“How a Health Scare Inspired Brookings Pastor Kline’s Life-Changing Transformation” — The South Dakota Standard

I woke up feeling strange one morning. As I shuffled to the bathroom, I noticed I was a bit off balance. I figured it was just early morning grogginess. But when I went downstairs, my wife took one look at me and insisted we go to the hospital. She sensed something was wrong, and she was right.

After tests, doctors confirmed that I’d had a stroke. My heart wasn’t functioning well. Further exams showed one of my heart valves was calcified. This wasn’t good; it meant my heart would only get worse. The solution? A procedure called TAVR—transcatheter aortic valve replacement. This technique, which started in France in 2002, offers a less invasive way to replace valves compared to traditional open-heart surgery.

We decided to go ahead with TAVR at the Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls. The surgery went well. In just an hour and a half, they inserted the new valve through an artery in my groin. I was discharged the next day, feeling hopeful.

Recovery involves a four-phase process. The first phase was my hospital stay. The second was an exercise program that I completed at Brookings Hospital. They really took care of us there. I even received a diploma at the end of my sessions—something I plan to frame as a reminder of my journey.

The next two phases are completely up to me. I need to keep up with my exercise, eat well, and monitor my health. I’m excited to continue this journey at the SDSU Wellness Center, where I can access all sorts of fitness equipment. Walking outdoors will also be a priority, especially as summer transitions into fall.

Writing about this experience is deeply personal for me. I want to express my gratitude to the medical professionals who cared for me. Their dedication made a huge difference in my recovery.

I also hope to inspire others facing similar challenges. Maybe my story will encourage someone to consider lifestyle changes, like eating healthier or exercising more. A recent study found that individuals over 50 who adopt healthy habits can increase their lifespan significantly. Sometimes, it just takes one small change to start a ripple effect.

As I reflect on my journey, I’m reminded that while the future is uncertain, we can still take steps to improve our health. I’m thankful for those who help heal and support us. It’s a reminder that while life throws challenges our way, we have the power to change our stories.



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