Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab graduate shares her experience

Losing someone can greatly impact the wellbeing of those left behind.

For Janesville, Wisconsin resident Teri Kelly, losing her beloved husband of 47 years had a huge impact on her mental and physical health.

"I had quit my job as a housekeeper - which I loved - to care for Patrick when he was ill," Teri explained. "By the time he passed away, I was completely stagnant, had lost all of my muscle, and was down."

After several hospitalizations for various illnesses and later an Emergency Room visit due to extreme fluid retention in her legs, Teri was diagnosed with heart failure and COPD.

“I was shocked and couldn’t believe the news,” she said. “I had done Pilates for 20 years and wasn’t overweight.”

Teri was a tobacco user of 45 years, however, having started a ritual of smoking cigarettes while drinking coffee and doing crossword puzzles each morning.

In an effort to help Teri improve quality of life, her primary care provider recommended Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab at SSM Health.

“I scoffed at the idea at first, but quickly found that the classes were actually enjoyable,” Teri said. "Rehab is totally different than going to a doctor’s appointment: it’s helping you get better, you’re having fun and making friends."

Teri was able to quit smoking during her Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab experience. She also went from needing a wheelchair for appointments to using a walker, or nothing at all. She started to gain muscle, build endurance, and socialize again.

“I felt a difference within two weeks of starting the program,” she said. "Going to classes was truly the best thing I could have done for myself, and I really appreciate the support I’ve received."

Now that Teri is back on the move, she’s exercising 3-4 times each week on her own at a local gym. She’s hoping to gain weight and additional strength so that she can drive to Ohio to see her two grandchildren, son, and daughter in-law.

“I’m so proud of them and they’re great parents,” she said. “I would love to visit without my son having to pick me up and drive back and forth.”

Teri also has her sights on practicing better self-care.

“I’m so happy with my life and little home,” she said. “Now I’m going to spend time with friends and enjoy things again.”

Heart Disease is a leading cause of death in the United States. Find out your 10-year risk for developing the condition by utilizing a FREE SSM Health Heart Risk Assessment today.