Melvin: The “Rock” Recovers

Melvin, 74, stayed active doing chores like home repairs, mowing the lawn and grocery shopping. To his wife, he was a “rock.”

After experiencing shortness of breath, Melvin was admitted to a short-term acute care hospital and diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia which progressed into both lungs. Complications set in and Melvin required intubation with ventilator support, eventually needing a tracheostomy and a PEG tube for nutritional support. Efforts were made to wean Melvin from the ventilator as he recovered, but they failed. A pneumothorax developed and a chest tube was placed. Atrial fibrillation, a cardiac condition, worsened the situation.

Melvin’s pulmonologist and cardiologist recommended transferring him to Kindred Hospital Dallas where he could receive a specialized treatment plan unique to his multiple medical needs in an acute care setting for an extended time.

The Kindred interdisciplinary team of physicians, specialists, nurses, therapists and nutritionists put together an aggressive treatment plan to handle Melvin’s urgent needs.

In the Intensive Care Unit, advanced weaning protocols were implemented along with telemetry, nutritional support and multi-specialty medical management.

Within 14 days, Melvin was able to breathe on his own. He was decannulated and able to speak to his wife and staff.

Physical and occupational therapists worked daily to help strengthen his upper body and regain his mobility, allowing him to transfer out of bed to a bedside chair.

As time and healing progressed, Melvin’s lungs returned to full function and the chest tube was removed. His heartbeat stabilized and it was decided that Melvin could continue his recovery at a nearby rehab facility.

Melvin’s goal is to get back to life. When asked what kept him going throughout his hospitalization, he replied, “Kindred’s medical staff! They took such good care of me. They kept me going!”

Discharging from Kindred Hospital Dallas after 28 days, Melvin wants everyone to know who the real “rock” is… his wife.