Carter County resident celebrates a second chance through UK St. Claire Cardiac Rehabilitation
For Carter County resident Phillip “PR” James, June 5 marked one year since the life-saving surgery that gave him a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and a second chance at life. After completing 72 cardiac rehabilitation sessions at UK St. Claire, he is sharing his story to encourage others facing serious heart conditions.
Before surgery, James struggled with severe congestive heart failure.
“I had a really hard time breathing,” he said. “The doctors told me I had two choices—a heart transplant or an LVAD. They didn't think I would live long enough to wait for a transplant.”
Following his diagnosis, James’ cardiologist, Ahmad H.M. Abuarquob, MD, referred him to specialists at UK HealthCare for LVAD surgery. The surgery was successful, but recovery was just beginning. When it came time to choose a cardiac rehabilitation program, James didn't have to look far. Former patients had already shared how much they had benefited from UK St. Claire's Cardiac Rehabilitation program.
“A lot of people talked about the improvements they made through the program,” James said.
Encouraged by those recommendations, James enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation with three goals: rebuild his strength, improve his balance and manage his weight. The rehabilitation team developed an exercise plan tailored to his needs, teaching him how much activity he could safely tolerate while allowing him to progress at his own pace.
The results have been remarkable.
“My strength and endurance are a lot better,” James said. “I went from using a wheelchair to a walker, then a cane and now I'm walking entirely on my own.”
In addition to regaining his strength, James has adopted healthier habits, improved his endurance and regained his independence. While he knows living with heart disease is an ongoing journey, he said cardiac rehabilitation has made a meaningful difference in his recovery.
One year after surgery, James said he is grateful for how far he has come.
"I am just so glad to be here," he said.
