Success Stories

David underwent a Whipple procedure related to his pancreatic cancer at a general hospital in Fort Worth. After the procedure, David developed respiratory failure with hypoxia. After stabilizing his condition, David was transferred to Kindred Hospital Tarrant County Southwest to receive additional medical treatment and rehabilitation. David received comprehensive care from an interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, wound care, and rehab (PT/OT/ST), which played a crucial role in his recovery.

The interdisciplinary team worked together to provide the necessary care and support to help David regain his strength and independence. Starting from a state of respiratory failure with hypoxia, David made significant progress. He went from requiring maximum assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) to being able to manage them with minimal assistance. This improvement in his functional abilities is a positive outcome and indicates his regaining strength and independence. He transitioned from a liquid diet to being able to tolerate a regular diet, which suggests an improvement in his overall health and ability to digest food properly. The successful achievement of David's goals in regaining strength and independence speaks to the effectiveness of the treatment and rehabilitation provided at Kindred Hospital Tarrant County Southwest.

Now that David's goals have been accomplished, he was discharged to a rehab hospital for further strength and endurance training. This step will help him continue his recovery journey and further enhance his physical abilities. From the entire team at Kindred, we wish him all the success in his recovery.

Ronald enjoyed his time fishing, golfing, and spending time with family at his lake house prior to his admission at the general hospital for shortness of breath and chest pain. Upon admission, he tested positive for Flu A and his condition began to worsen and was placed on a ventilator, further complicated by encephalopathy. Ronald remained at the general hospital for over three weeks, prior to his condition stabilizing and later transferred to Kindred Hospital Tarrant County Southwest for respiratory therapy and rehabilitation. Ronald was incoherent and on a ventilator upon admission, however was quickly evaluated by the team of physicians, nurses, respiratory therapist, and the dedicated rehab team (OT, ST, PT).

A strategic care plan was crafted specifically for Ronald’s condition that would ensure a safe, yet speedy recovery. Ronald spent over three weeks at Kindred and was slowly weaned from the ventilator to a tracheotomy to eventually breathing room air on his own. Once Ronald’s respiratory status improved, he was able to make great gains in his course of therapy, which led to his improvement. Thanks to help from the interdisciplinary teams across the board, Ronald was able to ambulate, provide self-care, perform general ADLS while consuming sold foods. Success over success, Ronald met all this goals and was discharged back home to his family. “I don’t remember when I first came to Kindred, but I’m glad I did. I am grateful to all the staff who helped me get better.”

Mayra's initial symptoms of shortness of breath and chest pain led to her admission to a general hospital in Fort Worth. After being diagnosed with COVID-19 and pneumonia, she was stabilized and then transferred to Kindred Hospital Tarrant County Southwest for additional medical care and rehabilitation. Upon admission to Kindred Hospital Tarrant County Southwest, she was evaluated by her care team and a strategic care plan was developed based upon her medical condition that would ensure a speedy and successful recovery.

Mayra experienced mild confusion, which required the use of high-flow oxygen. However, with the collaborative efforts of the entire interdisciplinary team consisting of physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, physical therapists, and the dietary team, Mayra made significant progress in her recovery. The involvement of various healthcare professionals from different disciplines ensured that Mayra received comprehensive care tailored to her specific needs. The physicians closely monitored her medical condition, while the nurses provided round-the-clock care and support. The respiratory therapists played a vital role in managing her oxygen requirements, and the occupational, speech, and physical therapists worked together to help her regain her functional abilities and independence. The dietary team ensured that her nutritional needs were met during her recovery process.

Mayra made strides in her recovery efforts that include appropriate medications, providing respiratory support, implementing rehabilitation exercises, and addressing her nutritional requirements. All these interventions contributed to Mayra's recovery progress. Mayra was discharged from Kindred to a lower-level care where she continues her rehab. From the entire team at Kindred, we wish her all the success in her recovery.

Wendell's medical journey had taken an unexpected turn when he was admitted to a general hospital after experiencing dizziness and a suspicion of meningitis, only to find himself battling respiratory failure. It was at Kindred Hospital Tarrant County Southwest where he found renewed hope. Evaluated by his interdisciplinary team, consisting of dedicated physicians, PT/OT/SP specialists, nurses, pharmacists, dietary experts, and respiratory therapists, Wendell began his path to recovery.

The collaborative efforts of the entire team proved to be a success in Wendell's progress. With their guidance and expertise, he achieved remarkable milestones. Wendell's determination and the unwavering support of the medical staff paid off as he successfully weaned off the ventilator. Soon, he regained his ability to consume a normal diet, providing a significant boost to his overall well-being. Occupational and physical therapists proved instrumental in Wendell's rehabilitation journey. From initially requiring total assistance for activities of daily living and transfers, he steadily regained his strength and independence. With each passing day, Wendell's strides grew longer, eventually allowing him to ambulate an impressive distance of 250 feet using a walker.

After 40 days of remarkable progress, Wendell was discharged from Kindred Hospital Tarrant County Southwest with home health services. As an avid fisherman, the prospect of casting his line once again filled him with excitement. From the entire staff at Kindred, we with him all the success in this recovery.

