Gary suffered a heart attack and kidney failure, accompanied by cardiogenic shock and septic shock. During his stay at Kindred Chattanooga, Gary was able to be weaned off of the ventilator. Additionally, Gary was able to stand with an EVA walker and transitioned from passive range of motion to active range of motion on all limbs.

Gary suffered a heart attack and kidney failure, accompanied by cardiogenic shock and septic shock. He also had serotonin syndrome – a life-threatening drug reaction – which complicated matters. Gary was diagnosed with respiratory failure and hypoxia with comorbid conditions of encephalopathy, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and malnutrition.

At the referring hospital, Gary received a tracheostomy and was placed on a ventilator. Additionally, he was given a PEG (feeding) tube. While at the hospital, Gary acquired pneumonia, which was treated with antibiotics.

Once he had transferred to Kindred Hospital Chattanooga, Gary received physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as wound care, respiratory care, and dietitian consultations. He also received feeding tube management and trach care. During his stay at Kindred Chattanooga, Gary was able to be weaned off of the ventilator. With speech therapy, Gary went from a nothing-by-mouth diet to a pureed/mildy-thick diet. Additionally, Gary was able to stand with an EVA walker and transitioned from passive range of motion to active range of motion on all limbs. Gary’s sacral wound also began to heal.

“My experience at Kindred has been good. [Nursing team members] Adrine and Natalie gave me the best care and inspired me to work hard. I would recommend this place to everybody. I am so thankful for the care I received at Kindred Hospital.”

Gary is retired, has been married for 46 years, and has one daughter and son-in-law. He likes to play guitar and has been playing for years. He has been discharged to acute inpatient rehabilitation. Gary is very excited to get back to fishing and playing guitar!