I would like to give a heartfelt thanks to FirstHealth for its assistance in my care while I was in the hospital and with my followup referral to MooreCAP and Melinda Wallace.

Ms. Wallace evaluated my situation with my monthly disability income and prescription costs of $400 a month. She did the paperwork and was such a help that I am humbled to have received her assistance.

For years, I have been struggling to make ends meet money-wise, as my medical issues are severe. Dr. (Thomas) Lineberger and his nurse have also been integral in directing me to Ms. Wallace. As my primary care physician, Dr. Lineberger and his team, I can safely say, have saved my life.

I have received the fruit of Ms. Wallace’s work in a way I could have never expected. Her help in lowering my prescription costs has allowed me to get a long-needed medical lift chair and a fourwheeled walker with a seat. I will never forget her for this kindness.

Her actions have made my life of independence much more possible. The team of care workers from Dr. Lineberger and his staff and the quality of care and aftercare from FirstHealth nurses have made my life a bit easier, and I thank them for that.

As I am a nurse, I say to all the nurses, CNAs, lab folks and housekeeping, bless you for your kindness.

William “Bill” Craig
Southern Pines

This type of program was not available at the time, so for one year I lived in constant fear of overdoing anything while still trying to make a living. I have had stents put in over the years but, under the conditions, have led a pretty normal life.

In December of 2004, on Christmas Eve, I had congestive heart failure. When I had my heart attack, I thought it was indigestion. But let me tell you, when you can’t breathe, there is no doubt what is happening.

I was scared and upset after seeming to have conquered my heart condition over the years. Diuretics were prescribed to help alleviate the problem, but I was told that I must lose some weight. I asked my doctor if there was a good health club in the area. My doctor recommended the Cardiac Rehabilitation program at FirstHealth and set up an appointment for me.

I went in and talked to the nurse and was not sold on the program at all. I wanted to work out with weights “like a man.” I had already lost some weight on my own, so I did not believe I needed the aerobics at all. I was told my insurance would cover the cost, so I told her I would try the program, but I was not looking forward to it.

I am also a diabetic and was taking 65cc a day of Humilin 500, which is five times stronger than the normal insulin. I was 258 pounds in February 2004 and started the program in March at about 246 pounds. I was not convinced after the first week that I was going to stay. What made me come back was the staff. They seemed to let you go at your own pace, but you knew they were watching, monitoring and nudging you to your best. They all seemed to genuinely care about all the participants, no matter what their level of exercise was.

After two weeks, the “man thing” was gone. This was work, and it felt good. I was actually beginning to see my capabilities and, at the same time, my limitations. I met with the various professionals from the program at scheduled times during my rehabilitation. They counseled me on my progress, limitations and diet so that I could see my strengths and weaknesses. These sessions gave me the opportunity to ask questions and help me design a program that was best suited for me. They explained things I had never heard from my doctors in the 10 years since my heart attack.

(At the time of this writing) I am about to graduate from the program. I now weigh 223 pounds. I am working with weights and doing my cardiovascular workouts daily. I feel better, look better and have more self-esteem. The progress I have described would have been more than enough benefit for my participation in the program. But there was another benefit that I have derived from the program, which I am not sure anyone expected. I have gone from 65cc of five-to-one insulin a day to 5cc a day and some days none. I have now started on pills and will probably be off the insulin by the end of the program.

This program has taught me what needs to be done by the actual progress I have made personally. I have now seen and experienced personally what I have heard for years: diet, exercise, sleep, etc. For the first time, I was shown how to put it all together and have seen the combined effect on my health. I am now in control of my life. I have made the change, know the benefits and have no excuse for the future. The program works, and I am confident that it will ultimately reduce my risks of future medical issues.

I would hate to think anyone with a heart condition would be denied this program because their insurance company did not see the long-range benefits to the patient. I can tell you I was more afraid with congestive heart failure than my heart attack for, as I said, when you can’t breathe, you know it’s serious. Once you go through this program, you not only learn your physical limitations and the need to exercise, which is evident from the progress you made, but you also get your selfesteem back and become a much more productive member of society, and that is good for everyone.

Thank you again for your guidance, support
and caring.

Norman E. Brown
Pinehurst

I knew from the moment she was carried in how dire the situation was and began calling for a helicopter while looking up the medication dosage while the nurses got her situated. The nurses were outstanding, and Respiratory Therapy was great. Lab and X-ray were very responsive, too.

Veronica Lisenby, R.N., was great in helping care for the patient and at enlisting the help of the family at mixing the anti-venom since it is a tedious, slow process, but a vital job. Very smart! Having it made up would be vital to the patient’s survival, and it made the family feel like they were helping when they felt helpless otherwise.

Levon Shephard, R.N., and Kay Collins, R.N., helped get the patient attached to monitors, IVs started, clothes off, etc., even while she was very ill. They stayed cool and collected despite the potential for disaster in this previously healthy woman.

Respiratory Therapist Susan Blalock assisted me with the intubation, which I had anticipated to be difficult since the patient’s tongue had swollen a lot in a very short period of time. Lab had blood typed and crossed in short order. X-ray, as usual, was on the ball.

It was pure joy to work with such a great emergency medicine team that night. I was psyched for hours. They really saved that girl’s life. She would have died without their help, and they did it with style. As we said in the Navy, “Bravo Zulu!”

David Dubois, M.D.
Sandhills Emergency Physicians

We do appreciate the fine work your employees do in helping us combat this insidious disease.

Paul S. Morton Jr.
Pinehurst

An awesome experience. Then it got better.

Dr. Fabian Alzamora was very professional, explaining everything to my friends and me. In addition, he was very personable. I felt that I was in great hands. I have not had any pain or problems.

I had an excellent experience at Moore Regional Hospital. Keep up the good work.

William Oliver
New Orleans, La.