Anyone who’s ever recovered from a major heart attack knows it’s no easy feat. From understanding new dietary restrictions and medications to managing fear and anxiety plus the intensity of physical rehabilitation, the road to recovery can be overwhelming. But, a positive attitude and steadfast discipline contribute significantly to a speedy and safe recovery. Fortunately for WakeMed Heart & Vascular patient Daniel Rogers, a strong faith and a great attitude helped him find the right path to wellness. His positivity is contagious, and he hopes his recent experience can help others find solace in the very personal journey of recovering from a heart attack.
The ‘Widowmaker’ Strikes
On September 10, 2021, Daniel was leading an online Bible study when he began to feel an unusual and unfamiliar back pain.
“I thought I had pulled a muscle – I was excited and animated during our prayer, so I didn’t think much of it,” Daniel explains. He fought through the discomfort until their session was finished. As soon as his friends uttered the words ‘Amen,’ Daniel realized something was seriously wrong.
His wife, Linda, rushed him to the nearest emergency department, which was WakeMed Garner Healthplex. Upon his arrival, Linda was told her husband was having a massive heart attack. She would later learn it occurred due to a blockage of his left anterior descending (LAD) artery – also known as a ‘widowmaker.’ Because this artery supplies blood to the largest portion of the heart, a blockage can cause permanent damage in a matter of moments.
“By this point, I knew my life was in God’s hands,” explains Daniel. Thanks to his faith, his quick-acting wife and the rapid response from the WakeMed Heart & Vascular team, Daniel relates that he wasn’t overly concerned. “Between the doctors, nurses and my loving wife, I was comfortable throughout the entire process. Their support kept me calm and relaxed.”
Daniel was immediately administered life-saving treatment and was transferred to the WakeMed Raleigh Campus where the 24/7 cardiac cath team was waiting for him. Within minutes, Daniel had a stent placed to restore blood flow in the LAD artery. Soon thereafter, he had additional stents placed
to address secondary blockages. At the end of his five-day hospital stay, Daniel was sent home with detailed discharge instructions and a strict order to begin cardiac rehabilitation to help him recover and regain his strength.
Daniel’s Recovery
Armed with all the information needed to make important lifestyle changes, Daniel and his wife were committed to getting him back to his vibrant self. He began attending cardiac rehabilitation three days per week, which Daniel credits with much of his recovery.
“I was nervous at first and unsure of what I could safely do,” Daniel explains. “The team helped me learn how to exercise safely. I was able to regain my strength much more quickly than I expected. When I first started cardiac rehab, I’d say I felt like a three on a scale of one to 10. Now, just a few months later, I feel like a 10 and I’m ready to take on the world.”
Daniel also worked closely with the WakeMed nutrition team, where he and his wife learned how to reduce sodium intake and the importance of making healthy choices. Daniel has cut down on his favorite Little Debbie snack cakes and is trying new foods like salmon, guacamole, dried beans and other heart-healthy items.
Since ‘graduating’ from cardiac rehab, Daniel has enrolled in the Silver Sneakers program and still visits the cardiac rehab gym three days a week. Seeing Daniel today, you’d never guess he suffered a massive heart attack just months ago.
Today, Daniel looks forward to visiting his daughter, Courtney and grandchildren in California (as COVID-19 permits), continuing to take long walks with his wife and simply enjoying every day as it comes.
When asked to share his secrets to success, he says it’s all about mindset. “On days when I woke up struggling to get through my recovery, I tried to relax my mind and just focus on getting well. Sometimes God clips your wings, but you still have to find solace in the blessings you’ve been given. My body has been given a second chance, and I’m going to take it.”
WakeMed Heart & Vascular Physicians brings together expert cardiologists dedicated to delivering the highest level of cardiovascular care in Raleigh, Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Garner and Clayton, N.C. For decades, these physicians have chosen to bring their talent and expertise to WakeMed for its reputation for excellence in cardiovascular care and commitment to providing the most exceptional patient experience.
This article is a reprint from Heart to Heart Magazine. Subscribe today for your free copy.
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