Howard Jones’ journey through triple bypass surgery and inpatient rehabilitation

Howard Jones, a farmer in the rolling hills of Brooksville, Kentucky, enjoyed the hard work and freedom farm life brought. He also owned and operated an HVAC business and worked as a limestone miner for 47 years before retiring.

In 2018, Howard faced a life-changing event when his grandson was killed in a car accident — a tragedy that left a lasting impact on his family and Howard's health.

The devastation of losing a grandchild led to a massive heart attack brought on by an earlier diagnosis of broken heart syndrome, a condition that triggers rapid and reversible heart muscle weakness and is linked to severe emotional distress, depression and cardiac complications.

Howard had to undergo stent replacement surgery to restore blood flow to his heart. However, he continued to experience cardiac complications that required treatment.

“I was getting short of breath, and I couldn't get much done on the farm because I had to stop and rest,” he said. “Due to three blockages in my heart valves after my heart attack, stents were put in. I went to my cardiologist for more tests due to issues with fatigue and shortness of breath. My cardiologist recommended triple bypass surgery because it was just too risky otherwise.”

Preparing for triple bypass surgery

Before his procedure, Howard was concerned about how soon he could return to his farm and resume the activities he enjoyed most — caring for his cattle and garden, handcrafting artwork in his woodshed, managing 70 acres of land and repairing farm equipment.

He knew that recovering from heart surgery would be extensive.

“I was nervous because I had never been through anything like this,” he said. “I wanted to know the timeframe for getting back on the farm and how the surgery was going to go. My daughter and neighbors helped tend to my farm.”

In addition to triple bypass surgery, Howard had to have a cardiac ablation to treat irregular rhythms and a cardioversion, which required several shocks to restore his heart's rhythm. He spent more than 10 days in an acute care hospital.

Choosing inpatient rehabilitation

Howard had weakness in his legs and other complications that required rehabilitation.

At 78, he wondered if intensive therapy was right for him. He spoke with several providers before deciding on a rehabilitation hospital that best suited his needs.

“It was this young woman who came into my hospital room about two or three times from Encompass Health,” Howard said. “She made it sound like a good place to go. Also, my cousin had a farm-related accident and went to Encompass Health. He had nothing but good things to say about his recovery. That's why I chose to go there.”

When he arrived at Encompass Health Northern Kentucky, Howard had one goal in mind: getting back to his farm.

“My main goal was to stay positive about getting back to my farm because I was depending on my daughter and neighbors while I was in recovery,” he said. “I knew it was going to take time. It's not something I was going to get over in the next couple of weeks.”

'A handful of peppermint candies'

Alexis Collinsworth, his registered nurse, went above and beyond to ensure his stay was as comfortable as possible.

Howard said Alexis always came into his room eager to talk. One day, he was feeling nauseous and wanted a peppermint to settle his stomach.

“When Alexis came in my room, I asked her for a peppermint. She was looking around to find some, but then she remembered that she had some in her car. She returned with a handful of peppermint candies. I thought it was the greatest act of kindness.”

Howard returned the favor by gifting Alexis with a box of peppermints.

“You can tell that she cared about people, and you don't get care like that everywhere,” he said. “She went out of her way for me.”

Alexis said that Howard reminded her of her grandfather, who experienced a farm-related accident a few years earlier.

“I was impressed that he still managed a farm at 78 years old,” Alexis said. “He reminded me so much of my grandfather, and I just wanted to make sure he was taken care of. He didn't ask for much, so I would just keep talking to him to get him to open up a little. I would bring back things that I thought he needed like a Sprite or something.”

Building strength and confidence

Howard said his care team, including physical and occupational therapists, never left his side. He worked diligently with each team member to regain his strength to walk independently.

During his therapy sessions, he worked with his physical therapist to increase his strength and endurance. Howard collaborated with his occupational therapist to perform everyday tasks such as cooking, folding laundry and other daily activities.

“Anything they asked me to do, I did it the best I could,” he said. “They really helped me and taught me activities to regain my strength. They taught me how to do stuff that I took for granted every day. I relearned how to sit down and dress myself. I had trouble putting on my shoes because I had an oxygen tube, so they provided me with a shoehorn to slide my foot into my shoes without bending over. It made a tremendous difference.”

Finding motivation through group therapy

During group therapy, Howard enjoyed talking with others about farming, as well as learning about their lives.

“Group therapy was good,” he said. “It gives you a reality check that you're lucky to be in the shape that you're in because it could've been worse.”

His daughter, Rachael, visited him in the hospital every day. She said he was excited to reach milestones alongside other patients — even celebrating simple achievements such as frying an egg.

Transitioning back home

Upon discharge, Howard walked out of the hospital with the assistance of a cane and his care team at his side.

“They reminded me to take my time getting back into my regular routine when it came to farming,” he said. “It was a great day to go home and continue on with my life.”

Now, he is back home and in outpatient therapy. He said he cooks and helps around the house as he is getting back to where he wants to be.

Howard is looking forward to continuing his crafts in his woodshed and gifting neighbors and family members the art he makes. In the next three months, he hopes to return to his first love — farming!