Hospital: PAM Health Specialty and Rehabilitation Hospital of Luling
Diagnosis: COPD myopathy and respiratory complications
Joyce Dyer came to PAM Health Specialty and Rehabilitation Hospital of Luling in early February after being in area hospitals since December 2022 for respiratory issues and a series of related complications. Ms. Dyer, who had been living with a previous diagnosis of COPD but was able to do many activities without assistance, had developed severe pain in her lower back and had significant trouble walking and breathing.
One of Ms. Dyer’s goals during her stay at PAM Health was to regain mobility with the least restrictive assistive device. Upon discharge, she was able to walk with a walker and get in and out of bed independently. Ms. Dyer lives with her daughter, so another goal was to restore some of her prior independence upon returning home to reduce the caregiving burden on her daughter.
Ms. Dyer’s breathing also improved substantially during her stay at PAM Health. She went from needing to use a BiPAP machine all day to only using it at night and returned to her baseline level of supplemental oxygen use, which was four liters/minute.
Ms. Dyer expressed that she was not optimistic about her recovery prior to arriving at PAM Health, but thanks to the care and comfort nurses, therapists, and doctors provided, her perspective shifted. “Here I am, getting ready to go home! If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be walking,” Ms. Dyer shared.
At home, she is eager to spend time with family, sit outside on her porch, and play on the computer. We wish Ms. Dyer continued success in her health journey!
