Mrs. J: Regaining Her Voice – and Her Strength

Following a prolonged hospitalization due to sepsis, Mrs. J, 53, was admitted to Kindred Hospital New Jersey – Wayne for ventilator weaning. Her past medical history included cardiomyopathy, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, atrial valve replacement, cardiac artery bypass graft, and a splenectomy.

Upon admission to Kindred, she was placed on a ventilator weaning protocol. During her first eight days she was weaned from SIMV mode to CPAP. On her ninth day was placed on a trach collar. After thirteen days her trach was capped and oxygen was supplied via nasal cannula. Eighteen days after admission, she was decannulated!

Physical and occupational therapy helped her progress from bed mobility to balance training in standing activities. Speech therapy was able to help her with dysphasia. She wore a Passy Muir speaking valve and was able to speak and eat. With continued speech therapy she regained her beautiful soft voice to go along with her great smile.

Mrs. J’s positive attitude and the vigilant care of the respiratory therapists, rehabilitation staff and Nursing staff all contributed to a successful outcome.

Kindred Hospital New Jersey – Wayne’s success is apparent in stories like these as well as in our quality scores – 95 percent of our patients and families recommend Kindred.