Hospital: PAM Health Warm Springs Rehabilitation Hospital of Westover Hills
Diagnosis: Critical illness myopathy
Johnny Garza first presented to an area hospital in late December 2022 in respiratory failure due to COVID-19-induced pneumonia. In mid-February, after an extended hospital stay that involved an acute stroke, intubation, tracheostomy, and feeding tube, Mr. Garza transferred to PAM Health Specialty Hospital of San Antonio Medical Center, which was recommended to his family by a friend. While at PAM Health LTACH, his tracheostomy tube was removed, and he started eating by mouth again. After remarkable progress at the LTACH, Mr. Garza transitioned to PAM Health Warm Springs Rehabilitation Hospital of Westover Hills in mid-March to begin his goals of regaining strength, function, and independence.
Upon arrival at Westover Hills, Mr. Garza was on hemodialysis, extremely weak in his lower extremities, and unable to move around on his own. He was experiencing poor vision and issues with problem-solving and activities of daily living. Over the course of his 2.5-week stay, Mr. Garza regained his ability to dress, bathe, and walk with an assistive device while starting to advance with stair climbing.
While at PAM Health, Mr. Garza achieved the following goals:
- Walk again
- Regained independence in daily living activities
- Improved strength
Throughout his hospitalization, Mr. Garza and his family were worried he might never be able to breathe without a ventilator. Thanks to the interdisciplinary team at PAM Health, Mr. Garza has regained his life and is now only needing oxygen via nasal cannula. Although the stroke affected his vision, he continues to strive toward reading again.
We’re so proud of Mr. Garza’s progress in his recovery and wish him continued success!
