Dwain Driver: From Congestive Heart Failure to Living Free of Cigarettes
October 29, 2025
In 1995, at age 40, Dwain Driver was diagnosed with congestive heart failure.
"I'd suddenly begun to experience severe shortness of breath that would come and go. When I learned it was congestive heart failure, I was very upset by the diagnosis."
Frightened by the seriousness of the condition, Dwain briefly stopped smoking.
His heart failure symptoms returned when he was 47. Again, he tried to quit smoking, but he was unsuccessful.
In 2021, at age 66, Dwain suffered a significant setback with congestive heart failure. This time it was particularly challenging with his heart function going down to 15 percent. His now retired WakeMed cardiovascular surgeon, implanted a defibrillator and pacemaker to closely monitor his heart and bring his functionality up to 50 percent.
"My grandmother died of heart failure when she was 69 and my mom died of congestive heart failure at age 87, so I knew I needed to stop smoking. I just didn't know who could help."
Inhaling Influence: Unraveling the Origins of Dwain's Smoking Habit
Dwain began smoking in his 20s. Despite having grown up on a tobacco farm in Middlesex, NC, it wasn't his exposure to the tobacco farming industry or other smokers that led to his dependence.
"I was surrounded by smoking as a child, but it never interested me. I remember at eight picking up a cigarette and pretending to smoke to look cool, but it was nothing I pursued in my youth."
Instead, it was an upsetting incident with a friend that got him started. He bought five packs of cigarettes, which quickly led to his addiction.
"I admit I have an addictive personality. I'd also struggled much of my adult years with alcoholism. I successfully stopped drinking on September 8, 2008."
Breathing Easy: Hope to Quit Smoking for Good
After his implant procedure in 2021, WakeMed cardiologist Siva Ketha, MD, FACC, along with his physician assistant Madeline Bartausky, PA-C, continued to follow Dwain to monitor his heart health. At one particular appointment, Bartausky asked Dwain if he'd ever thought about quitting smoking.
"That was the first time any medical provider had mentioned that to me. The main focus had always been to get my heart stabilized. I told her that I would like to quit. She explained that WakeMed had a smoking cessation program, and she referred me to it."
Bartausky adds, "It has been a privilege to be a part of Dwain’s cardiovascular care team, and we are so proud of his mindset and willingness to take action to kick this lifelong habit. We are especially grateful for the efforts of the Quit With WakeMed team — everyone who struggles with tobacco dependence should know that help is out there for anyone ready to receive it."
On March 19, 2025, Dwain met with Jessica Revels, RN, FNP, of Quit with WakeMed.
"Jessica Revels was a delight from the very first time we talked. One thing that stuck with me was that she said three times, 'I promise you, I promise you, I promise you, Dwain, if you follow my instructions, you can quit smoking and will feel better.' I was shocked by her confidence in me. She gave me the will to try."
Revels immediately started Dwain on a 21-milligram patch. Eventually, she moved it down to 7 milligrams. She also had Dwain chew nicotine gum. Next, she asked Dwain to switch from his favorite menthol cigarettes, to another one.
"I thought switching to a different cigarette would not help, but I listened to her and asked my husband to pick up a different one. It had a huge impact. Without the enjoyment of menthol, smoking just wasn't the same. I never went back to menthol cigarettes, and after smoking just two more packs of cigarettes, I no longer desired to smoke."
On April 23, 2025, Dwain quit smoking and has not looked back.
"Dwain was an absolute joy to work with. It was incredibly rewarding to help him get to a place where he never thought he could be and hear about how his quality of life improved. I often say, quantity is one thing, but quality is where it's at. Smoking robs people of their quality of life on so many levels. My job is to give patients some of that back. Sometimes it takes multiple attempts and multiple strategies to get there, but anyone who wishes to quit can do it.
"Dwain's story also illustrates how important it is for providers to ask patients if they would like help quitting. Patients are unaware that programs like this even exist. We have a great program here at WakeMed, designed as one-on-one intervention, focusing on individual journeys. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to quitting."
Clearing the Smoke: How Quitting Changed Dwain's Life
One of the most immediate changes after Dwain quit was that he stopped coughing.
"I had a chronic cough, and no matter what, I coughed incessantly. I remember being on a call with Jessica Revels after I quit, and she noted that I had not coughed even one time the entire conversation."
Another significant change for Dwain was that he ceased to have bizarre 15-second blackouts that had plagued him throughout adulthood.
"I didn't technically have seizures as myriad diagnostic test from radiologist could not identify seizure activity in my brain. I regularly would have these spells where I would just blackout. Since I quit smoking, I haven't had another episode."
Dwain is also excited about weight gain since he quit smoking.
"At 5'7'', I weighed between 118 and 121 pounds. I eat more and am now at 150 pounds, which is a healthier weight."
Dwain has also experienced a positive shift in his relationships since he quit smoking.
"Not one of my relatives or associates smokes. My parents smoked, but my dad stopped cold turkey after my mom needed a lumpectomy. My friends used to smoke, but they also all stopped. I was the only one who kept up the habit. My husband has always hated that I smoke, and it was a point of contention. Not smoking has really improved every relationship in my life."
Today, Dwain leads a peaceful, relaxed life in retirement, enjoying time with his spouse, Marvin, and dog, Luna. He credits Revels for helping him achieve a desire 30 years in the making: he finally quit smoking for good.
About Quit with WakeMed
Quit With WakeMed is a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary program designed to help you quit tobacco for good. Our team will provide you with the tools, therapies and support you need to be successful. Our approach has been proven to be approximately 10 times more effective than quitting on your own.
Our Services:
- Virtual appointments for your convenience
- Thorough assessment and discussion of goals
- Personalized treatment plans for nicotine dependence (due to cigarettes, vapes, smokeless tobacco)
- Prescription medications (as needed)
- Individual behavioral therapies
- Ongoing follow-up
About WakeMed Heart & Vascular
WakeMed Heart & Vascular physicians bring together expert cardiovascular, thoracic and vascular surgeons who are dedicated to delivering the highest level of cardiovascular care in Raleigh, Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Wake Forest and Clayton, N.C. For decades, these physicians have chosen to bring their talent and expertise to WakeMed for its reputation for excellence in cardiovascular care and commitment to providing the most exceptional patient experience.