Darryl's Story
On April 9, 2017, Darryl Wieneke suffered a heart attack.
"According to the doctor, I had one or two before this one that I didn't even know about."
Darryl learned that his heart was functioning at only 20%. He was diabetic, had back issues, and his weight was somewhere around 350 lbs.
Darryl officially began the Crossing Rivers Health Cardiac Rehab program in June, with appointments three times per week.
"My first appointment was scary. I didn't know what to expect. I didn't know if I would be able to do the things they would want me to do. I was close to not even showing up."
After nine weeks of cardiac rehab, Darryl's heart is now functioning at 40%. Since April, he had lost 30 lbs. and on September 22, 2017, Darryl accomplished a goal 30 years in the making: the scale read 299.6 lbs.
"I haven't been under 300 lbs. in 30 years!"
Darryl and his wife both strongly agree that something has worked right.
"I went from today is the tomorrow I worried about yesterday to today is the first day of the rest of my life."
Darryl's ability to perform day-to-day tasks has greatly increased.
"The good people at Crossing Rivers Health Cardiac Rehab made me do things I haven't done in a long time. Before my heart attack, the only thing I wanted to do was eat, sleep, and drink. I didn't want to do anything. I went from the couch to the table. I could hardly even walk. When I started, it took all I had to walk one lap around their track. Now, I can do five."
Darryl also changed his diet.
"A lot of things changed at one time, but I feel good - better than I have in a long time. I have so much more energy than before. The Cardiac Rehab team are great motivators."
Thanks to the energy he now has, Darryl still eats and sleeps, but also has time to enjoy life.
"I am very thankful. I don't think I would be here today if I didn't start the Cardiac Rehab program here at Crossing Rivers Health."
Through a donation to the Crossing Rivers Health Foundation, you can make a difference in the lives of friends, neighbors, and the ones you love.
