Mr. R: A Return Home
Mr. R came to Kindred Hospital Houston Northwest in
mid-August after six weeks at the Intensive Care Unit at a short-term acute care hospital, where he had received a triple bypass. However, other problems had
developed, and Mr. R was experiencing multiple organ failure.
Upon admission, Mr. R was on a ventilator, feeding
tube and chest tube. He was also receiving dialysis three times a week. He
celebrated his 70th birthday in the hospital and was known for
watching the Food Channel around the clock.
Improvement came slowly but steadily thanks to Mr. R’s
caregivers and therapists. Within four months, Mr. R was able to go home,
although he was still in a hospital bed, receiving ventilator support and
dialysis. After nine months, the trach was finally removed.
Dialysis treatment was done at home with a new
portable, flexible system called NxStage. Mr. R was able to return to work part
time as a civil engineer.
One year later, he is still doing well. He is now
working full time and receiving dialysis three times a week. His wife makes
quilts, and she made one for the Kindred staff to display as a thank you from
her and her husband.