Local Women Face Heart Disease -
Cardiac Rehab Helps Them Recover

By Jeff Russell

The Cardiac Rehab Program at Memorial Hospital is all about people. People who are recovering from a cardiac event. People who want to get the most out of life and return to a productive life-style.

The Cardiac Rehab Program is an individually designed, medically supervised program for a patient who is recovering from heart attack, heart surgery, heart valve replacement, angioplasty, angina, coronary bypass surgery or cardiovascular disease. Generally, any patient who has experienced a cardiac event will benefit from cardiac rehabilitation.

"Heart disease is very frightening and dangerous. We want to help people regain their strength and confidence following a cardiac event," says Mary Cotton, RN, director of the program.

Karen Hoffman, DO, is the Medical Director for the cardiac rehab program. "Our Cardiac Rehab Program offers controlled exercise, diet counseling and individualized treatment plans to help participants achieve their personal health goals," she said.

This program has been Nationally Certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) since 1999 and is staffed by certified, registered nurses. These nurses have had extensive education and background in critical care and cardiac rehabilitation.

The Cardiac Rehab Program is designed to limit the physiological and psychological effects of cardiac illness; reduce the risk of sudden death or relapse; control cardiac symptoms; stabilize and/or improve the patientÕs condition; and enhance the patientÕs quality of life.

Following are personal stories of women who have experienced heart disease and have overcome many obstacles to get back to full health and strength. "We invite others to learn from these experiences," says Cotton. "It's all about returning to an active, fulfilling lifestyle."

Brenda Fulmer

Brenda is just 41 years old. She and her husband, Bill, have three children, Jason, Breanne, and Trevor. They live in Sugar Run. Brenda knew she had a congenital heart condition from birth.

They're busy people. She works in an accounting office in Wyalusing. SheÕs very involved in her kids' lives including busy basketball, baseball and softball schedules. The family enjoys taking walks together. Brenda began to notice that something was not right.

She experienced shortness of breath that kept getting worse. "I began to notice that I could not keep up with everybody," she says. "I'd have to walk very slowly and I'd have to stop and rest."

Brenda was reluctant to tell her family that she had a problem. "I didn't want them to worry," she says.

She had an appointment to see Dr. Karen Hoffman in the fall of 2005. "Doctor Hoffman ordered an echocardiogram to determine the condition of my heart," said Brenda. "I've had echocardiograms before, but this time I was in trouble," she remembers.

On December 2, 2005 Brenda underwent aortic valve replacement surgery. Part of her aorta was replaced. She spent six days in the hospital at Geisinger Medical Center, in Danville. Her surgeon recommended cardiac rehab

"I remember seeing an advertisement in the paper for Memorial Hospital's Cardiac Rehab Program," she says. "I asked my doctor to refer me to Memorial Hospital - so I could receive my treatment close to home."

Brenda comes to Memorial Hospital for cardiac rehab three times a week for one hour sessions. "My breathing is much improved," she exclaims. "I am energized."

During a typical rehab appointment, Brenda completes some stretching exercises, works out on exercise equipment, walks in place on a mini trampoline, and strengthens her body with free weights. "I feel safe because my heart rate is constantly monitored during each session," she says. "I've learned so much about good health and appropriate exercise from the nurses."

Brenda is thrilled with her progress. "I can walk, walk, walk!" she says. "When my daughter and my mom and I go for a walk together, I can keep up!"

She wants other women to remember a very important fact: "Never hesitate to call your doctor if you feel like there is a problem. Get medical help before it's too late. I'm sure glad I did. It's all worth it in the end," she says.

Lulu B. Robbins

Lulu is a bright and energetic woman. She raised four children, Joan, June, Tommy and Brad. On July 22, 2003 she married her childhood sweetheart. Lulu will be 84 in May.

She did not have time to be sick. "I ignored a persistent heaviness in my chest. I had a strange sensation that I would feel up my arms and between my shoulders," she said. These symptoms continued so she went to see Dr. Tim Hoffman. In July 2005 Dr. Hoffman ordered a stress test.

That was the beginning of a series of events that would lead up to quadruple bypass surgery on July 22, 2005. She spent 6 days in the hospital. A week later she had complications. A blood clot in her right lung and fluid in her left lung. Medication was prescribed

In September she began her cardiac rehab program at Memorial Hospital. "I have nothing but praise for everyone involved in my recovery," she says. "They answered all my questions. They were cautious. They were protective. I feel a lot better!"

Lulu was quick to say that everyone involved in the Cardiac Rehab Program was wonderful, especially the nurses Tina, Diane, Mary and Sue, the dietitian.

She is no stranger to life's challenges. Her daughter, Joan, passed away many years ago at a very young age. Her beloved husband passed away on January 13, 2005. She's a survivor.

Her son and daughter-in-law own the Curves exercise gym in Allis Hollow, located just a mile or so from Lulu's home. "I keep up with my exercise program at Curves," she says. Sometimes she's there twice a day.

Lulu graduated from her cardiac rehab program one week early. "Determination!" she says. "Dr. Tim told me I was a mighty determined woman and I proved he was right," she says. Now she's independent - and healthy. "Many people were praying for me. The Lord answered their prayers," she says.

