Robert’s Recovery in Cardiopulmonary Rehab

When Robert Kolasa began cardiopulmonary rehab at Covenant Health Fort Loudoun, he was ready to work hard, but he didn’t expect to find a team that felt like family. After a quadruple bypass surgery and a long recovery, he’s now doing well. And he says the care he received through Covenant Health helped him get there. 

Finding Lifesaving Care in Their New Community 

Robert and his wife, Debi, moved to Tellico Village in East Tennessee from Buffalo, New York, about five years ago. They were looking forward to a quieter life, and they found a community they loved. Soon after they moved, Debi had a heart attack. It was a frightening moment, but the lifesaving care she received at Covenant Health Fort Loudoun brought them peace and confidence during a very vulnerable time. 

Their early experience with Covenant Health mattered more than they knew. “Debi and I have been together 42 years, and she’s my biggest blessing,” Robert said. Knowing she was cared for so well helped them trust they had made the right choice in calling East Tennessee home and helped Robert know exactly where to turn when his own health took a turn. 

From Symptoms to Answers 

On a trip to Nashville in January of 2025, Robert started noticing symptoms. “I was really laboring walking from our hotel down to Broadway,” he said. At first, he thought it was asthma. After a few months of continued symptoms, he sensed something deeper was wrong. Testing revealed he needed a quadruple bypass surgery. 

His surgery was performed at Covenant Health’s Parkwest Medical Center. Our Parkwest team handles advanced heart procedures and collaborates closely with Covenant Health Fort Loudoun. This ensures patients like Robert receive seamless care: local support close to home and specialized treatment when needed. 

After a successful surgery with Norbert Baumgartner, MD, Robert spent several days in the CCU before transitioning to another unit. The next challenge came after discharge: rebuilding his strength. 

Finding Strength at Covenant Health Fort Loudoun 

Robert’s recovery gained momentum when he began cardiopulmonary rehab at Covenant Health Fort Loudoun. For him, this was where he learned how to move again, breathe easier and trust his heart after major surgery. 

From the first day, the team made him feel welcome. They didn’t just guide him through exercises. They encouraged him, reassured him and helped him rebuild confidence one session at a time.  

“They taught us warm up and cool down exercises, which I still do,” he said. “It was comforting.” 

Cardiac rehab is designed to help patients return to everyday life — things like walking without getting winded, carrying groceries, doing chores and enjoying hobbies again. As the weeks went on, Robert felt those moments returning. He regained strength after being unable to work out for more than a year. He felt steadier on his feet, more confident in his recovery and more in control of his health. 

Robert recalls the team members by name and praises them. “They really understood me,” Robert said. “Sometimes you have to pull it out of people. But the team here was great at that. They really cared.” 

Over 29 sessions, Robert gained muscle, stamina and trust in his body.  

A Future Filled With Gratitude 

Today, Robert is back to staying active and enjoying life with Debi. He still uses the exercises he learned in rehab, and he’s grateful for the care teams across Covenant Health who guided him.  

“We’ve had great care through Covenant Health,” he said. “We’re very thankful.” 

Robert’s story shows what’s possible when a connected system, a dedicated cardiac rehab team and a determined patient work together. Covenant Health Fort Loudoun is proud to be the community hospital that stood beside him — close to home, ready to help and committed to supporting his recovery every step of the way. 

Learn more about Cardiopulmonary Rehab and all the services Covenant Health provides.