Daniel's Story
Daniel Chung, 32 was a proud new father. He and his girlfriend cherish their infant daughter. Her joy and happiness means everything.
Although Daniel appeared to be living a typical life, he struggled with substance abuse.
Unable to recognize the effect it was having on his loved ones and long-term health, it hit home when he was suddenly hospitalized due to its complications.
Daniel became increasingly short of breath and went to the emergency room. The last thing he remembers is walking through the front door.
He was diagnosed with endocarditis, an infection of the heart’s inner lining, and a septic pulmonary embolism. He was also in renal and respiratory failure requiring dialysis, intubation and eventually, a tracheostomy for airway support and nutritional feeding tube.
Daniel’s family was supportive throughout his hospitalization, advocating for him tirelessly. His brother was his biggest advocate, speaking for him while he was on a ventilator, and translating complicated medical information for his Korean-speaking parents.
Daniel transferred to Cooper University Hospital’s trauma intensive care unit (TICU) to address a large, persistent air leak in his right lung.
Once stable, Daniel moved to Select Specialty Hospital – Willingboro for ventilator liberation and physical rehabilitation. His goals were to breathe independently and reclaim a stable, loving presence in his daughter’s life.
At first, Daniel struggled. Initially unable to liberate from the machine, he grew anxious, depressed and scared. He worried that instead of going home with his family, he’d have to live permanently in a nursing home.
Daniel said the knowledgeable, supportive the staff at Select Specialty Hospital made him feel safe.
Everyone from physicians to the respiratory therapists, nurses, physical and occupational therapists reassured him that recovery was not only possible, but necessary.
Over time, with consistent application of breathing, coughing and chest exercises, he liberated from the ventilator and had the tracheostomy was removed.
After Daniel was cleared to eat, he became physically stronger. Occupational therapists helped him re-learn how to dress, comb hair and brush teeth. Daniel was thrilled to put on his own socks for a walk with physical and occupational therapy by his side. Each small milestone paved the way forward.
Daniel attributes his positive outcome to the thoughtful and caring collaboration between his personal support network and the numerous health care professionals at Select Specialty Hospital.
In hindsight, Daniel appreciated the “tough love” he received. “Everyone made sure I didn’t mess up and that I kept making progress,” he said. “I had the help and support of so many people.”
Daniel met all his goals, including the most precious – getting home. He was eager to celebrate his daughter’s first birthday and give her a big hug.