When Eddie arrived at Solara, he had developed acute respiratory distress syndrome. After working with his interdisciplinary care team, he was able to discharge to a Skilled Nursing Facility. 

A Patient Success Story from Solara Specialty Hospital Harlingen

Eddie has a history of COPD, atrial fibrillation, aortic stenosis, hypertension, and other conditions. Eddie was short of breath when he arrived at Harlingen Medical Center. He progressively grew worse, then had to be intubated and placed on mechanical ventilation. He developed acute respiratory distress syndrome, and his kidneys started failing, requiring hemodialysis. A treatment plan was developed and followed, but his prognosis was not good. Efforts to liberate him from the vent were not promising, and a tracheostomy had to be placed. 

Once transitioned to Solara Specialty Hospitals Harlingen, Eddie made remarkable progress, with many disciplines participating in his care. The respiratory therapy team started working on liberating him from the vent, using CPAP, trach-collar, speaking-valve, and, eventually, red-cap trials. He did so well that he was liberated from the vent and successfully decannulated. The pharmacy completed antibiotic therapy. The physical therapy team focused on improving Eddie’s sitting tolerance – both in-chair and at the bedside – while addressing balance, standing attempts, and overall extremity strengthening. The speech therapy team helped ensure communicating conversationally and intelligibly while also swallowing safely and tolerating his diet. Nursing provided daily care.

Eddie stated that he felt a lot better than when he came in. His wife remained strong in her faith that her husband was going to recover. She noted, “We needed a miracle, and that was what we got here at Solara.”

The support of Eddie’s family was also incredible, starting with his loving wife, who was at his bedside from the beginning.

Learn more about: Respiratory Care