A Life Fueled By Heart

Dick Nyers has always lived life at full speed. From excelling in multiple sports to playing professional football for the Colts and coaching for more than three decades, discipline and determination shaped who he was long before heart disease entered the picture. What Dick never expected was that, years later, it would take a team of cardiology specialists, advanced technology and a renewed sense of trust to help him reclaim the energy and life he once knew.

“I went to Manual High School, graduated from Indiana Central College, played for the Colts and coached for 31 years,” he said. “I loved every minute of it.”

Dick’s athletic background is impressive by any standard. He earned 13 letters in high school and 14 in college across four sports, was an All-American and the nation’s second-leading scorer in football during his junior year. He went on to play professional football for the Baltimore Colts, where he even caught Johnny Unitas’ first professional touchdown pass.

Football, discipline and teamwork were ingrained in Dick from a young age.

“I was a very good athlete,” he said. “I didn’t smoke, I didn’t drink, I didn’t run around.”

Despite taking care of himself, Dick began to notice something wasn’t right.

When Exhaustion Took Over

Dick’s heart health journey didn’t begin with chest pain or a dramatic event. Instead, it crept in quietly through overwhelming fatigue and shortness of breath.

“Yes. I kind of have a long journey,” he said.

At first, doctors suspected lung issues. One physician even suggested Dick may have had Legionnaire’s disease, which forced him to stop all physical activity for months.

“I was sitting in the house, couldn’t do anything,” he recalled.

Medication helped temporarily, but the exhaustion returned. Dick continued searching for answers. Eventually, he was referred to an electrophysiologist who took a closer look at his heart.

“I said, ‘Well, I have a hard time breathing when I get up in the morning, take a shower, get dressed,’” Dick recalled. “And I was so tired after doing that.”

A pacemaker initially helped. But over time, the benefits faded. Further testing revealed that Dick’s left ventricle wasn’t functioning properly, and the right and left sides of his heart were no longer working in sync.

That’s when the care team recommended a more advanced solution.

“And so that’s where I was when I got my second pacemaker,” said Dick.

Expert Care and Straight Answers

From the beginning, Dick said what stood out most about his experience at Franciscan Health Indianapolis was the honesty and professionalism of the care team.

“Well, I had nothing but the best people working for me. I have no complaints,” he said.

Doctors explained exactly what was happening and why changes were needed. Medications were adjusted. Options were discussed clearly. For Dick, who spent his life trusting coaches and teammates, that direct approach mattered.

“I knew right from the beginning because they were very much straight and to the point,” he said.

Dick ultimately underwent a procedure to upgrade his pacemaker to a biventricular device, designed to help both sides of his heart beat together more effectively.

The impact was almost immediate.

“It was like turning the light switch on,” Dick said. “I couldn’t believe how well I felt after I had this operation. It was really something.”

A Return To The Life He Loves

After surgery, Dick felt stronger, more energized and hopeful about the future. Simple things he once struggled with no longer felt overwhelming.

The hospital team helped prepare him for recovery, including physical therapy support at home.

“Yes, they did everything,” he said. “And like I said, those people treated me so well. I can’t complain, and I’m here today.”

For Dick, recovery wasn’t just about numbers or test results. It was about returning to the things that made life meaningful.

“The first thing I wanted to do afterwards is my plan was to walk the dog,” he said, referring to Yogi, the family’s beloved dog. “And to be able to play golf.”

He did both. Dick went on to enjoy weekly rounds of golf and cherishes the simple joy of being active again.

Trusting The Team

When asked what advice he would give to others facing heart issues, Dick doesn’t hesitate.

“One piece of advice I’d give anyone who has heart problems is to listen to the cardiologist,” he said.

Dick believes the combination of the right medications, advanced technology and experienced specialists made all the difference in his recovery.

“Absolutely. I would really recommend them,” he said of Franciscan Health. “The training they have compared to the training they have in Columbus is by far way ahead.”

Dick also credits his wife, Nancy, for supporting him through lifestyle changes, including a low-salt diet.

“She’s a wonderful person,” he said.

Now, Dick reflects on how fortunate he feels. Many of his former teammates are no longer here, and he doesn’t take a single day for granted. He still loves watching football, staying engaged and enjoying time with his family.

“I’m a football nut,” he said.

As he looks back on his journey, he has one message for his care team.

“I’d like to thank anybody and everybody that dealt with me at Franciscan hospital,” he said. “A big thank you from my heart and my pacemaker.”