Hospital: PAM Health Specialty Hospital of Texarkana
Diagnosis: Respiratory failure
Allen Humphries was headed to the local emergency room hoping his chest pain was something simple. However, as the pain worsened, he became faint and short of breath and was unable to talk. Upon arriving at the hospital, he was struggling to breathe and in full cardiac arrest. Staff performed CPR and shocked his heart to restore its rhythm. As soon as he stabilized, he was transferred to a specialty heart hospital to receive a higher level of specialized care. Mr. Humphries was on a ventilator and feeding tube. After almost a month of ups and downs, his condition stabilized enough to take the next step in his recovery at PAM Health Medical Specialty Hospital of Texarkana.
When he first arrived, Mr. Humphries needed the maximum amount of assistance just to roll over in bed and struggled to follow basic commands. Swallowing issues prevented him from eating a regular diet. The occupational, physical and speech therapy nurses and therapists collaborated to help him improve his breathing and movement and return to enjoying his favorite foods.
Along the way, Mr. Humphries achieved the following goals:
- Walking 100 feet with a rolling walker
- Eating regular food
- Breathing without supplemental oxygen
With a kind smile and a determined attitude, Mr. Humphries worked daily to gain strength and re-learn how to swallow safely. PAM Health’s respiratory team began to wean him from supplemental oxygen with breathing treatments. Before long, he could get out of bed, eat soft foods and breathe on his own. With his wife Jean by his side, he began to walk with the rolling walker –progressing to 100 feet at a time! Soon he could eat regular food and get in and out of bed on his own. He became strong enough to move to inpatient rehab to finish his journey.
Thanks to all of his hard work, Mr. Humphries was soon able to return home. He was happy to be mowing the lawn and enjoying time with his lovely wife. We are glad to be a part of this inspiring success story!
“We would not be at home today without each person who has touched Allen’s life to care and help him get to where he is today. Your staff helped push him to work, care for himself and prepare for his next leg of our adventure and journey home.” -Mrs. Humphries
