NCMH recognizes rehabilitation, cardiovascular patients

NEWBERRY — Those who go into healthcare most often do so because of a desire to serve the community, linked with a caring personality. Many healthcare workers say they had a “personal calling”. Such is the case with the Pulmonary and Cardiopulmonary Team at Newberry Hospital consisting of Exercise Physiologists Kalyn Lake, Ashley Wessinger and Tammy Bodie, Registered Respiratory Therapist. The team not only provides exceptional care, but they share in their patient’s journey to improve their quality of life so they may pursue their goals and lead more fulfilling lives.

On Friday, April 26, 2014, patients from the Newberry Hospital Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs were honored with the South Carolina American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (SC AACVPR) Patient of the Year Award. Among nominees from Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab programs across the state, Newberry Hospital patients emerged victorious. Tyrone Atchison was recognized for his journey in Cardiac Rehabilitation, while Edward Fant was celebrated for his progress in Pulmonary Rehab. Their stories embody resilience and stand as inspiring examples for others confronting similar challenges.

In fall of 2023, Atchison was selected as the Newberry Hospital’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Patient of the Year. Careful consideration goes into selecting the patient of the year and encompasses not only excelling in the Cardiac Rehab Program, but also overcoming substantial barriers, maintaining resilience after completing the program, and pursing further self-improvement.

Atchison, a 60-year-old patient diagnosed with Non-Ischemic Cardiomyopathy, embarked on a challenging path towards recovery and an improved quality of life. In 2022, Cardiac Rehab received multiple orders for him to attend, but Atchison’s battle with advanced heart failure kept him in and out of the hospital, making him unable to begin his rehabilitation.

However, his determination and resilience shone through. During one of Atchinson’s hospital stays, he underwent a life-changing procedure – the implantation of a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD), with the ultimate goal of bridging to transplantation. Atchison had to adapt to a new lifestyle post-LVAD, navigating a rollercoaster of emotions, and enduring numerous tests and procedures to become eligible for the heart transplant list. His journey was marked by various lifestyle changes, including tobacco cessation, which he embraced with courage and fortitude.

The year 2023 brought a significant turning point. In March, Atchison was well enough to attend his Cardiac Rehab Assessment. Not only did Atchison meet the expectations of his rehabilitation program, but he exceeded them by a considerable margin. He can now engage in a full 60-minute exercise routine, encompassing warm-up, cardiovascular training, resistance training, and a cool-down routine. His functional capacity has increased by 32%.

Atchison’s dedication to his Cardiac Rehab Program is just one aspect of his remarkable journey. He continues to work on his cardiovascular health at the Newberry Hospital Wellness Center as a Phase IV client, with the goal of being in the best possible cardiovascular condition in preparation for his heart transplant. His commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle despite the challenges he has faced is truly commendable.

Throughout his journey, Atchison has displayed an inspiring attitude. Despite the obstacles he has encountered and the miles he has traveled for appointments in Charleston and Columbia, he has done it all with a smile. His journey is a testament to the power of the human spirit and an inspiration to all who hear his story. It was with great pleasure that the Cardiac Rehab team at Newberry Hospital nominated Atchison as the South Carolina American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (SC AACVPR) Patient of the Year for his extraordinary determination, resilience, and commitment to improving his cardiovascular health and preparing for his heart transplant.

Tammy Bodie, RRT, has worked in Respiratory at Newberry Hospital for 31 years, but started cross training at the hospital’s Wellness Center in pulmonary and cardiac rehab in January 2023. Fant was one of the first patients she was able to treat from the beginning to the end of his 36 sessions. Bodie said she and Fant, “kinda learned together.” Bodie said that having worked the front lines of the COVID epidemic, it was only fitting her first patient in Rehab would be like so many she treated with COVID Pneumonia, being discharged with home oxygen.

Prior to January 2023, Fant had no history of primary pulmonary issues. The COVID-19 virus changed all of that. He was admitted to Newberry County Memorial Hospital on January 8, 2023 with pneumonia and acute respiratory failure. He was hospitalized for 13 days. Approximately three months after discharge, Fant was referred for pulmonary function testing and pulmonary rehab. His pulmonary function test revealed a significant restrictive process and severe reduction in his diffusion capacity. His main goal for rehab was to no longer need supplemental oxygen.

Fant had some pre-existing lower extremity limitations, but he did not let that slow him down. He was limited in the number of exercises he could perform, but he pushed himself for the ones he could do, giving 100%. Along his journey he had many outside adversities and obligations, but he never missed his sessions unless there was no way around it.

By the end of Fant’s 36 sessions, he no longer needed continuous supplemental oxygen. He does continue to have and use 0.5 liters of oxygen or so as needed during outside excursions. He has improved his six minute walk test and additional assessment scores. These measurements show a great deal of improvement in his quality of life. Fant felt so much better that he has now joined the Newberry Hospital Wellness Center and has not missed a beat.