George's Story
George Adamek was enjoying his retirement from Delmarva Power where he had worked for 27 years. He was getting the opportunity to spend time with his wife, Redonia, of eight years and their blended family of seven children -- Heather, Mikaila, Victoria, Joshua, Lydia, Jacob and Wesley.
The family was looking forward to Comic-Con, a comic book convention, beach trips and playing board and video games. One of their greatest joys is attending the New Life Worship Center in Pennsville, NJ after George was called into the ministry of Evangelism. The family attends service many times a week and their faith plays an integral part in their life.
George started to feel off one day so he tested for COVID-19 and was positive. Within four days, his symptoms became worse and he was admitted to Taylor Hospital. Continuing to decline, he was placed on a ventilator and a medically induced coma for a month, experiencing cardiac arrest twice.
George missed Christmas and the birth of his first granddaughter as he fought for his life.
Upon stabilizing, he needed extended healing and was transferred to Select Specialty Hospital – Wilmington, where a physician-led team of nurses, therapists, dietitians and pharmacists created a recovery plan.
Respiratory therapists and pulmonologists worked together to slowly dial back ventilator settings allowing George’s lungs to do more of the work. They also used monitored bursts of time off the ventilator to help him practice breathing independently. George was able to successfully liberate from the machine.
His therapy team then led him through deep breathing, coughing and chest exercises to continue to increase his lung strength.
Meanwhile, George’s speech-language pathologist led him through verbal exercises to form syllables and sounds until he heard his own voice for the first time in more than a month. George continued working mouth, tongue and jaw exercises to re-learn how to swallow safely. He passed a swallow study test indicating he was not in danger of drawing food or liquid into her lungs and restarted a regular diet.
George diligently practiced speaking and soon the airway support in his neck was also removed.
Physical and occupational therapists worked with George twice daily on mobility. At first, they led him through bed exercises, such as ankle pumps and turning from side to side. Soon, George could sit up and take several steps toward a chair where she would sit to strengthen his core.
In time, George graduated to walking with a walker with therapists by his side. Each day, he walked longer distances in the hallways and never missed the chance to offer a cheerful hello.
Upon discharge, George and Redonia were thankful for the Select Specialty Hospital team and also deeply grateful for their faith, support of their church and prayers which they viewed as key factors in George’s determination to recover.