Shannon's Story of Ventilator Liberation and Recovery
When Shannon arrived at Kindred Hospital, she was dependent on a ventilator. After working with her interdisciplinary care team, she was able to discharge to a Skilled Nursing Facility.
A Patient Success Story from Kindred Hospital Seattle - First Hill
Shannon, a mother with a history of diabetes and heart problems, recently went to the emergency room with shortness of breath and an unusually fast heartbeat.
Doctors discovered that she had a large blood clot in her lungs that likely developed after recent airline travel. The clot made it hard for her to breathe and damaged her lung. Her condition worsened, and she had to be placed on a ventilator and given a tracheostomy. She also developed an infection and low blood pressure, which required medications. She was also heavily sedated to keep her comfortable.
When Shannon was transferred to Kindred Hospital Seattle – First Hill, she was on the ventilator and a feeding tube, and she required almost complete assistance with moving in bed, getting up, and performing daily activities like dressing and bathing. She was very weak, had limited movement and endurance, and could not speak clearly.
Over time, her sedation medications were slowly reduced. With physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy several times a week, Shannon made steady progress. She was highly motivated and worked hard with her care team. She began a step-by-step program to strengthen her breathing. After 22 days, she was taken off the ventilator. Five days later, after passing a swallowing safety test, her breathing tube was removed. She returned to eating regular food and happily commented on how good it tasted.
By the time she was discharged to a skilled nursing facility, Shannon was breathing completely on her own without additional oxygen. She could move around in a wheelchair with supervision. She required only light assistance with dressing and bathing. She could also communicate effectively.
Learn more about: Respiratory Care
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