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Virginia's Story of Recovery From Respiratory Failure

When Virginia arrived at Cornerstone Specialty Hospital, she was reliant on a ventilator and had multiple health issues. After working with her interdisciplinary care team, she was able to discharge to an Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility.

 

Virginia, who is 80, was admitted to Cornerstone Specialty Hospital Conroe following a prolonged hospitalization for a series of serious conditions: acute hypoxic respiratory failure, pulmonary histoplasmosis (a fungal infection of the lungs), pneumonia, and congestive heart failure. She also suffered from critical illness neuropathy with severe deconditioning.

During her stay at Cornerstone Conroe, her respiratory status initially declined, with oxygen requirements increasing from 10 liters via OxyMask to 40 liters (at 100% concentration) via Vapotherm. Virginia experienced significant shortness of breath, frequent desaturations, and very poor activity tolerance, limiting her participation in therapy.

Throughout her stay, the respiratory therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and nursing teams worked closely with her to improve her strength and endurance. Over time, she made steady progress, improving both her respiratory status and functional abilities, which enabled her to participate more in therapy sessions. Her improved continued from there.

After 22 days at Cornerstone, Virginia was strong enough to discharge and transfer to an acute inpatient rehabilitation facility to continue her recovery. At the time of discharge, she relied on only 2 liters of oxygen via nasal cannula and she could actively participate in physical and occupational therapy, with the ability to walk 50 feet.

Virginia expressed gratitude for the care she received at Cornerstone Conroe, stating that everyone treated her well and helped her recover. She especially praised Jason from the Physical Therapy team for helping her regain strength.

As she left Cornerstone, Virginia said she was looking forward to eventually returning home and spending time with her family. She also said she’d come back to visit our team walking on her own and without supplemental oxygen.

Learn more about: Respiratory Care

 
 

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