Stephen's Story
At 63-years-old, Stephen Osborn felt at the prime of life. Recently retired from the Battle Creek Public School system, he was ready to spend time with his wife, Peggy, and travel.
Unfortunately, his plan was derailed by COVID-19. After testing positive, Stephen followed doctors’ orders and quarantined himself for two weeks. Despite best efforts, he began to feel short of breath and fatigued.
After a virtual physician visit, in-person X-ray and a follow-up call, Stephen was told he needed to get to the emergency room.
Peggy drove him to Bronson Battle Creek’s ER, which admitted him. The X-ray discovered blood clots in Steven’s lungs. Days later, he also developed COVID pneumonia, fell into respiratory failure and was connected to a ventilator.
“It all happened so fast, I don’t really recall most of the situation,” Stephen said.
Though most of the hospitalization was a blur, he distinctly remembered hearing Peggy and their son, Chad, talk to him throughout the ICU stay. Their words of support and encouragement reached him, he said, despite the deep sedation.
Once stable and liberated from the ventilator, Stephen’s case manager suggested Select Specialty Hospital – Battle Creek. Peggy agreed, swayed by the opportunity for extended recovery provided in the same hospital complex.
Stephen arrived on oxygen and significantly weakened from the viral battle. His goal was to return home and enjoy retirement. A physician-led team of nurses and therapists created a plan for Stephen’s success.
As he began working with physical therapy on strength-building exercises, Stephen was shocked by how wasted his muscles became during prolonged hospitalization.
Still, he made steady progress, moving from chair transfers and assisted standing to walking within a week.
Occupational therapists restored stability to his hands and arms through light resistance exercises and activities that sharpened dexterity.
While Stephen healed, the staff educated Peggy on how to assist him at home.
In just two weeks, he was strong enough to walk out of the hospital. Stephen credits his faith, family and Select Specialty Hospital for making recovery possible.
“God worked everything out,” he said.
Stephen looks forward to sleeping in his own bed and continuing retirement virus-free.