She didn’t think she’d die, but mortality was on her mind. Diagnosed with novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in October 2020, Lori Solberg, Carrington, confesses she “wasn’t much of a mask person.” However, after spending three weeks in the hospital, the Solberg says she’s grateful she’s feeling better.
Solberg works full-time as the customer service manager at Dakota Central Communications. It’s a job she missed, along with recreational activities like biking, shopping and watching Class B basketball.
“When I got out of the hospital, I didn’t know if I’d even be able to put my own laundry away,” she said. “I couldn’t walk hardly 10 feet, even with oxygen.”
Today, Solberg is walking and biking miles, with assistance. She’s under the care of Madeline Ranum, CardioPulmonary Rehabilitation Manager at Jamestown Regional Medical Center. With Ranum’s help, Solberg is strengthening both her heart and her lungs.
Cardiopulmonary Rehab helps people with heart disease recover faster from events such as a heart attack, congestive heart failure, stent placement, coronary artery bypass graft, valve repair or replacement or with stable angina. The goal: return individuals to their normal lives.
Solberg is one of several patients Ranum sees and supports in their recovery from COVID-19.
“COVID is a challenging virus,” Ranum said. “We never know how it will impact people.”
Ranum and her cardiopulmonary team is the only one like it for 100 miles. It’s one of the reasons JRMC is a destination for care in the region.
“I brag up JRMC,” Solberg said. “They’ve taken good care of me. I was a little bit nervous, but they never pushed me.”
One of the reasons for that is because Solberg pushes herself, Ranum said. Solberg hasn’t missed a single appointment in two months. Plus, she continues her exercises at home.
“I just knew if I didn’t do something, I’d probably never get back to normal,” Solberg said.
Today, Solberg is grateful. She’s grateful for her employer as they supported her in her recovery. “I never had to worry about a thing.”
She’s also grateful for her husband and three grown sons, who cared for her at home when she could hardly care for herself.
“Even showering was hard,” she said.
Solberg is regaining her strength. She’s also looking forward to warmer months and biking as well as spending time with her grandchildren.