Tim's Story
Tim Stadterman, 59, led a busy life and was always on the go. He worked in real estate, woodworking and construction.
When he was at home, he suddenly fell unconscious.
“I remember being taken by ambulance to the hospital and they told me I passed out,” said Tim. “No one knows exactly what happened to me.”
Tim was rushed to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital where he underwent an emergency hemicraniectomy, a surgical procedure where a large flap of the skull is removed to reduce pressure. He also received a ventriculostomy, a procedure that involves the insertion of a catheter into one of the brain's cavities to drain fluid to monitor pressure and a tracheotomy.
Once stable, Tim was admitted to Select Specialty Hospital – Alle-Kiski. He was minimally responsive, dependent on all mobility, and required ongoing tracheotomy care. His condition was severe, and his ability to participate in therapy was limited.
After a planned cranioplasty at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Tim returned to Select Specialty Hospital. This time, he was able to perform object naming and track with his eyes—activities he couldn't do during his initial admission.
Respiratory therapists began by evaluating whether he could attempt ventilator liberation. Then, they began a program that gradually reduced ventilator settings and provided carefully monitored bursts of time off the machine. The tracheostomy was removed from his airway and he was de-cannulated.
A successful modified barium swallow test allowed him to advance to a general diet. Speech therapists worked with the dietitian to create balanced meals with safe consistency.
Physical and occupational therapists worked alongside, implementing a targeted mobility program that started with simple movements, such as sitting in bed and transferring to a chair, to rebuild core strength.
One of the significant milestones in Tim's recovery occurred when he stood with a platform walker for the first time since his fall. The following day, he pivoted to a wheelchair and walked 25 feet using the walker.
“I do know I was sick. I wasn’t eating or walking and was on the ventilator and had the trach,” said Tim. "Speech therapy helped me with talking and eventually eating. I still need to work on my memory and I am positive it will continue to improve.”
Tim spoke highly of the work he did with physical and occupational therapy to help him walk. He attributes his key to success to the “flap” being replaced (referring to the cranioplasty) and the trach being removed.
Tim’s ‘ah-ha’ moment is when he can remember something new every day. He is looking forward to going to the next facility to continue his recovery. His goals are to regain his health, find a good job and move to a new home.
As Tim was being discharged to a skilled nursing facility for continued care, he shared how the experience reminded him of what is important in life and to take care of your body.
When he was at home, he suddenly fell unconscious.
“I remember being taken by ambulance to the hospital and they told me I passed out,” said Tim. “No one knows exactly what happened to me.”
Tim was rushed to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital where he underwent an emergency hemicraniectomy, a surgical procedure where a large flap of the skull is removed to reduce pressure. He also received a ventriculostomy, a procedure that involves the insertion of a catheter into one of the brain's cavities to drain fluid to monitor pressure and a tracheotomy.
Once stable, Tim was admitted to Select Specialty Hospital – Alle-Kiski. He was minimally responsive, dependent on all mobility, and required ongoing tracheotomy care. His condition was severe, and his ability to participate in therapy was limited.
After a planned cranioplasty at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Tim returned to Select Specialty Hospital. This time, he was able to perform object naming and track with his eyes—activities he couldn't do during his initial admission.
Respiratory therapists began by evaluating whether he could attempt ventilator liberation. Then, they began a program that gradually reduced ventilator settings and provided carefully monitored bursts of time off the machine. The tracheostomy was removed from his airway and he was de-cannulated.
A successful modified barium swallow test allowed him to advance to a general diet. Speech therapists worked with the dietitian to create balanced meals with safe consistency.
Physical and occupational therapists worked alongside, implementing a targeted mobility program that started with simple movements, such as sitting in bed and transferring to a chair, to rebuild core strength.
One of the significant milestones in Tim's recovery occurred when he stood with a platform walker for the first time since his fall. The following day, he pivoted to a wheelchair and walked 25 feet using the walker.
“I do know I was sick. I wasn’t eating or walking and was on the ventilator and had the trach,” said Tim. "Speech therapy helped me with talking and eventually eating. I still need to work on my memory and I am positive it will continue to improve.”
Tim spoke highly of the work he did with physical and occupational therapy to help him walk. He attributes his key to success to the “flap” being replaced (referring to the cranioplasty) and the trach being removed.
Tim’s ‘ah-ha’ moment is when he can remember something new every day. He is looking forward to going to the next facility to continue his recovery. His goals are to regain his health, find a good job and move to a new home.
As Tim was being discharged to a skilled nursing facility for continued care, he shared how the experience reminded him of what is important in life and to take care of your body.