Julie
Julie is a 33-year-old mother of two with a long medical history highlighted by 21 years of insulin dependant DM, CVA at 16, and chronic renal insufficiency. She was admitted to the hospital ER with elevated blood sugar, fever, and altered mental status. Julie went into respiratory failure quickly, was placed on a ventilator and transferred to ICU and started on antibiotics.
Seventeen days later, Julie was transferred to Kindred with a diagnosis of acute viral meningocephalitis of unclear origin. Julie was trached shortly after arrival and soon went into renal failure. Hemodialysis was begun. Consults in ID, neuro, endocrine, and gastro were called in to continue the work on Julie’s complex case. Thanks to the clinical acumen of Jennifer Godfrey, N.P., Dr. Bill Crosland, and our ID docs, a West Nile panel was ordered and the results confirmed a positive diagnosis.
Some of her caregivers stand out in Julie’s mind. She said that while all the respiratory therapists were “wonderful,” Greg’s sense of humor and the way he took time out of his busy day to drop in on them just to talk encouraged them. “The nurses here really care and understand how scared you are.” Julie especially appreciated those ice chips and comforting smiles that came in the middle of the night, when it’s the “scariest.” Rick’s (RN) polite, professional manner and Michelle’s (CNA) ability to “tickle” her every time she would come into her room stood out in her memory. “The PT, OT and ST teams were great too. They knew just how much I could do and never pushed too hard.”
Julie was discharged to Acute Rehab on October 22. While she continues to require dialysis and is waiting for a kidney transplant, she is very grateful to be home with her husband Steve, and daughters Stephanie, 13 and Leigh, 9. Her final comment was, “The staff here at Kindred give it their all and go out of their way to take care of you.”
Joe H.L.
“Thanks for the MIRACLE! My husband, Joe H. L., is going home! The Kindred Hospital SPIRIT provided Joe with the motivation and encouragement that he needed to overcome the catastrophic illness, a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (Triple-A) in record time. My husband is a determined soul and he was allowed to move at the pace that he felt comfortable; consequently, his recovery time has surpassed the predicted three to six months therapy needed to return home. With your help and support, he will leave your hospital in less than three weeks. The administration, social services, nursing staff, speech therapist, and physical therapists, not to mention Dr. Crosland and Jennifer Godfrey have provided the professional care and encouragement that Joe needed to return home to hopefully once again grow the beautiful flowers for which he is known. I personally want to thank Peggy Hawkins for the special support and interest that she has provided for my family and me. She made the dark days brighter with her smile and encouragement. Kindred Hospital is a well-managed hospital that provides for the individual needs of each patient and family. Thank you for everything.”
Mrs. Joe H. L.
Joe wanted to specifically thank the following people for their care, encouragement, and motivation:
Laura, Speech Therapist
Gary, Rehab Tech
Eric, Rehab Tech
Jamila, Occupational Therapist
Jonet, Physical Therapist
Debra, Director
Dorothy, Nurse
Rose, ICU Nurse