After a series of unexpected cardiac events, Barry Stevens found himself facing a long road to recovery. What began with an emergency room visit in November for an atrial flutter quickly led to multiple procedures, including cardioversion and two cardiac catheterizations.
“I had three stents placed on the left side of my heart,” Barry shared. “Then I came down with COVID, recovered, dealt with an infected tooth, and went back for a second procedure with three more stents on the right side.”
By February, his care team recommended Phase II Cardiac Rehabilitation at Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics, a program designed to support recovery through monitored exercise and personalized education.
“They told me it would restore my confidence,” Barry said, “and that really stuck with me.”
He began the program in early March at Stewart Memorial, working closely with registered nurses Shelly Hammen and Sarah Mowrey. From the start, Barry felt at ease. “Within five minutes of meeting Sarah, I said, ‘We’re going to get along very well,’” he recalled.
Phase II cardiac rehab includes individualized exercise sessions, typically lasting one hour, two to three times per week, along with education on heart health, lifestyle changes, nutrition, and medication management. Each session is carefully monitored to ensure patient safety while building strength and endurance. For Barry, the program quickly became both a physical and personal challenge.
“It started out as baby steps,” he said, “but I told them, I want a challenge.”
That mindset created a strong partnership with his care team, often with a sense of humor mixed in. “I told them, ‘You haven’t made me sweat yet,’” Barry said. “They said, ‘Challenge accepted.’” With guidance and encouragement, he steadily increased his activity level, progressing from light walking to more intensive workouts. “It’s a good workout,” he added. “I started at a lower pace, and now I’m at a 6% incline and 3.5 miles an hour.”
What kept Barry motivated was a goal that meant a great deal to him – getting back to the mountains. “my goal was to go to Alaska in June and then to Colorado, I want to be able to hike.” he said. Having spent time near Rocky Mountain National Park in the past, Barry was determined to return and fully experience it. “We’ve been out there, and it’s beautiful,” he said. “I told them, we’ve got to do this.”
Equally important to Barry was the environment at Stewart Memorial. “There’s no stress. Absolutely stress-free,” he said. “Everyone’s relaxed, laughing, and encouraging each other.” That supportive atmosphere played a key role in his recovery, helping him recognize an important turning point. “A few weeks in, I started pushing myself, sweating, and felt good doing it,” he said. “That’s when I knew it was working.”
Since beginning cardiac rehabilitation, Barry has lost more than 30 pounds, reduced his reliance on medication, and returned to the activities he enjoys most.
“I’m back to golfing, mowing, and doing everything I want to do,” he said. And with his progress, that goal of hiking in Colorado no longer feels out of reach. “Now it feels like I’ll be able to do that,” he said.
Barry credits the team at Stewart Memorial for helping him regain both his health and confidence. “They’re fantastic,” he said. “It feels like family when you walk in the door.” For others who may feel uncertain about starting cardiac rehabilitation, his advice is simple: “Just go with it.”
