Meridian Health

When Richard Rufalo Sr. and his wife, Jean, of Brick, took their wedding vows 54 years ago, they had no idea that "in sickness and in health" would play such an integral part in their lives. Together they would learn to live with chronic health conditions that could easily wear a person down. With a shared sense of humor and the strength of their love, the couple is taking it one day at a time and managing their health conditions so that they can enjoy life together.

 

Matters of the Heart

Richard, 75, has dealt with heart problems for more than 14 years, dating back to 1997 when he required open heart surgery. Even after such a serious surgical procedure, he continued smoking four to five packs a day, a habit he had for 40 years. This only antagonized the condition, and he finally quit in 2003.

By then, however, the smoking had already done its damage. He began developing severe problems again in early 2010. Richard was retaining fluid, had chest pain,and found it impossible to breathe. When reflecting on that moment in his life, Richard jokes, "Jean just took my breath away."

Richard sought help from cardiologists affiliated with Ocean Medical Center and Meridian CardioVascular Network. He was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, or CHF.

 

Understanding CHF

With CHF, the heart does not work as efficiently as it used to. It has trouble pumping out enough blood to meet your body's needs.

"In congestive heart failure, the body retains more fluid,which causes the ankles and legs to swell," explains Arnold Schonmuller, M.D., one of Richard's physicians. "Fluid also collects in the lungs, resulting in shortness of breath."

While CHF can't be cured, it can be managed with diet, exercise, and medication. Richard first participated in Ocean Medical Center's Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program. This exercise and educational program is monitored by Medical Center staff and is designed to help patients improve the function of their heart, learn about their illness, and boost lung function.

After completing Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation,Richard transitioned to the Step Up Program. This program involves group exercise to continue improving the function of the heart and lungs, while monitoring blood pressure and heart rate. After graduating from Step Up, Richard joined Meridian Life Fitness, which is located within the Medical Center, where he continues an independent fitness routine. 

"I like it because you are under medical supervision and at the hospital if anything happens," says Richard. Jean can see the difference that the program has made for her husband, as he's built up his body strength in his legs and arms.

"Richard has come a long way," says Margot Heckler, a fitness specialist at Meridian Life Fitness in Brick. "His motivation, enthusiasm, and positive attitude have had a lot to do with his improvement."

 

Getting Through It Together

Richard hasn't been alone throughout his ordeal. Jean has been by his side and had to face her own health problems as well. In May 2010, she began experiencing breathing difficulty and required the care of a pulmonologist and cardiologist.

Like her husband, Jean, 71, was diagnosed with CHF. But unlike her husband, she never smoked cigarettes. Jean is convinced that her condition was brought on by secondhand smoke. "If sharing our story stops one person from smoking, then it's worth it."

In addition to relying on their doctors and Ocean Medical Center for their CHF, both Richard and Jean have used Ocean Medical Center and Meridian Health for many other services, including emergency care, lab work, surgery,and Meridian At Home.

"Everyone is wonderful, helping when you need it most," says Jean. "They are kind, take time to listen to you, and follow up."

Meet the Doctor

Arnold Schonmuller, M.D.
Board certified in Cardiovascular Disease & Internal Medicine
Toms River | 732-240-3700