Carolyn's Success Story
From Cornerstone Specialty Hospitals Muskogee
Carolyn was fully independent before experiencing respiratory failure, which led to her being admitted to a local hospital in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Her condition quickly deteriorated, requiring the use of a ventilator to support her breathing and sustain her life. During her stay in the ICU, Carolyn underwent a tracheostomy and required prolonged ventilator support, longer than initially anticipated. A feeding tube was placed to ensure adequate nourishment. After spending over three weeks at the local hospital, a decision was made to transfer Carolyn to Cornerstone Specialty Hospital Muskogee for extended medical care, including ventilator weaning.
Upon arrival at Cornerstone, Carolyn's interdisciplinary team quickly devised a comprehensive care plan tailored to her specific needs. She was immediately admitted to the ICU, where the team began implementing her care plan with urgency. Initially, Carolyn required maximum assistance to move from lying down to sitting at the edge of the bed and needed help to stand. The respiratory therapists at Cornerstone worked diligently to gradually reduce Carolyn’s dependence on the ventilator. Through a carefully monitored weaning process, her respiratory muscles were strengthened, allowing her to breathe more independently. After 28 days of consistent effort and close monitoring, Carolyn was successfully liberated from the ventilator and no longer required supplemental oxygen.
Physical and occupational therapists played a crucial role in Carolyn’s recovery. Initially, she needed significant assistance for basic mobility, such as sitting up and standing. The rehab team focused on rebuilding her strength and endurance, using a combination of exercises and functional training. Carolyn worked hard to regain her balance, improve muscle strength, and relearn essential daily activities. By the end of her stay, she was walking over 300 feet with the help of a rolling walker, requiring only minimal assistance.
Carolyn made remarkable progress during her stay at Cornerstone Specialty Hospital Muskogee. Thanks to the dedication of her physicians, nursing staff, respiratory therapists, and rehab team, she was able to regain much of her independence. Carolyn was discharged home with home health support to continue her recovery. From the entire staff at Cornerstone, we wish her all the success in her recovery.
Care for Complex Conditions
Patients come to our hospitals with serious conditions such as respiratory failure, complex wounds, sepsis, stroke, congestive heart failure, or even a combination of these. Their diagnoses are often complicated by existing health problems like diabetes or COPD. Many of our patients require treatments such as mechanical ventilators, dialysis, or IV therapy.