Pioneer Memorial

When Jerry Andal, Centerville, suffered a heart attack on February 23, 2009 and underwent bypass surgery, he had no idea he’d be back in the field in time for planting.

He attributes his recovery to an excellent surgeon and the care he received at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, and to his Cardiac Rehab program at Pioneer Memorial Hospital & Health Services. According to Andal, “Anyone who goes through heart surgery absolutely needs to participate in a Cardiac Rehab program like they offer at Pioneer Memorial. It’s very important to your recovery.”

Pioneer Memorial has always been his family’s hospital, so when he suffered a heart attack last February, Jerry was brought to Pioneer Memorial Hospital’s emergency room in Viborg and stabilized before being airlifted to Sanford Health in Sioux Falls. Once there, he underwent surgery for six bypasses by cardiac surgeon, Dr. Verlyn Nykamp. Jerry added, “I received extraordinary care at Sanford Health. The doctors and nurses and technicians involved were all careful to keep me informed about what they were doing, and were professional in their care.”

His Sanford physician placed Jerry in a Phase I Cardiac Rehab program while at Sanford. Before releasing him, the physician recommended Jerry continue with Cardiac Rehab as an outpatient, and gave him the option of participating in a program closer to his home. Jerry was pleased to know he could participate in Pioneer Memorial Hospital & Health Services Cardiac Rehab program just a few miles from his house. “It sure beats traveling 80 miles or more three times a week.”

Andal added, “I thoroughly appreciated the Cardiac Rehab program at Pioneer Memorial. I learned a lot. They got me on an exercise program, taught me everything I needed to know about heart disease and what to look for, and how to improve my nutrition. They monitor you very closely while you are exercising, and put you at ease. The rehab program helps get your cardiovascular system running again.”

For six to eight weeks after leaving the hospital, Jerry spent about one hour three days a week in Pioneer Memorial‘s Cardiac Rehab program. He’d begin with the treadmill at a moderate pace, then exercise on the NuStep and lift weights. Cerrisa John, RN, Cardiac Rehab Coordinator, explained, “Each time a patient comes to exercise the intensity and duration is increased depending on their stage of recuperation. During these sessions, heart rate, heart rhythm, blood pressure and oxygen levels are carefully monitored. When the program is completed, a home exercise plan is prescribed for each individual patient.”

In addition to the exercise programs, each session of the Cardiac Rehab program also includes individualized education on cardiovascular risk factors. Arrangements are made for patients to meet with a dietician to assist them in their nutrition program.

Jerry continues to follow his exercise plan at home, and he and wife, Linda, enjoy walking when weather permits. He explains his pace is about two and a half miles an hour. When the weather turns bad, they use a treadmill.
Andal concluded, “I learned so much, from Cerrisa and others who helped with the sessions. I absolutely believe the Cardiac Rehab program helped speed my recovery. I had surgery in February and started planting my fields in April. Of course, I checked with my surgeon first, who gave me the go ahead to get back to work.

While in the hospital, Jerry was diagnosed with diabetes so he also took advantage of Pioneer Memorial’s diabetes management and education programs. “I recommend this program as well for anyone who has diabetes. They do an excellent job of educating you and providing you with the tools you need to manage the disease.”

A practical man, Jerry explains, “You have to know your limits. My doctor told me your body will let you know what it’s capable of, and I found out that’s true. Of course to Jerry, that means continuing to farm nearly 900 acres with one part-time hired man. In addition to farming, Jerry also runs an ag retail business out of his machine shed, selling starter fertilizer, land oil, seed corn and seed beans. “The first time I went back to the surgeon for a check-up, I was hoping he’d give me an all clear, so I decided I’d see if I could lift one of those 50 lb bags of seed beans. I told the doctor I felt pretty good doing it. He checked me out and gave me the all clear to go back to work.”

2009 was an eventful year in many ways for Jerry. After recovering from a heart attack, he had a combine burn up on him during bean harvest, then the wet fall and recent snowstorms caught him with almost 300 acres of corn still in the field. Undaunted, he replaced his combine, waited for the county maintainer to help clear the snowdrifts from the road leading to his land, and headed out to the field to harvest the rest of his crop.

Nothing seems to keep his spirits down. “I feel great. The yield on our crops has been outstanding. The sun is supposed to be shining tomorrow and even though they’re forecasting rain or snow in a few days, I’ll be taking the day off to go to Brookings for a very important occasion. I’ll be helping my only grandson celebrate his first birthday.” For more information on the Cardiac Rehab program at Pioneer Memorial Hospital & Health Services, contact Cerrisa John, RN at (605) 326-5161, extension 3010.