When Susan Hausladen made a Clinic appointment for what she thought was RSV, she never expected her provider would discover an underlying issue, leading to a series of medical events that would change her life.
During Susan’s initial appointment with Connor Hedstrom, DO, he identified pneumonia as the cause of her symptoms and ordered a chest X-ray. In addition to pneumonia, the results of the X-ray revealed a mitral valve issue, which required open-heart surgery at Abbott Hospital to replace the valve.
While Susan’s first surgery in May 2024 was successful, complications quickly arose, and she experienced heart failure during a second surgery. Her expected five-day hospital stay turned into three weeks, and she later required a pacemaker before transitioning to GlenFields Living with Care for rehabilitation.
“I could barely move when I arrived at GlenFields,” Susan recalled. “But the team there was so helpful. Through physical and occupational therapy, I gained my strength back. I never thought I’d be able to walk to the dining room for meals, but I did that—and more—before I left.”
With her determination and the support of our dedicated team, Susan made remarkable progress. By July, she was strong enough to return home and continue her recovery with home health care. Then, in August, she began the next crucial step in her journey: therapy with Cardiac Rehab registered nurse Shelly Krcil, BSN, RN.
“I could not have asked for a better therapist,” Susan said of Shelly. “She worked me very hard, but she also made me understand how important it was to do things outside of my comfort zone. Even when it was hard, I knew I needed to complete the program to save my life.”
For Shelly, seeing patients like Susan regain their confidence and independence is what makes her work so rewarding. “Cardiac Rehab isn’t just about physical recovery — it’s about restoring quality of life,” Shelly said. “Our team is here to guide and support patients, helping them build strength and resilience. Seeing Susan’s progress was truly inspiring.”
When Susan arrived for her first appointment, she was reliant on a walker and supplemental oxygen, and was able to walk for five minutes on the treadmill. Shelly helped Susan gradually build up her strength by utilizing a recumbent stepper called a NuStep, which helped Susan engage in cardiovascular exercise safely. In addition to utilizing the treadmill and NuStep at each session, Shelly also incorporated resistance bands and seated exercises to further increase Susan’s strength. Twice a week, Susan participated in weight training. Overall, Susan participated in all 36 sessions of our Cardiac Rehab program, coming in for three sessions each week. By the end of the program, Susan was able to walk for 17 minutes on the treadmill.
“Research has shown that completing at least 25 sessions of Cardiac Rehab significantly improves outcomes, which we see firsthand for patients like Susan, who made incredible progress throughout the program,” said Shelly. “Cardiac Rehab is an essential tool for those recovering from heart procedures and cardiac events.”
In addition to physical exercises, Cardiac Rehab includes education about how to keep patients’ heart healthy, including making heart-healthy diet choices. Socialization also plays a key role in patients’ healing.
“In part, it becomes a social outing,” said Shelly. “Even after graduating from the program, often patients will stop in to say hi and say that they miss Cardiac Rehab. We spend an hour with folks three times a week, and really get to know them. We’re helping them physically, but there’s a mental and emotional component in getting to connect with others and realizing you’re not alone in the challenges you’re facing.”
After months of hard work, Susan officially graduated from the Cardiac Rehab program in November 2024.
“The team at Glencoe Regional Health made sure I had all the information I needed and always answered my questions,” she said. “They were thorough, supportive, and truly cared about my well-being.”
For Director of Rehab Services Clark Christianson, PT, ScD, it’s stories like Susan’s that exemplify the very reason his team is so dedicated to this community.
“It’s our goal to provide patients with the tools and support they need to rebuild strength and lead fulfilled lives,” he said. “Susan’s journey is a testament to the expertise and compassion of our staff, and we are honored to be part of her recovery.”
Today, Susan is back to enjoying the things she loves — visiting the lake, baking birthday cookies, and hosting holidays for her family. She credits her recovery to the support of her sons, the prayers and well-wishes of family and friends, and the exceptional care she received with us at Glencoe Regional Health.
“If you ever have the opportunity to work with the team at Glencoe Regional Health, take it,” said Susan. “They have been so very helpful.”
Medicare Part B covers Cardiac Rehab programs for patients who have experienced at least one of the following conditions:
- A heart attack in the last 12 months
- Coronary artery bypass surgery
- Current stable angina (chest pain)
- A heart valve repair or replacement
- A coronary angioplasty or coronary stenting
- A heart or heart-lung transplant
- Stable chronic heart failure
Even if time has passed since a cardiac event, it’s not too late to seek the benefits of a structured Cardiac Rehab program. Cardiac Rehab not only improves heart health, but also enhances quality of life, reduces the risk of future heart issues, and fosters long-term well-being. If you’re interested in beginning Cardiac Rehab, contact your insurance provider to discuss coverage.
