Valentine Toss Sr., age 71, was admitted to Carolinas ContinueCARE Hospital at University from Atrium–Northeast with primary diagnoses of acute myocardial infarction treated by coronary artery bypass grafting and acute respiratory failure requiring ventilator support.
Situation:
Patient had a past medical history of hypertension, diabetes and COPD. He originally presented to the ER with chest pain and was taken to the Cath lab which showed significant right coronary stenosis. During his heart cauterization, patient had cardiac arrest. He eventually underwent a three-vessel CABG, trach and peg placement. Patient had multiple other complications during his hospital stay prior to coming to our LTACH.
Prior to hospitalization, patient resided at home with his spouse and was the primary caregiver for his mother-in-law. He loved to paint in his free time and was generous in sharing his artwork with our staff. The goal was for patient to be able to return home.
Solution:
While here, he was followed by physical, occupational and speech therapy, dietitian, wound care, pulmonology, nurse practitioner and physician.
Results:
During his 27-day stay here, the patient was able to wean from the ventilator and be decannulated and didn’t require any oxygen upon discharge. He passed a swallow evaluation and his diet progressed to a regular diet with thin liquids. He worked with physical, occupational and speech therapy weekly and was able to ambulate on the unit with a rolling walker and actively participate in all activities of daily living. The patient was discharged home with his spouse and Home Health Care. Mr. and Mrs. Toss came back to Carolinas ContinueCARE Hospital at University to say hello and thank staff for being instrumental in his recovery.