Dee-Dee: Interdisciplinary Care Gets Our Favorite Gator Home

Dee-Dee, 39, was admitted to a short-term acute care hospital on July 6 after suffering an acute seizure due to dilantin toxicity with secondary Acute Respiratory failure requiring tracheotomy and mechanical ventilation.

Unable to recover fully in the short-term acute care setting, Dee-Dee was transferred to Kindred Hospital Bay – Area Tampa for continued high-intensity medical care and extended recovery time.

Upon admission on July 24, Dee-Dee had a diagnosis of polymicrobial sepsis and pneumonia associated with a history of difficulty weaning. She was on an aerosol trach collar with 28% FIO2 on multiple IV antibiotics, able only to eat a pureed diet with honey thickened liquids. She required minimal assistance for all mobility transfers and could walk less than 5 feet with a rolling walker.

During her treatment at Kindred Hospital, Dee-Dee received comprehensive rehabilitation services as part of our strong interdisciplinary approach to her recovery.

After a successful completion of all IV antibiotics without any significant side effects, our Dee-Dee returned home on August 12. She was completely decannulated on room air with no means of artificial airway support and eating a regular diet with thin liquids.

She was able to walk over 450 feet with a rolling walker over level and un-level surfaces without restrictions (with the help of her orange Florida Gator sneakers), setup for activities of daily living and groom herself.

Dee-Dee said that the teamwork and the joint efforts of all of the staff here at Kindred made the difference in her successful return to home with her loving family.

Thank you, Dee-Dee and family, for the chance to serve you.

Kindred Hospital Bay Area – Tampa’s success is apparent in stories like this as well as in our quality scores – our patients and families rate our quality of care at 97.8 percent and over 99 percent would recommend Kindred. Kindred Hospital Bay Area – Tampa is part of a network of three Kindred hospitals in Central Florida, including Kindred Hospital Bay Area – St. Petersburg and Kindred Hospital Central Tampa.