57-year-old James Butkowski of Kenmore is a heart failure survivor with a cardiac rehabilitation success story. James, a contractor, never had any major health problems. Aside from the occasional bump or bruise, he also did not take medication of any type. In the summer of 2021, he began, ‘to feel a little off.’ By September, he had trouble breathing and noticed swelling in his hands and feet.

A Life Saving Team

James checked himself into the Emergency Department at Kenmore Mercy Hospital for fluid retention in his chest. There, he was told he was suffering from congestive heart failure. He was immediately transferred to the Heart Center at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo where he underwent valve replacement surgery.

“The biggest problem was that my ejection fraction of my heart was 25%, which is really low, it’s supposed to be 65%,” James shared in a recent interview. “I was pretty scared about that and there’s really no way to tell if it would come back, just time and the way that you live your life will tell.”

The Road To Recovery

The procedure was a success, but James still had a long road of recovery ahead. His team suggested cardiac rehab, a monitored exercise program tailored for patients to help strengthen the heart and restore their quality of life.

Working with the cardiac rehab therapists at the Sisters Metabolic Center, the team developed a plan based on James’ current condition. The therapists, located on the Sisters Hospital, St. Joseph Campus, worked toward the end goal of improving the health of his heart and getting him back to a healthy baseline.

“From day one, Jim was one of those patients we had to slow down instead of getting him to speed up,” said cardiac therapist, Adrianna Cesario. “We had to change the mind frame and start slow and rebuild the strength of your heart safely.”

Back On Track with Cardiac Rehab

After 36 sessions, James was evaluated by his cardiologist and received remarkable news. James’ heart, once functioning at 25% was now functioning at 60%. This was news his doctor does not get to share often.

James is thankful to everyone who helped him along the way. From diagnosis to healing, and recovery. But he credits the cardiac rehabilitation team at the Metabolic Center for getting his heart and his health back on the right track.  

“It’s a slow progress but it’s remarkable that my heart is back to almost full function,” shared James. “It makes your heart stronger, makes your body work and function better – it’s a pretty big recovery I would say!”

Learn About Cardiac Rehab at
Sisters Metabolic Center for Wellness
Call (716) 891-2703

Learn About Cardiac Rehab at
Sisters Metabolic Center for Wellness
Call (716) 891-2703