Open heart surgery survivor discusses importance of rehabilitation

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - Jerry Torgerson moved to Rapid City two years ago. He was regularly getting his heart checked every two years back home on the West Coast.

However, when he went to see his doctor at Monument Health in August, he was told he would need his mitral valve replaced in his heart.

“He says, ‘You know what Jerry we need to get that valve fixed.’ I said what about if we just do it next year? And he says ‘No, we’re doing it this month.’ He says, ‘You need to do it, you need to get it done,’” said Torgerson.

He realized he had to undergo heart surgery. After surgery, he was required to do cardiac rehabilitation, which Torgerson said wasn’t easy, but he pushed himself to get healthier.

“I wanted to get better, that’s the motivation,” said Torgerson.

Matt Gross, nurse practitioner, at Monument Health, said cardiac rehab is important and can reduce risks.

“Statics associated with participating in cardiac rehab are staggering. You can reduce your risk of future heart attack or stroke by over 50 percent by following some basic rules, surrounding exercise, diet, stress management, sleep, and social support,” said Gross.

Torgerson said he was impressed with the aftercare and support he received from the workers at Monument Health.

“Everything is done so well at Monument Health that I wanted to be a part of the team,” said Torgerson.

Torgerson now works as a valet for the hospital. He said this has helped with his rehabilitation, and he has walked up to 24,000 steps in one shift.

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