Richard's Story
When Richard Fair began coughing and feeling run down, he suspected COVID-19. Testing at an outpatient center confirmed the 58-year-old’s hunch.
At home, the landscaper rested and tried to beat back the virus. When he became short of breath, however, his wife, Doris, knew it was time to act. She drove him to UPMC Altoona hospital, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Fair's memory grays out after that. Later, he was told he’d been admitted and gone into respiratory failure. Surgeons placed Mr. Fair on a ventilator for 14 days, while back home, his family and friends prayed for healing.
Complications, including spiking fevers, pneumonia and lungs congested by the virus’ telltale “ground glass infiltrates,” set in. He required powerful, intravenous medication to regulate blood pressure and clotting capabilities.
As Mr. Fair slowly came around he was stepped down to a high-flow oxygen tube that supplied a steady stream directly through his tracheostomy.
This was a miracle according to the doctors and Doris. She could now consider the next step in Mr. Fair’s recovery. She chose Select Specialty Hospital – Johnstown for its experience in treating recovering COVID-19 patients.
Mr. Fair arrived unable to breathe, speak, eat or move on his own.
A physician-led team, including nurses and therapists, created a plan to get him back to his feet.
Physical therapists immediately began a mobility program, encouraging Mr. Fair to roll, sit in bed and at its edge to starting building core strength.
“When I came here, I was still out of it -- but my mind was starting to clear,” Mr. Fair recalled. “The therapy department and clinical staff’s encouragement together with that of his wife, was fantastic and helped me turn the corner.”
Each day, Mr. Fair’s mental fog lifted further.
Working with respiratory therapists on breathing, coughing and chest exercises to enhance stamina and lung capacity, Mr. Fair successfully liberated from the ventilator. A week later, all breathing support was removed.
Having the tracheostomy out meant “there was light at the end of the tunnel,” Mr. Fair said.
Despite progress, virus-induced fatigue, ongoing breathlessness and the loneliness that came with COVID-19’s restricted visitation made some days difficult.
“But with the help of God Almighty, the team of professional staff at Select Specialty and my wife's support got me through the rough parts,” he said. “In all this, the Select Specialty Hospital team kept my wife updated on my status.”
As recovery progressed, occupational therapists deployed a variety of exercises to strengthen Mr. Fair’s grip, grasp and arm movements. After honing those skills, he tackled larger tasks, such as brushing his teeth and hair.
Speech pathologists also stepped in to retrain Mr. Fair’s throat, tongue and jaw muscles to form words and swallow. Repeated verbal exercises, cognitive challenges and testing allowed him to speak clearly.
Twelve days later, Mr. Fair met all his goals and was discharged to go home. There, visiting health care professionals and Mrs. Fair nursed Mr. Fair to full recovery.
He was eager to be home, spend time with wife and get in touch with other family members and friends.
“We thank God Almighty and the medical professionals from both UPMC Altoona and Select Specialty Johnstown for their excellent medical care,” the couple said.