strong, trusting relationships with the cardiology and cardiac rehabilitation teams at MyMichigan Medical Center Midland, and he continues enjoying an active life in retirement.
Ward, retired from Dow Chemical, has never been one to sit still. He loves the outdoors and is an avid fisherman. Despite his health challenges, he has always maintained his workouts and stayed busy. When he became too tired to fish, however, he knew something wasn’t right.
“I had some tightness in my chest and was extremely tired,” Ward said. “Each year we catch walleye to donate, and I didn’t have enough energy to fish. I saw Michelle Wenzel, A.G.A.C.N.P.-B.C., M.S.N., at the cardiology office in Midland, and she referred me to Dr. Felten.”
Interventional Cardiologist William R. Felten, M.D., evaluated Ward and ordered additional testing. The results showed Ward’s stents needed repair; one had scar tissue in the bend which can be particularly challenging to fix. Dr. Felten explained that his colleague, Interventional Cardiologist Stephen Mattichak, M.D., would perform the repairs.
“When I first met Dr. Felten, he was surprised that my physique didn’t match my records,” shared Ward with a chuckle. “I don’t think I was what he was expecting. He was confident Dr. Mattichak could help me, and as it turned out, Dr. Mattichak had worked on me before. I had no qualms or doubts.”
Ward remained awake during repairs, which were completed in two sessions, and watched the procedures on a screen. At the end of the second procedure, Dr. Mattichak touched Ward’s hand and announced “Congratulations, team. Mr. Ward is fixed!”
While relieved by the successful outcome, Ward knew cardiac rehabilitation was in his future, something he wasn’t initially excited about. Accustomed to staying active and recovering independently after previous procedures, he expected to manage on his own. That perspective changed after meeting Exercise Physiologists Molly White, B.S., C.C.R.P., and Alexandrea Hyer B.S., C.E.P., at Cardiac Rehabilitation Services in Midland.
“When I met Molly for the first time, we went over my health history and put together a program,” said Ward. “She told me before we started exercising, there was an educational session and some stretching. The moment we finished the first educational session, I was sold. The slides she shared rang a bell for me, and I realized there was more to heal then just my heart. Every session after that made me stronger and more resilient than ever before.”
White and Alex developed the educational component to the rehabilitation program to give patients a well-rounded understanding heart health and overall health.
“Patients attend class with a new topic at the beginning of every session twice per week, and we also include a warm-up before patients begin exercising in the gym,” White explained. “One session, presented in person by MyMichigan Health Educator Kelly Perry, focuses on advance care planning. Other topics include cardiac ailments, cardiac medications, cholesterol, depression and stress, diabetes, home exercise, exercise safety, food labels, hypertension, nutrition, smoking and heart disease, sodium and more. We love engaging our patients through these learning modules, and the feedback has been very positive.”
Ward couldn’t say enough about the value of his cardiac rehabilitation and the therapists involved in his care. “I have been through physical rehab before, but the educational component in this program really opened my eyes,” said Ward. “It helped me so much mentally, and I have to believe it helped others as well. Take the class!”
Ward completed 18 weeks of rehab twice a week and is feeling strong and confident. He carefully reviewed all the take-home materials he was given and works out at a local gym three times per week. Looking ahead, he’s excited for opening day of fishing season and many more active years with family and friends.
Those who would like additional information about the comprehensive heart care at MyMichigan Health may visit www.mymichigan.org/heart. Additional information about cardiac rehabilitation can be found at www.mymichigan.org/heartrehab.
