Hospital: PAM Health Specialty and Rehabilitation Hospital of Luling
Diagnosis: Acute respiratory
Jose Rodriguez presented to Seton Hays Hospital with increasing shortness of breath and high oxygen saturation levels, and he was also found to be in septic shock. His condition continued to deteriorate, and he required intubation, mechanical ventilation, and eventually a tracheostomy. He also received bilateral chest tubes to help with fluid drainage. Factoring in Mr. Rodriguez’s extensive medical history including end-stage renal disease, below-knee amputation, and a chronic colostomy, he had a long and complex stay at the acute care hospital. By mid-January, Mr. Rodriguez’s condition had improved enough for him to be transferred to PAM Health Specialty and Rehabilitation Hospital of Luling for continued medical management and ventilator weaning.
Upon admission to PAM Health, Mr. Rodriguez still required full ventilator support and a feeding tube. He was bedbound and unable to speak, eat, or ambulate. He continued to exhibit severe deconditioning and weakness from his extended hospitalization. Our respiratory team immediately began the weaning process, while therapy began to address his functional deficits. Jose’s goal was to be able to return home. He had a complicated stay, but on 2/15/23, 30 days after his initial admission to PAM Health, Jose was liberated from the ventilator. Over the next few days, he began speaking again and was tolerating a regular diet. On 2/18/23, the tracheostomy was finally removed, and he was no longer requiring supplemental oxygen.
Mr. Rodriguez was also making great progress with therapy. He was improving with bed mobility, he was standing and pivoting to transfer to his wheelchair, and he was propelling himself in a wheelchair. At the time of his discharge, Jose was independent with bed mobility, and Mod assist for transfers, he was independent with wheelchair mobility, and was able to ambulate short distance with walker. He is now on a regular texture diet, and is able to carry on a normal conversation with ease.
“It is a miracle from where I was to where I am now.” -Jose Rodriguez
Both Jose and his wife were so thankful to all the staff, sharing: “All the nurses and techs have been so good to me. We owe Dr. Patel so much.” Mr. Rodriguez has made amazing strides during his stay with us. He is looking forward to continuing his work on his rose garden at home.
“The nursing staff gave me the comfort I needed when he was not doing well, I thought I was going to lose him, but the turnout was so great!” -Jose Rodriguez
Congratulations Mr. Rodriguez on your amazing recovery!
