Carrie's Success Story
Carrie experienced a stroke that landed her in the hospital where she was diagnosed with a mass on her heart and developed sepsis. After having heart surgery, she was required a ventilator and ECMO. Several weeks later, she was transferred to Kindred Hospital for physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Making remarkable strides, Carrie was able to discharge to Kindred's Acute Rehabilitation Unit for continued recovery before heading home.
Carrie's journey began with an unexpected and life-altering medical setback. Known for her independence and active lifestyle, she was abruptly admitted to a local hospital after experiencing a left middle cerebral artery (MCA) cerebrovascular accident (CVA) along with mitral valve vegetation. During her hospital stay, she faced the grave diagnosis of septic shock, which resulted in slurred speech and other debilitating complications stemming from the stroke.
To restore her heart's functionality, Carrie underwent an urgent mitral valve replacement. The surgery was intricate and challenging, leading to subsequent organ dysfunction and post-pericardial shock. To support her breathing during this critical period, she was placed on a ventilator and required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a life-saving intervention that allowed her heart and lungs to recuperate while facilitating her overall recovery.
After several weeks of intensive care, Carrie made progress, yet the complications of her condition required further rehabilitation. A medical decision was made to transfer her to Kindred Hospital Dallas Central for extended medical care, where a dedicated team could focus on her continued recovery. Upon arrival at Kindred, Carrie required total assistance with all activities of daily living (ADLs), having experienced significant physical and cognitive impairments from her medical ordeal.
At Kindred, the interdisciplinary team worked collaboratively to craft a comprehensive care plan tailored to Carrie's unique needs. The team incorporated daily therapy sessions focusing on physical, occupational, and speech rehabilitation. Therapists encouraged her to build strength and regain her independence while assessing her capabilities and setting achievable goals. As part of her treatment, Carrie was placed on intravenous antibiotics to address any residual infections. This essential component of her care ensured her safety and supported her healing process as her teams monitored her closely for any signs of complications. The care team emphasized the importance of encouragement and support, inspiring Carrie to stay engaged in her recovery journey. As weeks passed, she made significant progress, transitioning from total assistance to performing tasks with increasing independence. Each small victory, whether completing an exercise or re-learning communication skills, fueled her motivation to continue moving forward.
Eventually, the care team recognized that Carrie was ready to transition to Kindred’s Acute Rehabilitation Unit (ARU) for additional rehabilitation and recovery. This step was crucial for her journey back to independence, allowing her to benefit from more intensive therapy tailored to her evolving needs. The care team wishes her continued healing and success.
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