Patients Age: 60
Admission Date: 9/8/17
Admitted From: Saint Thomas Midtown
Discharge Date: 9/28/17
Discharged To: Private Home
Length of Stay: 22 days
Reason for Stay: Atrial Fibrillation w/RVR
How did patient hear about Bethany Center for Rehabilitation and Healing? Bethany Alumni

Details of Experience:

Bruce Mclain, Jr. is a 60-year-old male who admitted to Bethany Center after a five night stay at Saint Thomas Midtown. He presented to the emergency department after experiencing swelling of his bilateral lower extremities and shortness of breath, having to sleep on three pillows without much relief. He was admitted to the hospital after discovering that he was in atrial fibrillation and fluid overload was noted on his chest X-ray results.

Upon admission, Mr. Mclain was extremely weak, but in good spirits. Prior to this hospital stay, he was a patient at Bethany Center due to a wound on his left lateral extremity, which he was still experiencing residual effects. The therapy team at Bethany evaluated him upon his arrival. Mr. Mclain was determined to become stronger so that he could gain his independence once again and not rely on friends and family to support him physical upon returning his home.

During his stay, his medications were evaluated to support his atrial fibrillation and subsequent excess of fluid. Within only a few days, the swelling in his bilateral lower extremities had diminished! He was, however, ordered to continue with his prescribed medications upon admission to ensure that the swelling would remain minimal during therapy.

Mr. Mclain worked diligently alongside our therapy department to regain strength lost from being hospitalized, as well as being ill prior to his trip to the emergency department. The residual effects of a preexisting wound and injury had severely affected strength in his left lower extremity. Over the course of the following days and weeks, he progressed in both physical and occupational therapy and was able to walk using only the support of a cane as an assistive device while a therapist was present to provide contact guard and stand-by assistance.

While Mr. Mclain did experience instances of decreased motivation and feelings of defeat, he continued to work diligently with our staff in efforts to reach his goal of being able to discharge home without assistance. He also worked very closely with the social services team to secure an independent place to live, as this was a goal of his prior to his admission into the hospital and subsequently, Bethany. Upon discharge from Bethany, he had achieved the ability to walk with a cane independently and thanked our therapy team for, once again, supporting and teaching him to regain his strength and independence!