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Brockville General Hospital |
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News Release |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Brockville—August 26th will be a special day for former Brockville mayor Ben Tekamp. Participating in the Care and Share Golf Tournament at the Brockville Highlands Golf Club will be the first game he’s played since his heart surgery in May. “This all started with golf,” says Tekamp. “I had gone to Myrtle Beach with friends for a week of golf, but on the first day I felt really unwell on the course. It lasted all week so I didn’t play golf at all down there. On the way home, at the first rest area, I collapsed. My friends drove me straight back here to the Brockville General Hospital (BGH) Emergency, and in half an hour I was on my way to the Heart Institute in Ottawa.” His journey was just beginning. The angiogram showed that Tekamp’s arteries were 90% blocked. Surgery was needed immediately and scheduled for a few days later. “My doctor said I was lucky to be there, that my circulation was so minimal. They didn’t expect me to survive. That’s a traumatic moment for you,” he adds, “and the anxiety sets in. The Heart Institute has excellent care and part of that is how thoroughly they explain the process. They answered all of my questions and that helped me overcome my reluctance to have the bypass operation.” The operation took five hours and was successful, but—as Tekamp points out—is only corrective action. “It doesn’t fix the original problem. My blood clots were still there.” With rehab and continued lifestyle changes in order, Ben Tekamp joined the Brockville Cardiovascular Program (BCP) at BGH. “It isn’t until it affects you that you realize the importance of the BCP,” he explains. “Ottawa had a rehab program but the BCP was right here. No long drives, no losing half a day, no major parking fees. The doctors in Ottawa said no problem, so I switched to here at the BCP. Much more convenient and much less costly.” Currently, Tekamp is in his third week of a 12-week program, and has already seen significant progress. “I remember thinking, ‘Wait a minute...I just had heart surgery, and you want me to get on a bicycle and a treadmill?’” he laughs. “But they were right. My first session, my pulse rate wasn’t over 77. Dr. Steyn wanted me to increase it. Yesterday, I hit 104, and I’m aiming for 130. I’m now getting my second wind on the treadmill. The objective is always to raise the bar.” Tekamp says the staff at the BCP “is very cognizant of your condition. They check your blood pressure, heart rate and blood sugar before and after your workout. When you are working out, they monitor your heart rate. They ask how you feel, the level of difficulty—telling you to do what you feel you can handle.” Ben Tekamp’s lifestyle has changed dramatically. “Now in many ways, my situation was unique. I’ve been a diabetic for 22 years and had a kidney transplant. My heart condition was a result of my lifestyle in the 1980s. I travelled a lot, and was overweight at 258 pounds. I broke all the rules. Based on what the doctor said, I wouldn’t be here today. I’ve lost 28 pounds so far, and I’ve never felt better in my life. I’m seeing a dietician now, too. “I’d like to get a message to people,” he continues. “You don’t have to be here. All you have to do is follow the rules. It’s taken me 60 years to realize this. There are rules to life and we need to follow them. If breaking the rules of life means going through the hell I did to get well, it’s just not worth it. “I’m 65 years old and just retired. Most people can’t wait to retire and enjoy their golden years. They are not so golden if you’re in the hospital. Enjoying your retirement means enjoying good health.” Tekamp will pick up the golf club for the first time since that fateful trip to Myrtle Beach on August 26th at the Care and Share Tournament, hosted by the Brockville Highlands Golf Club in support of the BCP. “I feel compelled to support the BCP,” he says. “It’s a community-generated program that gets no government funding. I’ve come to realize that you can’t support everything, so it’s important to support what is close to home. It is fine to have centers of excellence, but we should have the rehab program here. Since my surgery, I’ve met dozens of people who have had cardiac issues. All these people have had to travel to Kingston or Ottawa for follow-up.” And what about post-surgery golf? “Well,” Tekamp smiles, “I won’t be any better. There is no surgery, no organ replacement or artificial limbs that could improve my game. “But my philosophy since the surgery is ‘Don’t sweat the small stuff.’ Golf is small stuff. It’s a wonderful day with friends and the camaraderie of the game. And playing in the tournament means I’ll be helping a program that has helped me get my life back. “It will be a good day.”
Ben Tekamp logging in some miles at the BCP. For more information, please contact:
Healthy people – Outstanding Care
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