Richard's Story
After a career in service first as a pilot and then as a police officer, Richard (Rick) Andrews now enjoys ranching and time with his wife, son and two grandchildren. That was, until the 75 year-old developed stomach pain which prevented him from completing his ranch duties. After an evaluation at Harris Methodist Hospital, he spent a week on intravenous antibiotics for a stomach infection and was shocked to learn he was facing congestive heart failure. Previously unaware of the cardiac issues, Rick immediately scheduled a follow up appointment with a cardiologist. However, before his scheduled appointment, Rick developed shortness of breath and swelling in his legs which sent him to Medical City Alliance. There, doctors assessed Rick and informed him, “You’re not going anywhere.”
Rick transferred to The Heart Hospital - Denton where he underwent a series of surgeries and procedures to address his heart issues. He had an adverse reaction to anesthesia and spent the next 21 days in intensive care in a delusional state, refusing to sleep or eat, which necessitated a feeding tube for nutrition. Additionally, his heart had to be re-started twice during this time and his lung collapsed. Once clear of the anesthesia, Rick was ready for inpatient rehabilitation to focus on his recovery. For that, he and his family chose Select Rehabilitation Hospital of Denton.
A former competitive weight lifter who enjoyed playing football and boxing, Rick was a shell of himself when he arrived at Select Rehabilitation Hospital of Denton. He had lost 45 pounds and was too weak to stand. His physician-led team developed a plan to get him back on his feet and return him to ranching.
Physical therapy (PT) went to work building Rick’s strength, balance and coordination. Therapists had Richard use the parallel bars in the therapy gym for support while he took his first steps. He worked daily on walking, building muscle strength, stamina and balance.
As Rick progressed, he required upper body support to protect his surgical incisions. He was given a specialized walker equipped with a platform to support his upper body. Within days, Rick was walking over 200 feet with his device, accompanied by his physical therapist who provided contact support for safety.
“I knew how to work out, but my therapist had the skills to identify my weak spots and help me overcome them,” Rick said. “For the first time in my life, I was worried about falling and lost my confidence,” he said. Rick credits his therapists for building both his strength and confidence.
Regarding occupational therapy (OT), Rick admits initially feeling skeptical. “I thought, what do I need OT for? I can figure out how to do that stuff. But it didn’t take me very long to realize I couldn’t even get my socks on. That sounds simple, funny even, but when you can’t get your socks on, it’s a real big deal,” Richard said.
His occupational therapist demonstrated how to use a reacher in conjunction with a sock aide – both tools extended his natural reach. After just one demonstration, Rick was able to put his socks on with these assistive devices. His occupational therapists moved onto helping Rick increase his upper body strength. To do this, they employed exercises with weights and resistance bands to increase his endurance and arm strength for bathing, grooming and eating independently.
Rick’s family was a constant source of support and motivation throughout his inpatient stay. He said, “My gal, Sal” – also known as his wife – visited daily and his son and other friends dropped by frequently too. Additionally, Rick expressed gratitude for his nurses and nurse aides who always ensured his comfort and were there to help him to the bathroom when he needed that support.
After two weeks of inpatient rehabilitation, Rick was able to cover 100 ft. with his rolling walker, getting closer every day to his goal of walking around his ranch. He was also independently managing his daily needs -- toileting, dressing and grooming.
Rick appreciated the caring team approach at the hospital. “In my eyes, the entire facility -- from the cleaning crews, to the food service staff, to the incredible PTs, OTs and nurses -- function like a highly skilled and well-disciplined flight crew. They approach their work with professionalism and precision, and they manage it all with patience, caring and compassion.”
In preparation for returning home, the care team taught Rick energy conservation strategies such as using a bedside commode at night and a shower chair when bathing. In addition to being physically prepared to return to his family and ranch, he was mentally ready to get back to his life.
“The really big thing that the team at Denton did, beyond looking out for my safety and getting me back on my feet…they gave me hope that I could come back again. They literally restored my soul. I think it’s safe to say they saved my life.”
After just two days at home, Rick was back on his tractor and caring for his animals.
Rick advises anyone in need of similar services: “Go to Select Rehabilitation Hospital of Denton. Other rehab places don’t compare – there’s a difference in the quality and help I got. It meant everything to me.”