Peggy Loomis

The year was 2000. Peggy had no signs or symptoms of heart disease that she was aware of. "It was the month of May and I was raking leaves in the yard. My 13-year-old grandson, Richard, was weed-whacking nearby. I recall going into the house for lunch and the last thing I remember was feeling pain in my chest," Peggy said.

Upon the insistence of Peggy's grandson, her family called 911. "Two miles from my home while in the ambulance, I went into full cardiac arrest. I was flown by helicopter to Robert Packer Hospital, where I was unresponsive for four days in the intensive care unit. The nurses and doctors were unable to give my family any hope that I would make it," she said.

Peggy is a very determined woman and she beat the odds. She underwent major heart-bypass surgery. Three days later she went home. "I was terrified. I was afraid to move or to do anything," she said.

In mid-June 2000 she came to Memorial Hospital to begin cardiac rehab with a referral from Dr. Boyek. "If it weren't for the girls in cardiac rehab I would not have made it. They took me from my lowest point to being confident and self-assured. I wouldn't have even considered walking alone before the rehab," she recalls.

"At rehab they taught me to know what my limitations were. They would encourage me to take my time and assured me that I would get better," says Peggy.

Now, six years later, Peggy is 100 percent. "The concepts and information from cardiac rehab are still with me," she says.

"I do my best to eat healthy food and exercise - keep my cholesterol down," she says. "I want to be around to see all of my grandchildren grow up. I want a long, happy life together. I want to live to be 90!" she says. Peggy's heart attack was a life-changing experience. "I am a new person! I feel great. I appreciate my family more. I am not in a hurry. Life is better," she says.

She's busy spending time with her family and traveling and managing her successful business, Sugar Run Marketing. Peggy concludes, "Anyone who has any kind of heart disease is cheating themselves if they don't take advantage of the Cardiac Rehab Program. It is not a luxury - it is a necessity!"

Colleen Close

Thirteen years ago Colleen had a heart attack. She was grocery shopping and began to feel pressure in her chest. She could also feel pressure up her neck - like someone had their hands around her neck. And there was pain down her arm.

"I finished my shopping and went home," she remembers. "One-half hour later I was in the emergency room," she says. Blood work showed signs that Colleen had suffered a heart attack.

"I realized later that I had been exhausted for a couple of weeks before the heart attack," she said. "Women should never ignore the warning signs like I did," she says.

Later a stress test showed a problem. Then a nuclear stress test confirmed a blockage in Colleen's heart. She underwent a heart catherization to correct the problem.

"My heart attack helped me realize that life is short," she says. "I asked myself 'what have I done for me?'"

"Ever since I have been the business of having fun!" she says.

More recently, Colleen again experienced symptoms that concerned her. "I would sit down to read and feel some pain in my chest," she says. She also noticed a sharp pain in her chest when she would lay down.

A stress test concluded there was a problem - again. Colleen was back in the hospital for a heart catherization procedure. "Doctors found a blocked artery and placed a stent to prevent future problems," she said.

With a referral from Dr. Biancarelli, Colleen began cardiac rehab at Memorial Hospital around July 4, 2005. "I really liked it! The nurses are all very friendly and helpful - they never minded answering my questions and they customized my therapy for me and my needs," she says.

In September 2005 Colleen graduated from cardiac rehab. Now she's got her energy back - and she is back in the business of having fun. She enjoys spending time with her family; husband, Richard; children, Scott, Elizabeth, Michael, Kathleen, and Jenelle. Colleen has eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. She lives in Durrell.

Colleen is a talented musician and enjoys singing contemporary Christian music. She's been in Canton, Burlington, Sayre, Towanda and Rome to share her talents. "I really enjoyed singing at Memorial Hospital's talent shows," she says.

"I am so pleased that we have this caliber of hospital in our area," Colleen exclaims. "If your family has a heart history or if you have any symptoms, never hesitate to have yourself checked out by a doctor," she advises.

Collen is proud to say that she will celebrate her 65th birthday in May. Concerning cardiac rehab, Colleen says "It's a good thing!"

Dr. Karen Hoffman

Dr. Karen Hoffman of Hoffman Health Partners in Towanda has always had a special interest in cardiac care and nuclear stress testing.

In January 2006 she accepted the responsibility of becoming the Medical Director of the Cardiac Rehab Program at Memorial Hospital

"The cardiac rehab program offers an excellent environment for a patient to recover from a cardiac event," she says. "The program ensures safe, monitored exercise, patient education, nutritional information, and patients usually feel better physically and emotionally upon completion of their program," she says.

Dr. Hoffman earned her Bachelor of Science degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from Millersville University, Millersville, PA. She continued her education at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and earned her Doctor of Osteopathy. She completed a 3-year residency at the Scranton-Temple Internal Medicine Residency Program. She is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

In November 1999 Dr. Karen Hoffman, along with her husband, Dr. Tim Hoffman, opened Hoffman Health Partners, and began their successful medical practice.

Dr. Karen Hoffman and her husband have two children, Kamri, 5, and Kolby, 3.

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For more information about cardiac services at Memorial Hospital, call the Cardiac Rehab center at 268-2365 or log on to the hospitalÕs web site at www.memorialhospital.org. Dr. Karen Hoffman can be reached at Hoffman Health Partners 268-4096.