Rehab jump-start

Business

Related Photos

Photo by Samantha Swindler

Discussion

June 17, 2008

Knox hospital’s 12-week program sees first graduate

Anonymous The Times-Tribune Tue Jun 17, 2008, 08:39 AM EDT

By Samantha Swindler / Managing Editor

He came in wanting to look like Arnold Schwarzenegger, and although he hasn’t quite met his goal, Donald Dizney is leaving Knox County Hospital a much healthier man.

At the end of this month, Dizney — or “Schwarzie” as he is called by the staff — will become the first graduate of Knox County Hospital’s cardio-pulminary rehab program.

The 12-week program first began at Knox County Hospital on May 2 and is designed for those who have had a heart attack, any kind of heart surgery, chronic lung disease, or any other problems with respiratory disfunction.

Dizney, 66, of Barbourville, had triple-bypass surgery on Jan. 2, 2007.

After surgery, he said he was sore, tired and weak, and his doctor recommended the rehab program.

David Moses, manager of the cardio lumniary department, said patients will see a decrease in blood pressure, decrease in heart rate, and an increase in stamima after exercise, and the rehab program allows patients to work out in a safe environment.

“After the surgery, they tend to lose their function and are not very active,” Moses said. “What we do is build their endurence back up.”

Equipment includes two treadmills, one recumbent bike, two hand bikes and two weight machines. Eight patients are currently enrolled in the program.

After about nine weeks in the program, Dizney said he has more energy, and can walk from his car, through the parking lot and to a store without getting winded.

“Let me put it to you this way,” he said. “When I get here in the morning, I feel like hell. When I leave here, I feel like a million bucks.”

But it wasn’t easy to get to this point.

John Coloins, physical therapist, meets with patients and their doctors to determine the appropriate level of physical exertion.

This could be why some of his patients purchase him a plaque that hangs in the workout room — “John’s House of Pain and Prayer” — complete with a bull whip.

John laughed when he said he has jokingly been referred to as “the asassian” by his patients.

But after the pain, he said patients definitely feel the gain. They are able to do simple activities such as house cleaning, gardening or playing with grandchildren without losing their breath.

“They begin to get their lives back,” he said.

What’s unique about the rehab center is the constant monitoring of patients’ progress. Each patient’s blood pressure is checked after a round on a workout machine, and a biotelemetry unit can remotely monitor the heart activity of patients while they use the equipment. Moses and a nurse are nearby with life-saving equipment should it be needed.

“If you look at the cardiovascular risk in Southeastern Kentucky, it’s the sensible thing to do,” said Pharmacy Manager Kim Croley said of the program. “It’s worthwhile for people to do this, especially after a heart event.

“A little bit of pain just shows that actually the heart is healing,” she said.

Often, after a cardiac surgery, patients are afraid to physically exert themselves.

“It’s fear,” she said. “’What if I have another heart attack?’ ‘What if my stint breaks?’”

While recent surgery patients shouldn’t exercise unsupervised or without a doctor’s consent, the Knox County rehab program allows them to get back in shape while in a safe environment.

“When I walked in here, I was flabby,” Dizney said while finishing up a workout Monday morning.

Now, his arms and legs are much stronger, and he doesn’t plan to stop there. Dizney says he plans to join a local gym and keep up with his fitness routine after his rehab days are over.

Text Only

Business

Knox County Chamber recognizes Troll and Toad.Com
This month’s Chamber Spotlight is on TrollAndToad.Com. Chamber leaders recognized TrollAndToad.Com as an important member of the local community, and decided to seek out more information about the company.

February 23, 2012
Cottongim Drug closes doors
A downtown Corbin landmark has closed. Cottongim Drug, the last “drug store” on Main Street, closed Monday.

January 11, 2012
Work continues to renovate bank branch slated for consolidation
An interior design change has delayed the completion of renovations to the Cumberland Valley National Bank branch on Falls Road and the closure of the bank’s downtown Corbin branch.

January 3, 2012 1 Photo
Owner turns passion for archery into Corbin business
Jon Brummet, owner of True Flight Indoor Archery, a recently-open business in Corbin, spent eight years in the Navy and after being medically discharged found himself back home in Corbin recovering on the couch.

January 2, 2012 1 Photo
Wmsbrg. Tractor Supply Company store to open today
The new Tractor Supply Company store in Williamsburg is set to open today, according to Rob Hoskins, a company spokesman.

November 7, 2011
MRI Research Institute earns ACR accreditation
The MRI Research Institute has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

September 30, 2011
New store to hire about 20
Jobs are coming to Whitley County and if you are looking for temporary work with the possibility of a permanent hire, this might be for you, said Stephen Crowe, the new store manager for the Tractor Supply store opening soon in Williamsburg.

September 22, 2011
BPD honored with Patriot Award
The Barbourville Police Department, was recently honored with a Patriot Award. The award recognizes employers for employment policies and practices that are supportive of employee participation in the National Guard and Reserve.

September 16, 2011
CSX foreman honored with Patriot Award
CSX general car foreman Jerrod Cavanaugh was recently honored with a Patriot Award. The award recognizes employers for employment policies and practices that are supportive of employee participation in the National Guard and Reserve.

September 15, 2011 1 Photo
Howard joins Freeman and Childers staff
Freeman and Childers is pleased to announce the addition of Aaron Howard to their law office in Corbin.

September 1, 2011 1 Photo
More Business Headlines

Business

Search Results

Related Photos

Discussion

Rehab jump-start

Knox hospital’s 12-week program sees first graduate

Site Map

Contact Us