he said. “I was so exhausted and in so much pain, there was no way I could have done the right things to improve on my own. After every session of rehab, I noticed a huge improvement, not only in my strength and stamina, but also in my mood. They helped me to keep stacking one good day on top of another. I cannot say it any more simply—I would not have made the physical and mental gains I have made if it were not for Kootenai Health’s Cardiac Rehabilitation program. It gave me exactly what I did not even know I needed: the support and camaraderie of a team who knew precisely how to help me build back stronger.” So much stronger, in fact, that Joseph hiked 12 miles up Rathdrum Mountain and waterskied on Hayden Lake a year following his open-heart surgery. After dedicating himself to the hard work necessary to get better through cardiac rehab, he’s back to regular workouts at his local gym— lifting weights, rowing and riding the stationary bike. Joseph has been cleared to stop seeing his cardiologist for one year, but he still visits Kootenai Health regularly for follow-up care. “I love how Kootenai has all my information in one system,” he said. “I now have to take blood thinners the rest of my life, and the pharmacy, anti-coagulation clinic and other members of my care team all have visibility to my medical records. They keep tabs on my activity level and how that may affect my medication to make sure it’s all dialed in to where it needs to be.” Imagine having to put your entire world on pause in the prime of your life. Nothing can truly prepare a person for it, but having gotten past it, Joseph has gained a deep perspective on his journey. “Regaining physical strength and stamina is critical, but the mental component can’t be ignored,” he said. “By leading with my body, my mind was able to follow. I credit the incredible team at Kootenai Health for helping me through that.” Comprehensive cardiac care To learn more about heart services at Kootenai Health, visit KH.org/heart-services. See interviews with physicians who specialize in cardiothoracic surgery, electrophysiology, interventional cardiology and vascular surgery. Schedule an appointment with one of Kootenai Heart Clinic’s 40-plus providers today! Joseph Schwalbach worked with his Kootenai Health Cardiac Rehabilitation team twice a week for four months. Pictured, from left, are Claudia Chavez, CCRP; Schwalbach; Ashlee Therriault, EP-C, CCRP; and Edward Hancock, CEP. —Continued from page 7 8
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODQ1MTY=