Paul's Story
Paul Henderson, 69, was enjoying retirement and teaching judo once a week when complications from open heart surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm left him unable to walk, eat and care for himself.
Paul, who lives in Unity Township in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, spent 31 days in Westmoreland Hospital.
On the recommendation of a friend, Paul and his wife Marcia chose Select Specialty Hospital – Laurel Highlands to help him recover. When he transferred to the hospital, Paul was in such a weakened state that he was unable to lift his head.
Paul’s physician-led, interdisciplinary team collaborated to help him recover. Physical and occupational therapists immediately got to work on rebuilding his activity tolerance through repetitive strength-building and range-of-motion exercises, while respiratory therapy focused on reducing his dependence on supplemental oxygen through breathing exercises and gradually increasing the time he breathed without assistance.
“I learned to trust the rehab team and work with them every day,” he said. “They pushed me to do things I didn’t think were possible.”
Gradually, Paul grew stronger. With assistance, he moved from his bed to a bedside chair, then to a wheelchair. Nine days after admission, Paul was standing. Three days later, he took his first steps with a walker. Eventually, he could use the bathroom and take a shower.
As his physical abilities improved, Paul also tackled any mental barriers standing in his way.
“The body, mind and spirit are so connected,” he admitted. “All of it, every detail was something I needed.”
Marcia recognized Paul’s recovery had turned the corner when his appetite returned. While he was able to eat at admission, he didn’t have much of an appetite in those early days and nutrition was vital for regaining strength. His care team encouraged him to drink protein shakes and other healthy foods.
Four weeks after he arrived, Paul was closer to his goal of returning home and ready to transfer to a skilled nursing facility to continue his rehabilitation. He was walking 20 feet with a walker and no longer needed supplemental oxygen. He expressed deep gratitude for all those who contributed to his care at Select Specialty Hospital – Laurel Highlands.
As he healed, he began interacting more with his family again.
Paul said his care team didn’t just care for him; they cared for his family. He especially appreciated that his wife could visit him but also go home with peace of mind “because she trusted the care that was being given here.”
“I was overwhelmed by how much everyone cared for me,” Paul said. “We all were treated with kindness and respect by everyone. The experience was the best.”
Paul, who lives in Unity Township in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, spent 31 days in Westmoreland Hospital.
On the recommendation of a friend, Paul and his wife Marcia chose Select Specialty Hospital – Laurel Highlands to help him recover. When he transferred to the hospital, Paul was in such a weakened state that he was unable to lift his head.
Paul’s physician-led, interdisciplinary team collaborated to help him recover. Physical and occupational therapists immediately got to work on rebuilding his activity tolerance through repetitive strength-building and range-of-motion exercises, while respiratory therapy focused on reducing his dependence on supplemental oxygen through breathing exercises and gradually increasing the time he breathed without assistance.
“I learned to trust the rehab team and work with them every day,” he said. “They pushed me to do things I didn’t think were possible.”
Gradually, Paul grew stronger. With assistance, he moved from his bed to a bedside chair, then to a wheelchair. Nine days after admission, Paul was standing. Three days later, he took his first steps with a walker. Eventually, he could use the bathroom and take a shower.
As his physical abilities improved, Paul also tackled any mental barriers standing in his way.
“The body, mind and spirit are so connected,” he admitted. “All of it, every detail was something I needed.”
Marcia recognized Paul’s recovery had turned the corner when his appetite returned. While he was able to eat at admission, he didn’t have much of an appetite in those early days and nutrition was vital for regaining strength. His care team encouraged him to drink protein shakes and other healthy foods.
Four weeks after he arrived, Paul was closer to his goal of returning home and ready to transfer to a skilled nursing facility to continue his rehabilitation. He was walking 20 feet with a walker and no longer needed supplemental oxygen. He expressed deep gratitude for all those who contributed to his care at Select Specialty Hospital – Laurel Highlands.
As he healed, he began interacting more with his family again.
Paul said his care team didn’t just care for him; they cared for his family. He especially appreciated that his wife could visit him but also go home with peace of mind “because she trusted the care that was being given here.”
“I was overwhelmed by how much everyone cared for me,” Paul said. “We all were treated with kindness and respect by everyone. The experience was the best.”