Richard's Story of Recovery From Respiratory Failure
Richard was admitted to Cornerstone Specialty Hospital with a diagnosis of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, exhibiting rapid muscle weakness and respiratory failure requiring ventilator support. While umder our care he received physical, occupational, and speech therapy. He was weaned off supplemental oxygen, regained mobility, and the ability to eat.
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.
When he was admitted to Cornerstone Huntington, Richard was on mechanical ventilation via an endotracheal tube and could not breathe or eat on his own. Under the excellent care of the Cornerstone team, he underwent a tracheostomy and a percutaneous gastro (PEG) feeding tube insertion. During his recovery, Richard received round-the-clock care, including multiple IV drips to keep his blood pressure stable, tube feedings to support his recovery, and close monitoring by the wound care team and respiratory therapist.
Little by little, Richard’s condition improved, and he was able to be liberated from the ventilator. He became completely alert and oriented, and his tracheostomy tube and feeding tube were removed.
With the support of his girlfriend and two sons, Richard worked hard and was eventually well enough to return to a normal diet and day-to-day activities.
He was discharged to a skilled nursing facility near his home and remains grateful for the care and support he received at Cornerstone.
Learn more about: Respiratory Care
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