Mr. Katz was 62 years old when he was in a motorcycle accident that caused him to sustain multi-system trauma, which included: a severe laceration of the spleen, a liver laceration, multiple rib fractures, clavicle and scapular fractures. He also had respiratory failure that required a tracheostomy and prolonged mechanical ventilation, as well as a chest tube placement. Once he was stabilized at Ocala Regional Medical Center's Trauma Center, he came to Kindred Hospital - Ocala.
When Mr. Katz first arrived at our hospital, he continued to have complications including a gastrointestinal bleed, which required multiple blood transfusions, and extensive pain from his fractures. He began trying to wean off the ventilator, and his respiratory ability was touch and go.
Mr. Katz was in need of a multi-disciplinary approach to his medical care through respiratory therapy, dietary assistance, skilled nursing and rehabilitation. Our physical, occupational and speech therapists identified many limitations, such as higher anxiety levels due to being short of breath and pain.
After two months with us, Dr. Raj removed Mr. Katz’s chest tube, the respiratory therapy team weaned Mr. Katz from the ventilator and his trach was removed.
The nursing team worked with Mr. Katz on wound care and pain management, while the physical therapy team focused on increasing his strength and mobility. Mr. Katz was able to begin walking more than 250 feet with only stand-by assistance. The occupational therapy team helped him work on living skills, and he was able to perform them in no time with minimal assistance. The speech therapy team worked with Mr. Katz on a mechanical soft diet.
He is now a step closer to getting home where he will eventually return to work and enjoy the company of his cat, Gizmo! We are so proud of you, Mr. Katz!