Jack Thomas
Age: 74 |
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November, 2003
A Community Leader for Advocacy of Heart Disease Prevention
Jack Thomas, a survivor of heart disease himself, leads York County as a volunteer in advocating for heart disease prevention. Jack serves as president of the local chapter of the Mended Hearts, Inc., which is based at Piedmont Medical Center in Rock Hill. Jack and his wife Susan have been instrumental in providing support and education for persons and their families suffering from cardiovascular disease in their community. They provide support to patients and family members through visitation in the hospital during acute episodes of cardiac disease. They also talk with patients participating in their cardiac rehabilitation and encourage them to embrace a healthy lifestyle. Jacks struggle with heart disease recovery is one that will be recognized by anyone experiencing this life-threatening event. Now - his story.
I had not seen the need for a healthy diet or exercise. My diet was typical Southern: sausage biscuit and gravy for breakfast, fried chicken mashed potatoes and gravy when available and heavy desserts most days. My regular exercise consisted of going outside to smoke and getting out of bed to go to work! Then one day, during a routine physical, my doctor asked if I had any problems. I casually mentioned shortness of breath (which I attributed to 40 years as a smoker - even though I had quit 4 years prior), sleep deprivation, and a little feeling of pressure or heaviness in the chest. Doc said "let's do and EKG", and the next thing I knew, I was confronted with atrial fibrillation! Off to the cardiologist I went!
After an echocardiogram and stress test the doc recommended a heart catheritzation. So, OK! The next thing I knew, I was in Piedmont's CV-telemetry unit with five stab wounds and a sore breast bone. I had undegone a 4-vessel coronary bypass graft surgery!
The "widow maker" (left anterior descending artery) was 60% blocked and unless it was fixed, I could have lived 6 more days, 6 more years or possibly say goodbye in 6 hours. So it was necessary to have the surgery. Although this was a severe blow to my ego, I had a morale boost when I learned there was no damage to the heart muscle.
After 6 weeks of long recovery at home, it was off to the hallowed halls of cardiac rehabilitation. It took a magnificent effort on the part of the rehab staff to convert me to regular exercise and heart healthy eating which I once thought to be a passing fancy or some fad or "the thing to do to be in the IN crowd". Today through practicing what I learned, I have more energy and feel better than I have for a number of years. I'm dedicated to a heart healthy diet plus a daily exercise routine.
Since my recovery, I've been absorbed into a heart support group known as Mended Hearts, Inc., or the "zipper club". This group of young at heart people who have cardiac disease and often cardiac surgery, are living reminders that you can survive heart disease.
Mended Hearts supports volunteers nationwide and proudly raise the banner of "It's great to be alive and helping others". Author Tom Gunnels said "It is impossible to be down if you are helping someone else up. So stay encouraged by encouraging others".
Active support group volunteers don't have time to sit and worry. I've found volunteering a means to reduce my stress, especially in this troubled time in our world. My advice to those who have heart disease is to listen to your medical doctors but also practice what you learn from the dietitians, exercise specialists and others involved in your recovery and continued wellness. You may not live forever, but you will feel better and have a better quality of life while you are alive."
If you would like to contact Jack, or get involved in the Mended Hearts support group, please call Piedmont Medical Center's Cardiac Rehabilitation program at 803-985-4651.
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