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Celebrate The Heart: Patient Praises Cardiac Rehab

Date: Thursday, March 01, 2012 - 10:17 AM

When Don Riehl, 80, went from biking 30 miles to eight miles, he knew something was wrong. Don was told he needed to have an aortic valve replacement in September 2011, and was optimistic that all would go well. After a successful surgery at the University of Michigan, he chose to trust his recovery to the specialists at Garden City Hospital and it has paid off. Just months after his surgery, Don is back to engaging in the activities he thought he would never be able to do again.

“Garden City Hospital’s Cardiac Rehab program is excellent and has been a true life saver,” said Don. “Without the staff and the program, I wouldn’t be here. There is no doubt about it; they have made a huge impact in my life. The entire group feels like one big family. We support one another.”

Don’s first encounter with Garden City Hospital occurred in 1993, when he first joined cardiac rehab following a quadruple bypass, which he had in 1989. He has been coming multiple times a week, almost regularly, since then using the rowing machine, bike, elliptical and weights.

“Generally bypasses only last 20 years, before another is needed,” explained Don. “My cardiologist, Dr. Papasifakis, attributed much of my success to the fact that I have been working out and have worked up collateral buildup.”

No stranger to physical activity, Don, a Westland resident, was a football coach for Thurston High School for 44 years. “Although I was always active in my life, I was a roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy man,” said Don. “My lifestyle needed to be altered in more ways than just adding cardiac activity. I watch my diet. It makes a huge difference.”

If Don could say one thing to someone considering cardiac rehab, he would highly urge them to take the time and do it. “I want to encourage everyone to begin or continue the program. The effects of not doing so are unfortunate. It has made a great difference in my life and it can for others too.”