Lacey's Story
Lacey Brittain, 35, a vibrant executive assistant in a CPA firm, was leading a bustling life when she woke up to excruciating abdominal pain. Rushed to Mercy Hospital, she was diagnosed with abdominal abscesses. Lacey underwent a series of surgeries and received multiple IV antibiotics over 23 days. Unable to perform even basic tasks and reliant on a ventilator to breathe, Lacey faced her toughest battle yet.
Mercy Hospital's case managers recommended Lacey transfer to Select Specialty Hospital – Oklahoma City for her ongoing recovery because of its expertise in caring for medically complex patients. Her goals upon admission were straightforward: heal her extensive wound and regain the ability to eat. With determination and the support of her therapists, Lacey made remarkable progress.
Respiratory therapists began by evaluating whether she could attempt ventilator liberation. They began a program that gradually reduced her ventilator settings or provided carefully monitored bursts of time off the machine. Within weeks, the ventilator was wheeled from the room for good. Lacey could breathe on her own.
Therapists worked with Lacey every day on simple activities to rebuild strength and stamina such as getting out of bed, sitting in a chair or participating in exercises that moved her limbs. Lacey reached a milestone when, after getting back on her feet, she was able to stroll outside with her therapists.
Her fiancé, Chris, and her father offered support and encouragement throughout her journey. Their constant presence helped Lacey stay focused on her recovery.
As Lacey prepared to leave the hospital, she looked forward to returning home with Chris, eager to reunite with her two dogs and resume work. Despite still relying on total parenteral nutrition (TPN) for nutrition as her stomach heals, Lacey is optimistic about the future.
Lacey urges others to cherish each day and embrace life's challenges with resilience. She is happily planning her wedding and is grateful for the opportunity to move forward and build a future with Chris.
Mercy Hospital's case managers recommended Lacey transfer to Select Specialty Hospital – Oklahoma City for her ongoing recovery because of its expertise in caring for medically complex patients. Her goals upon admission were straightforward: heal her extensive wound and regain the ability to eat. With determination and the support of her therapists, Lacey made remarkable progress.
Respiratory therapists began by evaluating whether she could attempt ventilator liberation. They began a program that gradually reduced her ventilator settings or provided carefully monitored bursts of time off the machine. Within weeks, the ventilator was wheeled from the room for good. Lacey could breathe on her own.
Therapists worked with Lacey every day on simple activities to rebuild strength and stamina such as getting out of bed, sitting in a chair or participating in exercises that moved her limbs. Lacey reached a milestone when, after getting back on her feet, she was able to stroll outside with her therapists.
Her fiancé, Chris, and her father offered support and encouragement throughout her journey. Their constant presence helped Lacey stay focused on her recovery.
As Lacey prepared to leave the hospital, she looked forward to returning home with Chris, eager to reunite with her two dogs and resume work. Despite still relying on total parenteral nutrition (TPN) for nutrition as her stomach heals, Lacey is optimistic about the future.
Lacey urges others to cherish each day and embrace life's challenges with resilience. She is happily planning her wedding and is grateful for the opportunity to move forward and build a future with Chris.