Patricia's Story
Finding Her Way Back After Severe Pneumonia and Complications
Patricia Phillips, an 81-year-old retired high school English teacher, was living independently and enjoying life when she suddenly became short of breath. Diagnosed with pneumonia, her condition quickly became more complex, leading to septic shock and a severe reaction to antibiotics that caused a widespread skin rash.
As her condition worsened, Patricia required intensive care at multiple hospitals. The medication-related reaction required Patricia to be airlifted to the West Penn Burn Center in Pittsburgh for specialized treatment. While there, her condition was at the level where discussions shifted to comfort and quality of life.
“At one point, it was looking pretty bleak,” Patricia said. “I thought about giving up.”
But she didn’t give up. She kept fighting. While out of the serious woods, Patricia still had a long recovery road ahead of her. For that, she transitioned to Select Specialty Hospital – Morgantown for specialized care closer to home. When Patricia arrived, she needed extra oxygen to breathe, tube feeding for nutrition and support for significant weakness and confusion. She also had difficulty swallowing and was unable to care for herself.
The nursing staff kept a close eye on Patricia’s rash, working with pharmacists on managing medications. Patricia also had significant arthritis pain that was addressed. Respiratory therapists closely monitored Patricia’s oxygen needs and adjusted support as her lungs recovered and continued to get stronger. Within days, she began tolerating lower levels of oxygen and within about two weeks returned to her baseline oxygen level of 4 liters.
Swallowing challenges initially made eating unsafe and required tube feeding. Speech therapists worked with Patricia on taking small bites and chewing thoroughly. She began eating modified foods and liquids, then advanced steadily. Within about a week, Patricia was able to have the feeding tube removed and return to a regular diet.
“That’s when I knew I was going to be OK,” Patricia said. “When I was eating again and the tube came out.”
Building strength and mobility
Patricia’s illness had left her incredibly weak. Physical therapists began to work on her mobility function with seated activities at the edge of the bed to rebuild balance and leg strength. She practiced controlled leg movements, resistance exercises and seated marching to improve stability and endurance. As her strength improved, Patricia progressed to standing at the bedside for short periods.
“They motivated me to keep pushing to get better and to be able to get back home,” Patricia said.
Regaining independence
Occupational therapists focused on daily tasks such as dressing, bathing and grooming while seated, emphasizing shoulder strength, coordination and functional movement needed for self-care.
By the time Patricia was ready to leave Select Specialty Hospital, she had returned to her baseline oxygen level of 4 liters, was back on a normal diet and was actively participating in physical therapy sessions. She was ready for the next step in her journey, an inpatient rehabilitation facility to continue rebuilding her strength and mobility.
Patricia looks forward to reconnecting with friends and sharing meals together as she continues her recovery. Grateful for the care she received, she shared: “I came to the right place. The people here are fabulous.”