Scott's journey began when he was admitted to a local hospital in DFW, due to difficulties breathing and abdominal pain. After thorough examination, he received a diagnosis of COVID-19, pneumonia, and a small bowel obstruction. Given his history of respiratory failure, Scott's breathing became even more challenging, necessitating the placement of a ventilator and tracheostomy.

As Scott's condition improved, he was transferred to Kindred Hospital - Southwest for further medical treatment and rehabilitation. At the time of his admission, Scott required maximum assistance in all activities of daily living (ADLs). The primary goal of the interdisciplinary team at Kindred Hospital was to liberate Scott from the ventilator, as this would enhance his lung strength and contribute to his overall recovery. Motivated and determined to return home, Scott diligently followed the strategic care plan developed by his healthcare team. With the persistent efforts of the respiratory therapist, Scott eventually achieved liberation from the ventilator. This significant milestone boosted his motivation and perseverance.

Once Scott was able to breathe room air independently, he became more active in his rehabilitation process. He actively engaged with his physical therapists and occupational therapists, gradually increasing his mobility and self-care abilities. With moderate assistance, Scott was able to ambulate 50+ feet and perform general self-care tasks. Successfully meeting all the goals outlined in his care plan, Scott was discharge to a lower level of care where he continues his recovery. From the entire team at Kindred, we with Scott the best in his recovery.

She was admitted to a general hospital, placed on high-flow oxygen and diagnosed with chronic respiratory failure and lower extremity cellulitis. After she was stabilized, Jane transferred to Kindred Hospital Tarrant County – Ft. Worth Southwest for respiratory therapy and physical and occupational rehabilitation. Highly motivated to recover, Jane made steady progress as her respiratory team progressively weaned her from high-flow oxygen to supplemental amounts. As she became stronger and her lungs recovered, Jane could breathe normally again without needing oxygen. Her rehab team helped Jane regain mobility, allowing her to reclaim her independence over daily tasks and walk with a rolling walker. Having met all the goals set for her at the time of admission, Jane was overjoyed when informed she would be able to go home with her family.

“I am so very grateful to all my caregivers,” Jane shared before she left Kindred. “My daughter Wendy was also an incredible motivator. I relied on my faith and I know I had help from my prayer groups.”

She was fortunate to survive, but Karen suffered numerous fractures, contusions and traumatic injuries. She also had to be placed on a ventilator and started on dialysis as her lungs and kidneys were failing. After undergoing several surgical procedures, Karen was successfully stabilized and was then transferred to Kindred Hospital Tarrant County - Fort Worth Southwest. No longer on a ventilator, Karen still depended on supplemental oxygen and required dialysis when she began to receive care from an interdisciplinary team that worked to strengthen her lungs, heal her numerous wounds and help her recover her strength and mobility. With support from her family who was constantly at her side, and diligent care from her team, Karen made steady progress and was successfully weaned from supplemental oxygen and dialysis. Unable to even sit up at the beginning of her stay, Karen was now able to propel herself in a wheelchair and begin managing the activities of daily life with moderate assistance.

“I guess I’m what you would call a miracle for surviving a head-on crash like I did,” Karen said before she was discharged. “I am thankful to my caregivers and therapists and everyone who helped me recover. My family kept me strong and motivated me by being with me all the time, even when I went to therapy. I look forward to going home after I fully recover and complete additional therapy.”

She was dependent on high flow oxygen and was severely weakened from her illness. Melanie’s care was complicated as she had a fractured arm in a brace, and at the beginning of her stay she was also highly disoriented and confused. Her team of caregivers helped her recovery get underway, and she began to respond and interact with her therapists and nurses as her lung function improved. Melanie made steady progress, recovering her independence over the basic tasks of daily life and her overall strength and mobility. From being bedbound and dependent for all her needs when she first arrived, Melanie was now able to stand and begin walking with a rolling walker, dress herself and manage most everything else with only minimal assistance.

“I want to thank everyone who cared for me while I was here at Kindred,” Melanie shared before she was discharged. “My husband was my biggest supporter and he helped to make sure that I participated in all my activities.”

He underwent surgery and started chemotherapy, and when he had been stabilized was transferred to Kindred Hospital Tarrant County – Fort Worth Southwest for respiratory therapy, ongoing medical treatment, wound care and rehabilitation. When Richard first arrived he was unable to tolerate even moderate activity and was dependent on high-flow oxygen and his caregivers for all his needs. With aggressive respiratory therapy Richard’s lungs improved and he began to be able to participate more fully in his rehab therapy sessions. His wound care nurse oversaw the healing of his surgical sites, and with help from his speech language pathologist Richard regained the ability to speak and swallow and he was started on a modified diet. Within a month after his arrival, Richard was back on his feet and walking with a rolling walker, independent over all the tasks of daily life and looking forward to returning home.

“After I came through my surgery I began to believe I was going to be alright,” Richard shared before he was discharged. “I want to thank all of the staff here at Kindred that helped me get to this point.”

