Mary Heil's story
Mary Heil, 73, needed emergency heart surgery. "I don't remember the first part of my story at all," Mary said. A passing comment about the operating room resembling a "meat locker" is all she could recall before the surgery.
The operation was a success, but complications soon arose. Mary couldn’t breathe independently and was placed on a ventilator. Needing more time to recover, Mary was transferred to Select Specialty Hospital – St. Louis.
Upon arrival at Select Specialty Hospital, Mary's condition was frail. After nearly six weeks in bed on a feeding tube, Mary required specialized care from physical, occupational, speech and respiratory therapy. She embarked on a comprehensive recovery program to get her back on her feet.
Respiratory therapists and pulmonologists dialed back the ventilator settings, allowing Mary’s lungs to take over the work for short periods of time. These timed trials off the vent increased Mary’s lung capacity and strength. Therapists also led her through deep breathing, coughing and chest exercises to increase stamina.
Meanwhile, physical and occupational therapists worked with Mary on a targeted mobility program that started with simple movements, such as sitting in bed and transferring to a chair, to rebuild core strength.
Mary’s son Zachary often visited her offering positive support. “She was pretty lit up on the second day she could eat. She had mac ‘n’ cheese." The joy in Mary's voice was palpable as she exclaimed, "food!" Now, Mary proudly walks over 50 feet with the help of physical therapy and enjoys a complete diet.
Mary said the strides she made during her stay surprised even herself.
Mary’s next step is inpatient rehabilitation before returning home. Once she returns home, Mary said she looks forward to a long-anticipated girls’ trip with her niece and several other loved ones.