Michelle survived a motor vehicle collision, where she suffered significant abdominal injuries. She also had acute respiratory failure due to a left collapsed lung. These injuries required intubation (insertion of a breathing tube), surgical removal of parts of her bowels and colon, and removal of her spleen and a kidney. She needed IV antibiotics due to peritonitis, and was also put in skeletal traction and had a dislocated hip and lower extremity repaired. Read more of her recovery story here.

Floyd went to a local hospital for acute respiratory acidosis (a life-threatening drop in blood pH levels), shortness of breath, and generalized weakness that had been getting worse over a few weeks. He has a history of acute COPD and congestive heart failure. At the hospital, he required progressive breathing assistance and was eventually intubated. His stay was complicated by acute kidney injury. He was given intravenous (IV) treatment for edema (excess fluid buildup), along with IV steroids, and IV antibiotics. He was then sent to Cornerstone Specialty Hospitals Little Rock. Read more of his recovery story here.

Barbara came to the ER with fatigue, abdominal pain, and poor nutritional intake. She was found to have an abdominal wall hernia bowel strangulation and suspected perforation. She underwent a major abdominal surgery to discover and treat her condition, resulting in the removal of part of the large intestine and part of the small intestine, and the reconnection of the healthy ends of the bowels. Read more about how Cornerstone Specialty Hospital Huntington helped her recover.

Lenny lived an independent life at home with his wife of 47 years and adult son. He had received a left ventricular assist device months before his admission. Lenny was admitted to Cornerstone Specialty Hospitals Little Rock with endocarditis, a life-threatening infection of the heart’s lining or valves. Learn more about his recovery here.

After 3 to 4 days of worsening symptoms and a home pulse oximetry test that showed his oxygen saturation in the 60s, Richard, 62, decided it was time to visit the ER. There, he was admitted with progressive shortness of breath, chills, worsening cough and sputum. Richard’s condition was serious – he was diagnosed with acute respiratory failure with respiratory acidosis along with atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure, meaning his heart could not pump enough blood and his lungs were unable to effectively oxygenate it. During his stay, Richard had to be intubated and placed on mechanical ventilation multiple times. The complexity of Richard’s condition meant he needed the type of long-term acute care that Cornerstone Specialty Hospitals excel at providing.

Mrs. Easter was admitted to our Muskogee hospital to receive continued care for multiple complex medical conditions. When Mrs. Easter arrived, she was on a ventilator, unable to eat or participate in any functional activities. Mrs. Easter, who was independent prior to her hospitalization, shared that her goal was to restore her independence. As our clinical team worked with Mrs. Easter to wean her from the ventilator, our rehabilitation staff helped improve Mrs. Easter’s strength and endurance. Upon discharge to her home, Mrs. Easter was able to breathe on her own, walk up to 1,000 feet without assistance, and return to a normal diet! We’re so proud to help Mrs. Easter achieve her goals!

In June, Ms. Deleon was in a car accident and suffered multiple fractures, a neurological injury, and respiratory failure. After multiple surgeries, Ms. Deleon transitioned to Cornerstone to receive continued care. When Ms. Deleon arrived, she was on a ventilator and unresponsive. She needed total assistance from our rehabilitation team to perform activities of daily living. After an evaluation, our Conroe team outlined a goal-oriented treatment plan comprised of aggressive pulmonary care and intensive rehabilitation to help Ms. Deleon return to her prior level of independence. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our team, Ms. Deleon achieved these goals! She was weaned from the ventilator and able to walk with a platform walker for 20 feet!

At Cornerstone Specialty Hospitals Huntington, we’re dedicated to serving our patients! Mr. Dail transitioned to our hospital to receive continued care for pneumonia and sepsis. When Mr. Dail arrived at Cornerstone, he was sedated and on a ventilator. Although Mr. Dail knew his rehabilitation would be challenging, he worked tirelessly with our team to achieve his goals. After weeks of hard work, our respiratory therapists weaned Mr. Dail from the ventilator. With this respiratory improvement, Mr. Dail began the Early Mobility Program with our rehabilitation team.

In December 2020, Ms. Brewer tested positive for COVID19. At first, Ms. Brewer attempted to self-quarantine at home, but quickly realized she needed additional care. Once Ms. Brewer arrived at a local hospital, she was diagnosed with pneumonia and spent 25 days in the ICU before transitioning to Cornerstone in January. When Ms. Brewer arrived at our Little Rock hospital, her oxygen levels required constant monitoring from our respiratory team to ensure she wouldn’t need to return to a ventilator. With her oxygen needs in mind, we worked with Ms. Brewer’s physician to develop a treatment plan designed to improve her strength and endurance.