Dallas minister credits better quality of life to his Texas Health Rockwall cardiac rehab team

ROCKWALL, Texas- After quadruple bypass surgery, the Rev. Kevin Wood was depleted of energy and optimism, praying for strength to walk from the bedroom to the bathroom and kitchen.

"It was a tough period in my life, and I was in a dark place," Wood said. "Steven Rios and the team at Texas Health Hospital Rockwall changed my life, strengthened my heart and got me back on track."

Wood's heart was weak and needed time to heal, said Rios, M.S., CCRP, CEP, EIM3, cardiac rehab coordinator.

"Recovery after major heart surgery can be a mental and physical challenge," Rios said. "Patients sometimes experience fear, anxiety and depression as they try to navigate life following a cardiac event."

Rios said cardiac rehab can help patients strengthen their bodies in a safe environment. Structured exercise training, nutritional counseling, behavioral health support and cardiovascular education also can improve patients' quality of life, according to the National Library of Medicine.

Building strength, regaining confidence

Wood said he was far from confident when he started cardiac rehab and questioned whether his strength and endurance would return. Less than halfway through his 36 sessions, Wood felt a transformation.

"At that point, I was energized and motivated," Wood said. "I would leave cardiac rehab and immediately walk some more after my session. I knew I was headed in the right direction, and I felt good."

After starting out barely able to walk, Wood was lifting weights and walking on the treadmill at nearly 4 miles an hour on an incline by the end of his cardiac rehab.

"Mr. Wood would often say that the cardiac rehab team was 'doing the kingdom's work' and that resonated with us," Rios said. "He felt that God placed us in his life to help guide him through one of the most difficult seasons he faced."

Wood said his recovery resulted from his strong faith, the power of prayer and the continuous support from his care team at Texas Health Rockwall.

"Their motivation and kindness helped me heal," Wood said. "I feel 20 years younger, and I know the reason is cardiac rehab. The Lord worked through them to save my life."