Patty: Life Reclaimed

Patty, 55, was admitted to the emergency room of a short-term acute care hospital after her daughter found her unresponsive on the floor at her home. When EMS arrived, Patty had low blood sugars, requiring D50 rescue, associated severe abdominal pain with coffee ground emesis, the vomiting of dark brown, granular material that resembles coffee grounds.

On admit to the ER, Patty was found with an acute perforated viscus and underwent emergent exploratory laparotomy, surgical procedure involving a large incision through the abdominal wall to gain access into the abdominal cavity.

She suffered multiple complications post op, including acute respiratory failure requiring tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation.

Unable to fully recover in the short stay of a traditional hospital, Patty was transferred to Kindred Hospital Bay Area – Tampa on May 28 for extended recovery time and continued care.

Upon admission to Kindred Hospital, Patty was evaluated by Kindred interdisciplinary team so that a treatment plan could be developed for her complex medical needs. Patty was found to have malnutrition due to absorptive disturbance requiring TPN (IV food). She needed assist control (CMV) at a rate of 15 bpm mechanical vent, and due to significant de-conditioning post hospitalization, needed total assistance for activities of daily living and, max assistance for transfers and mobility in bed. She was unable to walk.

During her 32 day stay at Kindred Hospital, Patty made remarkable progress. Through the tireless effort of the respiratory team, Patty progressed from Trach Collar to capping to finally decannulation prior to discharge.

Pharmacy, Dietary, and speech therapy worked closely to discontinue TPN, and implement a full PO diet of regular foods with thin liquids; a progression from honey thickened and pureed foods early on in admission.

Through extensive physical and occupational therapy, Patty was discharged to a skilled nursing facility in June, needed only contact guard assist for all transfers, mobility, and ambulating 100-150 feet over level surfaces with a rolling walker. She was able to complete upper body self-care/grooming with set up and lower body dressing/bathing with minimal assist.

Patty and her family agree that he care she received at Kindred Hospital made the difference in her successful recovery and reclaiming of her life.

Thank you, Patty, for allowing us 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.