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Joseph's Success Story

Kindred Hospital San Gabriel Valley patient Joseph shares his story of successful recovery

After receiving a diagnosis of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, Joseph was transferred to Kindred Hospital San Gabriel Valley for ventilator weaning.  Joseph made quick progress and was able to steadily decrease his breathing support before discharging to an acute rehabilitation facility.

 

Joseph was transferred to Kindred Hospital San Gabriel Valley after being diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS).

Upon admission to Kindred, Joseph was placed on a ventilator, but he quickly showed signs of progress. By the second day, a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) assessment revealed his ability to wean from mechanical ventilation, a significant milestone indicating improving respiratory function. He was transitioned to CPAP mode, with close monitoring of his respiratory mechanics, and by day five, he was maintained on T-bar support, continuing to improve steadily.

Throughout his stay, Joseph’s physical therapy team noted steady gains. Initially, he required maximum assistance for bed mobility and minimal assistance for sitting transfers. By discharge, he was able to perform bed mobility and sitting activities with minimal to no assistance, showing increased strength and independence.

Speech therapy assessments also reflected significant progress. Initially, Joseph was able to voice only 25% with the Passey-Muir Valve (PMV) and was swallowing only through a tube. By discharge, he was voicing at 100% with the PMV and tolerated a diet of minced, moist and thin liquids, indicating substantial recovery of his swallowing function.

Joseph was transferred to an acute rehabilitation facility. He is very excited about this next step, feeling that he is much closer to going home to his family. His family, including his wife and one-year-old daughter, continue to be a strong motivator for his recovery.

 
 
 

Care for Complex Conditions

Patients come to our hospitals with serious conditions such as respiratory failure, complex wounds, sepsis, stroke, congestive heart failure, or even a combination of these. Their diagnoses are often complicated by existing health problems like diabetes or COPD. Many of our patients require treatments such as mechanical ventilators, dialysis, or IV therapy.