Hospital Corner: Cardiac Rehab heals the heart, with heart
Logan Health - Whitefish's Cardiopulmonary Rehab team photographed on National Wear Red Day, Feb. 3, 2023 to raise awareness of heart disease. Pictured left to right is Louise Barker, Stephanie Senn, Bryton Guckenburg and Kristy Tveidt. (Photo provided)
It started with chest pain.
Bill Milner’s doctor prescribed a stent, a small tube placed with minimally invasive surgery, however he still had pain. The solution was open heart surgery.
“I thought I would not live through surgery,” Milner said. “When I woke up, I asked if I was going to die and they looked at me surprised and said no, you are going to be just fine.”
Milner is no longer worried about his heart giving out and dying. The surgery coupled with his follow-up care with Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation at Logan Health – Whitefish got his heart and his head back into shape.
Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation offers two cardiac rehab programs: Phase II, a physician referral prescribed after surgery, and Phase III, voluntary monitored exercise and education sessions under the watchful eye of Board Certified cardiac rehabilitation therapists.
This enthusiastic team of therapists get to know their Phase II patients well, working closely with them three times a week for 12 weeks, or 36 visits. They create individualized treatment plans catering to the specific needs of that patient and closely monitor their recuperation after surgery or a cardiac event. They also maintain contact with the patient’s cardiologist or primary care provider in order to as the correct path of treatment.
“We are an extra set of eyes for the patient’s physician,” said Kristy Tveidt, Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Clinic Coordinator at Logan Health—Whitefish. “We educate them on their vitals, what they mean and what is considered normal. We get to know each patient and build a relationship. Often they ask us questions, or tell us things they may not have the chance to say to their doctor.”
After Milner completed Phase II, he returned for Phase III. For him, the class provided more than building back the strength of his heart.
“They gave me self-confidence,” he explained. “That was as healing as anything on the treadmill. Sure, I could go to a regular gym, but the personal attention provided by professional cardiac nurses and physical therapists is beyond anything that can be found with other offerings. The four therapists I worked with are so personal, all of my anxiety went away.”
In addition to physical therapy and emotional support, the cardiopulmonary team also advocates for their patients, and often catches things that their provider might miss. When a patient was supposed to get a colonoscopy and the physician wanted the patient to go off medication, the therapist contacted the cardiologist who called the primary care provider. The procedure was postponed.
“While my overall health has improved, it’s something that can’t be seen that has improved the most: my overall confidence and emotional strength,” added Milner. “It’s the people. They are well trained but it’s their eye for detail, caring behaviors and exceptional personalities that make them the consummate healthcare professionals. They address your health needs and more, they share their friendships. Their upbeat attitudes are contagious. Now, my attention is directed towards enjoying the quality of my extended life. I’m alive and well.”
Riley Polumbus writes the monthly Hospital Corner column for the Whitefish Pilot and manages community relations for Logan Health – Whitefish at rpolumbus@logan.org.