She was diagnosed with pneumonia and respiratory failure and was started on high-flow oxygen and treatments to stabilize her condition. As soon as she was able to be transferred to a long-term acute care facility, Lisa was brought to Kindred Hospital Tarrant County – Fort Worth Southwest to receive ongoing care, respiratory therapy and rehabilitation. Initially, Lisa was extremely debilitated and required maximum levels of assistance from her caregivers for all her needs, but she was highly motivated to recover so she could return home and actively participated in all of her therapy and rehab sessions. Lisa made steady progress under the care of her interdisciplinary team and no longer required supplemental oxygen. She was also able to reclaim her independence over the activities of daily life and began walking with the aid of a rolling walker and eating and drinking a regular diet.

“I am thankful to all the staff that cared for me and assisted me in achieving my goal of going home with my daughter,” Lisa said before she was discharged. “I had a lot of people praying for my recovery, and when I was able to get up without assistance and walk to the bathroom I knew things were going to be all right and I was going to recover.”

Once she had been admitted to an acute care facility she was diagnosed with a bowel obstruction and subsequently developed respiratory failure, requiring her to be placed on a ventilator. She also was diagnosed with an irregular heart rhythm and began to wear a LifeVest device that monitored the function of her heart. After she had received treatment, was weaned from the ventilator to high-flow oxygen and had been stabilized, Terri was able to be transferred to Kindred Hospital Tarrant County – Fort Worth Southwest where she could receive wound care, respiratory therapy and rehabilitation. Terri was anxious about her condition and course of treatment at the beginning, but with reassurance and dedicated care from her team at Kindred, Terri began to improve and became engaged. Within a few weeks Terri had progressed to breathing normally without needing supplemental oxygen, her wound was healing well, and she had regained her mobility and independence and was able to stand and walk with a rolling walker.

“I had a lot of prayer warriors on my side,” Terri shared before she was discharged. “Thank you to all who cared for me – I am deeply grateful and now I can look forward to going home soon.”

Alejandro had to be placed on a ventilator and subsequently developed additional complications that included a GI bleed, gangrene and acute kidney failure. As his condition worsened, his family in Spain was advised to come as soon as possible as Alejandro was not expected to survive, and even if he did they were told he might have to have his feet, hands and nose amputated. He was able to be taken off the ventilator and transferred to Kindred Hospital Tarrant County - Fort Worth Southwest for ongoing care and rehabilitation and started to receive care from an interdisciplinary team. Although Alejandro was weak and his prognosis uncertain, he was highly motivated to recover and participated eagerly with all his therapy sessions, and he progressed from needing supplemental oxygen to breathing normally. With his rehab team he steadily regained his strength and a greater range of mobility and independence, and by the time he was discharged to Kindred Hospital Sugar Land to receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) he was able to transfer to a wheelchair and propel himself and begin to use his feet as well.

“I wasn’t willing to die or give up hope and it was a combination of everything that helped me recover and survive,” Alejandro shared. “My wife was a big part of my recovery, and when I learned that I was just being kept alive on life support so my parents could come and say good bye was heartbreaking. I am so glad I was able to survive this and am grateful to all the staff here who assisted me.”

She was treated by an interdisciplinary team including physicians, nurses and rehabilitation therapists. Her boyfriend, Ronnie, was always by her side, and as she recovered he wanted to demonstrate his commitment in the strongest way -- by proposing to and marrying Drescilla while she was still in the hospital, with the staff participating.

He was placed on high-flow oxygen and remained at the facility until he could be transferred to Kindred Hospital Tarrant County - Fort Worth Southwest. At the beginning of his stay, David had difficulty participating in his rehab sessions as his oxygen levels would drop quickly, and he was only able to sit up on the edge of the bed for a few seconds. His respiratory therapists helped him regain his lung strength and he progressed steadily until he was finally able to be taken off high-flow oxygen. David then was able to work more diligently with this rehab team and was soon back up on his feet, walking with the assistance of a rolling walker and able to take care of all the activities of daily life./p>

“I am grateful to all the staff for assisting me and helping me to progress to the point where I am now and discharge to return home to my family,” David shared before he left Kindred. “When COVID hit me, it hit me hard and it caused me great anxiety because I lost control - I had thoughts that I might not survive. I just want people who don’t believe in getting the vaccine to know that they would surely change their minds if they knew the problems it can cause. One of the best things to happen to me while at Kindred was when I was able to be taken off the high-flow oxygen and breathe on my own.”

He was dependent on high-flow oxygen to support his lungs and was extremely weak, requiring maximum levels of assistance from his caregivers. Danny also developed additional complications including pneumonia and an irregular heartbeat due to the virus. With diligent work from his respiratory therapists and medical team, Danny was able to move out of the ICU and made steady progress until he no longer needed supplemental oxygen and could breathe on his own. His rehab team then helped Danny recover his strength and mobility and by the time he was ready to be discharged, Danny was back on his feet, independent in all the activities of daily life, and ready to go home with his wife.

“I am very grateful to all the staff here at Kindred,” Danny shared before he left the facility. “I loved seeing people on a mission to help others get better. As I was recovering from cancer treatments I was worried how COVID would affect me, but I had faith that I would recover and would be able to return to my life.”