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25
Summer/Fall 2016
A Life Renewed
PATIENT’S LIFE CHANGED THROUGH GOOD SHEPHERD HEALTH CARE SYSTEM’S CARDIOPULMONARY REHAB PROGRAM
Ras Taylor was at the brink—having had a knee replacement,
hip replacement, been diagnosed with chronic obstructive
pulmonary disorder (COPD), atrial fibrillation (AFib), a
candidate for double feet amputation, and on a handful of
medications—he wasn’t sure where to turn.
“My doctor began to share with me that by changing my
lifestyle, diet and exercise that it could significantly improve
my life,” said Ras. “My doctor started by weaning me off some
of my medications, and at the same time encouraged me to
become a vegetarian, which I did.” She also referred him to
the Cardiopulmonary Rehab Program at
Good Shepherd
Health Care System
in Hermiston.
The program is comprised of exercise, diet, and education
programs supervised by a team of exercise physiologists,
registered nurses, and respiratory therapists—with oversight
from Ed Ricketts, MD, internal medicine physician who
provides physician oversight for the program.
“Everybody can use exercise,” said Dr. Ricketts. “The
benefit of a program such as this is the expert oversight
from a dedicated team that provides constant support and
encouragement—which patients also receive from their
peers that are going through the program with them. It’s also
especially gratifying patients, like Ras, to see how they keep
improving little by little, month after month.”
Paula Hagal and Katie Hubball of the cardiopulmonary
program, exercise physiologist and registered nurse
respectively, worked closely with Ras, providing
encouragement and motivation.
“When Ras first joined the program he was so weak, he lost
his balance easily and had several medical conditions he was
dealing with, but this didn’t deter him from meeting his
goals. He was faithful at meeting his education and exercise
appointments and progressed at a great pace. When you have
a patient that wants to get better and take the necessary
steps with diet and exercise it makes their experience with
us, well—fun. Our patients look forward to coming and
seeing us and we look forward to seeing them” shared Katie
and Paula.
“I feel so much better now than when I first started with the
program,” said Ras. “I’m now able to walk 1.5 miles per day,
alternating walking and my trips to rehab every other day,
and feel better than I have in 15 years. I can ride a stationary
bike, and I use walking poles to help me keep my balance. I
truly owe a lot to the rehab team. Without them guiding and
encouraging me I don’t know if I’d be here today.”
H
Katie Hubball, RN, works with patient Ras Taylor
through the Cardiopulmonary Rehab Program