Ronell's story
Working as a fork lift operator, Ronell Chapman relied on his arms, legs and sight. He brushed off the weakness in his limbs along with his occasional double vision. But when his face began to feel numb, the 66-year-old sought medical help. After a series of tests, doctors recommended back surgery for Ronell to relieve the pressure from bony growths on his spine that were pressing on his spinal cord and nerves.
Doctors performed two spinal surgeries to remove the growths. Afterwards, Ronell had difficulty breathing. Doctors attributed it to hypoxia—low levels of oxygen in his body tissue—and quickly inserted a breathing tube into Ronell’s airway to deliver additional oxygen.
“I was unconscious for four days, and when I woke up I could not walk or use my hands,” Ronell said.
After three weeks of acute care, Ronell’s breathing tube was removed and doctors recommended inpatient rehabilitation to get him back on his feet to return home. His family agreed.
“My daughter works in the medical field and after research, she felt very strongly about me coming to Riverside Rehabilitation Hospital for rehabilitation,” said Ronell.
Ronell transferred and on arrival his condition was assessed by his new care team. He was extremely weak and needed assistance to move or do anything.
“When I got here, using the bathroom was a challenge, and I couldn’t even feed myself,” said Ronell. My goals were to walk again, use my hands and do everyday things, like changing my clothes.”
His physician-led team developed a personalized care plan. The plan included physical and occupational therapy to build strength and nursing to ensure his surgical incisions were healing and he was comfortable.
Physical therapy (PT) got to work with Ronell on transfers—moving from his bed to a chair and from his bed to a standing position. Therapists then challenged him with lower extremity exercises including marching in place, working out with weights and using a recumbent bike to further strengthen his legs. These activities increased Ronell’s endurance, balance, safety awareness and independence.
As Ronell progressed, his arms and legs felt strengthened and he was able to tackle functional tasks for everyday living: he was able to climb stairs and walk with assistance, even get in and out of a simulated car. After two weeks, Ronell advanced to a walker which further motivated him on his recovery journey.
Occupational therapy (OT), focused on daily life activities—toileting, brushing his hair and teeth, bathing and dressing. OT used a peg board positioned at the end of a slanted board to support Ronell’s arm while challenging him to grasp pegs—an exercise that increased his hand strength and coordination. Gains made in these activities would help Ronell fully regain strength and the use of his hands. Ultimately, it allowed him to engage in everyday activities and increase his independence.
Therapists also showed Ronell how to modify activities and use energy conservation techniques to successfully complete multi-step everyday activities like showering and getting dressed. Therapists taught him some simple home modifications that would allow him to safely move around his home, like removing area rugs and clearing pathways.
“All the people here—doctors, therapists, nursing—they know what to do, and they show a lot of care,” Ronell said.
After almost three weeks of inpatient rehabilitation, Ronell was independently walking with a walker, managing stairs, bathing and dressing. He was ready to return home to his wife and planned to build on his recovery with home health services.
“I thank God for the way I am moving now. I am a hard worker at everything I do,” Ronell shared. “I am so excited to get back home and spend time with my wife, daughter and granddaughter.”