Matthew's Story
Matthew Davis, 35, a lumber shop tallyman, and his wife, Amber, were busy coparenting two small children and expecting another when his health took a dramatic turn. Frightened by the red, swollen appearance of Matt’s legs and his flu-like symptoms, Amber called emergency medical services to transport him to a local hospital.
Doctors quickly recognized the severity of Matt’s condition and transferred him to intensive care at Mon Health Medical Center in Morgantown, West Virginia. Fluid buildup in his lungs made breathing difficult and eventually led to intubation and a ventilator. He also experienced sudden renal failure that required continuous dialysis, along with obstructive sleep apnea and cellulitis, a serious bacterial skin infection that had spread to his bloodstream and caused sepsis.
Matt improved to the point where doctors removed the tube that helped him breathe and reduced his dialysis to three times a week. With that, Matt transferred to Select Specialty Hospital – Morgantown to continue his recovery. He and Amber decided it would be the best place for the care he needed to return home to his family in Belington, West Virginia.
At admission, Matt faced an uphill battle. He needed dialysis and oxygen support. He also had difficulty standing and moving in and out of bed and was unable to care for himself. Weakened by his ordeal, he tired easily with little movement.
His physician-led, multidisciplinary treatment team got to work on an individualized plan that focused on his goal of walking and returning home to his family before the birth of their third child.
Matt’s rehabilitation began with physical therapy aimed at improving his mobility and independence. Through exercises designed to improve his strength and range of motion, such as leg lifts, repetitive sit-to-stands and mini squats, Matt regained his ability to stand, take steps and eventually walk 150 feet with a walker. As he continued to progress, Matt learned to safely navigate steps – something he’d need to do at home.
Occupational therapy helped Matt learn how to get in and out of car, bathe and dress himself.
Through a series of breathing exercises, Matt was able to dramatically reduce his reliance on supplemental oxygen, even when he was exerting himself in therapy.
As Matt regained strength, his kidneys and cellulitis also steadily improved with treatment.
A high point in his recovery came when he was able to complete squats on his own while standing at the end of his bed.
“I was equally surprised and proud of myself,” he said.
Three weeks after his arrival, Matt’s persistence and hard work paid off. He could walk, no longer needed dialysis and was able to be home before their new baby arrived. Matt and his family temporarily moved in with Amber’s parents in their single-story home allowing Matt to continue his recovery in a safe, supportive environment with home health aides providing added support.
As he reflected on his journey to this point, Matt was thankful for the care he received at Select Specialty Hospital -- Morgantown.
“My overall experience was great,” he said. “Everyone took great care of me.”