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After five heart attacks in seven years, Andrew Johns was facing a heart transplant – until he hit the Wonthaggi Hospital gym.
By Brad Lester
ANDREW Johns credits a cardiac rehabilitation program at Bayside Health’s Wonthaggi Hospital with being alive today.
After five heart attacks in seven years, his heart was functioning at just six per cent capacity and the grandfather was facing a heart transplant.
But after committing to the cardiac rehabilitation program for three years and a review of his medication, Andrew is off the transplant waiting list and his heart is now functioning well.
“As far as I’m concerned, the cardiac rehabilitation program saved my life,” he said.
“After my last heart attack, my cardiologist at The Alfred told me to call my family because I may not be here tomorrow. Now look where I am.”
Rehabilitation program participants meet every Thursday in the physiotherapy gymnasium at the hospital. Here, Andrew exercises on a treadmill, ergometer (like an exercise bike but driven by one’s arms) and by using weights, under the supervision of cardiac clinical nurse consultants.
“My cardiologist said he’s never read of someone coming back from having a heart with just six per cent of its function.”
After an hour of exercise, participants gather for an education session about such topics as medication, diet, energy conservation and to hear from other clinicians, such as social workers.
“Having this program so close to home is the best thing ever,” Andrew said. “At first I wasn’t allowed to drive because I was at risk of having another heart episode. If I had to catch a bus to Melbourne to do this program, I wouldn’t have been able to do it.
“Now I’m an inspiration to other members of the rehabilitation program to keep coming. I explain to them where I’ve been and where I am now because of this program.
“My cardiologist said he’s never read of someone coming back from having a heart with just six per cent of its function. I can’t speak highly enough of the rehabilitation program.”
After each heart attack, he came to Wonthaggi Hospital’s Emergency Department before being transferred to The Alfred hospital in Melbourne.
Andrew has nothing but praise for both hospitals, now operated by Bayside Health.
Learn more about Wonthaggi’s Hospital cardiac rehabilitation program
Brad Lester is communications co-ordinator for Bayside Health.