Jack's story
Jack Brainard loves life on Florida’s southwestern coast.
Jack and his wife, Drue, and Coach, their dog enjoy cruising the river in their boat, evenings in the backyard “tiki hut,” entertaining friends and visiting a favorite restaurant.
The only thing slowing Jack down was worsening pain in his right shoulder, which doctors had determined required a total joint replacement so Jack scheduled the surgery.
Initially, the procedure appeared successful. However, as the care team prepared Jack for discharge, the surgical nerve-block had migrated and paralyzed Jack’s diaphragm. Unable to breathe, he went into respiratory failure and needed to be placed on a ventilator.
Eleven days later, a tracheostomy was placed and Jack was transferred to Select Specialty Hospital – Fort Myers for additional recovery time.
Upon arrival, he admitted to the high-observation unit, which functions like extended intensive care.
Jack said he doesn’t remember much because “I was so out of it and doped up.”
Drue knew her husband would want to get back to Coach, their friends and the river, so a physician-led team, including nurses and therapists, created a plan to get him there.
“The first indication things were headed in the right direction came when Jack was moved from high-observation to a regular room,” said Drue.
As Jack became more aware and engaged, he was able to participate in therapy. The respiratory team focused on twice daily, spontaneous breathing trials – short spurts of time with little or no ventilator support. This strengthened Jack’s lungs and gradually allowed him to liberate from the machine. He stepped down to a tracheostomy collar and special valve that permitted more normal speech.
Jack and Drue were shocked at how quickly he was able to talk again.
As recovery progressed, physical therapists began a mobility program to improve muscle strength and physical function. He started with bed exercises, rolling from side-to-side, moving toward the bed’s edge, sitting up and eventually moving to a chair.
As tolerance and endurance improved, therapists assisted in getting him to stand and turn with assistance. Jack’s major milestone came the day he took several steps. “It was a clear sign recovery was possible,” he recalled.
Nurses ensured Jack was comfortable, providing conversation and reassurance, in addition to medication and reminders about mobility. Drue was grateful for one nurse, in particular, who took time to explain all the ways she could assist Jack once he returned home.
“The nurses, the whole respiratory staff were so helpful, kind and amazing,” Drue said. “We felt they were really pivotal to his recovery. Everyone was knowledgeable and encouraging.”
The couple’s friends and neighbors provided support, too. Over his six-week stay, the wall in Jack’s room filled as staff taped up dozens of cards and well-wishes to help keep Jack motivated.
Drue was also permitted to bring Coach in for brief visits. Jack always perked up when the sandy haired pup arrived, and the care team loved to spoil him with attention.
Occupational therapists continued to focus on upper body movements, strengthening his arms to aid in transfers to a chair. They worked on holding a spoon, pencil and comb and using them with skill.
Dietary and speech therapists worked closely with Jack’s doctors to prepare him for transition off the feeding tube. After passing a swallow study, they began feeding him ice chips followed by thickened liquids, puddings purees and, finally, regular meals.
Having met his primary recovery goals, Jack departed for a brief stay at an inpatient rehabilitation hospital, where he continued to gain strength and skill with daily activities.
Jack and Drue shared that they would miss everyone at Select Specialty Hospital and were grateful that everyone helped them stay positive and focused on the future.