Logan Memorial Hospital Success Spotlight with Dr. Terry Crafton
February 27, 2024
An initial stint in the Cardio/Pulmonary Rehabilitation program at Logan Memorial Hospital likely saved Dr. Terry Crafton’s stents ‒ and maybe much more.
One year ago, Dr. Crafton, age 67, received two heart stents to alleviate blockages that had caused him to experience shortness of breath, sweating, and a lack of energy. Dr. Crafton, who practiced in the Emergency Department of Logan Memorial Hospital for 18 years ‒ and today is Medical Director of Logan Primary Care-Auburn, Logan County and Todd County EMS, and Logan Memorial Hospital’s Chest Pain Accreditation initiative ‒ initially tried to rehab on his own before coming to Logan Memorial in February for cardiac rehab.
In May, Dr. Crafton noticed similar symptoms and thought he wasn’t working hard enough in rehab. A trip to his cardiologist found plaque buildup in his stents, which required cleaning. Dr. Crafton returned to rehab in August and continues to do so today.
“Cardiac rehab has increased my capacity to do anything,” said Dr. Crafton. “I can walk the steps again. Walking to the boat dock and back doesn’t require a rest.”
He added, “I have been extremely pleased and thankful for the program here at Logan Memorial Hospital. Lana [Kenner] and Gwen [Barnes] are great. They stay on top of all my stats and keep me motivated. Me doing it on my own was NOT going to work.”
His cardiac rehab treatment has consisted mostly of exercising on the treadmill, bike, and elliptical machines. Throughout his time in the program, team members have increased his workload and today, as a graduate, Dr. Crafton has maxed out on all the machines.
Gwen Barnes, a nurse in Logan Memorial’s Cardio/Pulmonary Rehab program, credits Dr. Crafton’s positive attitude for the success of his recovery and that of other patients.
“He keeps everyone positive and upbeat,” said Barnes. “He’s good for morale in cardiac rehab. The other patients look to him for guidance and are always asking questions about their care or family members. When he shows up, ‘the Doctor is in.’”
Dr. Crafton says the progress he’s made while participating in cardiac rehab at Logan Memorial will allow him to get back to doing the things he loves to do.
“I have a lot of fishing to catch up on,” Dr. Crafton noted. “I also have invitations to go caving and looking for artifacts from two years ago that I plan to take. I had to turn down those trips because I wasn’t physically able, and now I am.”
To learn more about Cardio/Pulmonary Rehabilitation at Logan Memorial Hospital, visit loganmemorial.com/cardiopulmonary-rehabilitation or call 270.725.4791.