A Second Chance

How Cardiac Rehabilitation Helped One New Brunswicker Rebuild Her Life

 

When Pam Boudreau underwent open-heart surgery in September 2024, she knew the procedure would save her life. What she didn't know was how she would regain the confidence to live it.

Born with a congenital heart defect, Pam spent most of her life healthy and active. That changed in late 2023 when she began experiencing symptoms that gradually worsened. By 2024, she learned her heart was failing and that she needed urgent surgery.

At age 57, Pam underwent a Ross procedure at the New Brunswick Heart Centre, a complex operation that replaced two heart valves. Facing such major surgery was overwhelming, but she says she was grateful to receive exceptional care from the cardiac team, including Dr. Pozeg and Dr. Smith. Knowing that advanced cardiac care was available close to home brought comfort not only to Pam but also to her family.

While surgery marked the beginning of her recovery, cardiac rehabilitation became the foundation for rebuilding her strength and confidence.

Like many people recovering from open-heart surgery, Pam found herself wondering how much activity was safe and when she should begin pushing herself again. The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program provided the guidance she needed, helping her gradually regain her physical strength while rebuilding trust in her body.

One of the things that made the program especially meaningful was its personalized approach. Rather than focusing solely on her medical condition, the team took the time to understand her as a person. They provided encouragement throughout her recovery and ensured she had ongoing support whenever questions or concerns arose.

Pam credits her care manager with playing an important role in her recovery, helping coordinate care with her cardiac specialist, arranging additional testing when necessary, and making sure she was progressing safely. Regular follow-up calls, emails, and easy access to the rehabilitation team gave her reassurance that she was never navigating recovery alone.

One lesson from the program continues to guide her every day: "setting small goals."

Recovery didn't happen overnight. Instead, it came through small, meaningful milestones. Her first goals were simply walking around her condominium, then down the hallway, around the building, and eventually venturing out on her own. While those accomplishments might seem modest, each one represented growing strength, confidence, and independence.

Even before her surgery, Pam had been inspired by others who had completed the annual Cardiac Walk, including her younger cousin, who had undergone open-heart surgery just months before she did. Their stories gave her hope during one of the most uncertain times of her life.

As she progressed through rehabilitation, Pam set a goal of her own: to one day participate in the Cardiac Walk.

Just one year and two days after her surgery, she crossed the finish line of the 5K Cardiac Walk.

For Pam, the finish line represented much more than completing a walk. It marked months of determination, healing, and perseverance. It was a powerful reminder of how far she had come and of the dedicated health care professionals who helped make that journey possible.

Although recovery continues and there are still challenges along the way, another lesson from rehabilitation remains with her: "keep moving." Some days bring bigger steps than others, but every step forward matters. Cardiac rehabilitation helped her believe that progress is possible, even when recovery isn't linear.

Her experience has also changed her perspective beyond physical healing. Along the way, Pam developed a renewed appreciation for each day and found a deeper sense of faith, purpose, and gratitude.

Today, she continues to "walk with a purpose." What began as an essential part of her recovery has become a daily reminder of the second chance she was given, the resilience she discovered within herself, and the compassionate team that supported her every step of the way.

For anyone beginning their own recovery journey, Pam hopes her story offers encouragement. She believes in "setting small goals," celebrating every milestone, and trusting the recovery process. One step at a time, remarkable progress is possible.