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92-year-old back to active lifestyle after Cardiac Rehabilitation


May 5, 2017

In 2016, Mr. Russell was referred to Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center’s Cardiac Rehabilitation with a critical blockage that required a stent in his left main artery. His cardiologist says he was lucky to survive and his whole family was rattled with the thought of almost losing their dad. A month after surgery, he started Cardiac Rehabilitation and slowly regained his strength, stamina, and confidence to return to his normal daily activities of a very active 92-year-old.

Approaching graduation, Mr. Russell started to experience more shortness of breath and new chest discomfort. His cardiologist was notified and his medications were adjusted but his condition continued to deteriorate along with his quality of life. His cardiologist advised to treat him medically and reduce activity levels to control symptoms. Mr. Russell’s symptoms continued to escalate. The family was torn and relied heavily on our Cardiac Rehabilitation staff for emotional and psychological support.

One Friday, his wife contacted Sue Seymour while at home concerned her husband seemed to be really going downhill stating they had to do something. Sue advised them to go directly to Novant Health Forsyth Medical Centers Emergency Department. Even though high risk, a procedure was done with a second stent placed in another coronary artery.

Mr. Russell came back to the Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center’s Cardiac Rehabilitation and started the whole process over but this time with great success. He continues to exercise and remains stable in the Connection Link exercise program. The patient, and his wife, credits cardiac rehabilitation for giving them his life back.

Mr. Russell owes his life to Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center’s Cardiac Rehabilitation. 

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