Off the transplant list after a Wonthaggi program turned his heart around
After five heart attacks and six per cent heart function Andrew Johns is off the transplant list thanks to a Wonthaggi Hospital program.
ANDREW Johns was told by his cardiologist to call his family after his fifth heart attack because he may not be alive the next day.
Seven years and five heart attacks had left his heart working at just six per cent capacity and the Wonthaggi Hospital patient was facing a transplant.
Three years on the hospital’s cardiac rehabilitation program and a review of his medication have taken the grandfather off the transplant waiting list.
His heart is now functioning well.
“As far as I’m concerned, the cardiac rehabilitation program saved my life,” Mr Johns said.
“After my last heart attack, my cardiologist at The Alfred told me to call my family because I may not be here tomorrow.
“Now look where I am.”
Participants meet every Thursday in the physiotherapy gymnasium at the hospital where Mr Johns works through a treadmill, an arm-driven ergometer and weights under the supervision of cardiac clinical nurse consultants.
An hour of exercise is followed by an education session covering medication, diet and energy conservation, with social workers and other clinicians speaking to the group.
“Having this program so close to home is the best thing ever,” he said.
“At first I wasn’t allowed to drive because I was at risk of having another heart episode.
“If I had to catch a bus to Melbourne to do this program, I wouldn’t have been able to do it.
“Now I’m an inspiration to other members of the rehabilitation program to keep coming.
“I explain to them where I’ve been and where I am now because of this program.
“My cardiologist said he’s never read of someone coming back from having a heart with just six per cent of its function.
“I can’t speak highly enough of the rehabilitation program.”
Mr Johns was taken to Wonthaggi Hospital’s emergency department after each heart attack before being transferred to The Alfred in Melbourne.
He has nothing but praise for both hospitals, which are now run by Bayside Health.
The health service was formed in January through the merger of five services including Alfred Health and Bass Coast Health.
Korumburra Hospital also runs a cardiac rehabilitation program and at Kooweerup Hospital the strength and balance group and community exercise group may suit eligible people with cardiology conditions.
The program was highlighted for World Heart Day on Tuesday September 29.
Details of all three services are at baysidehealth.org.au and heart health information is at heartfoundation.org.au.
