Nathan's Story
Even more than father and son, Nathan “Nate” Ehlers, 36, and his dad, Harry, are best friends who share a home, hobbies and interests. They especially enjoy watching television shows and movies together and talking.
Nate’s struggles with diabetes and weight were no secret to his dad and concerns about those things came to a head at home one night when Nate had trouble breathing. Harry urged Nate to call 911 for help and EMTs rushed him to UC Health West Chester Hospital.
Nate was in respiratory failure and doctors immediately performed a tracheostomy, creating a surgical opening in his windpipe, and connecting him to a ventilator to push air in and out of his lungs. Another incision was made into Nate’s stomach and a feeding tube was inserted to supply him with necessary nutrients. Nate spent the next six weeks in intensive care. He finally stabilized medically, but was still unable to breathe independently, eat, get out of bed or care for himself.
“I had an uneasy feeling,” said Nate. “I didn’t really understand what was going on and I was afraid of what would happen next… I questioned if I would die.”
Nate’s physicians recommended he transition to a critical illness recovery hospital for specialized care and recovery. For that, he chose Select Specialty Hospital – Cincinnati North to be near home.
“I knew had to get better so I could get home and back to spending time with my dad. I wanted to get stronger,” Nate said.
Soon after admitting to Select Specialty Hospital, Nate was assessed by the physician-led multidisciplinary team which included nursing and respiratory, speech, physical and occupational therapists. They developed a care plan personalized to his needs and goals.
After six weeks in acute care, Nate had several pressure wounds on his body from his prolonged time in bed. Nate’s nursing team included a specialized wound care nurse who regularly cleaned his wounds and adjusted his position frequently to offload pressure and keep him comfortable.
Respiratory therapy gradually reduced Nate’s ventilator settings allowing Nate’s lungs to take over the work of breathing, further strengthening his lungs. While still on the ventilator, Nate also worked with speech therapy to practice swallowing ice chips and taking small sips of water in preparation for resuming eating. After a week, Nate passed a swallowing test and safely and gradually returned to eating and drinking by mouth. He began eating again first with thin, then thicker liquids, moved to pureed and later soft foods. His feeding tube was removed. Nate’s lungs were also gaining strength, he was less reliant on the ventilator and two weeks after arriving, was freed from the device and breathing on his own.
Meantime, Nate was also working with physical therapy and he was progressing. PTs had him regularly doing beside exercises—rolling from side to side, lifting his arms and legs—building strength that allowed him to sit upright at the edge of his bed which contributed to core strength. Within two weeks, Nate stood for the first time assisted by his care team and a walker. Nate repeated this exercise daily and on days he felt weak, the team lifted him to a standing position using a mechanical lift. Two weeks after standing, Nate took his first steps. “That was the biggest milestone. Taking those steps filled me with hope and motivated me to keep working” said Nate.
Nate progressed to using a special walking aid with wheels and a supportive sling that helped therapists get him properly positioned while he relearned to walk and balance himself. As Nate was guided to a proper standing position and walked five feet down the hospital hallway for the first time, his team played “Eye of the Tiger” to commemorate the moment and lift Nate’s spirits given his accomplishment.
“The team had an amazing way of making me feel at ease, even when I was doing scary things. I always felt comfortable,” said Nate. He had another reliable source of comfort with him as well. Harry was by his side almost daily, encouraging him every step of the way.
After five weeks at Select Specialty Hospital, Nate was breathing and eating independently and walking ten feet with assistance. He was ready to continue gaining strength and increasing his mobility with inpatient rehabilitation at TriHealth Rehabilitation Hospital.
Upon arrival, Nate was a bundle of emotions. “I was excited, nervous, motivated, worried and afraid, because I didn’t know what to expect,” he said. But he did know he needed a lot more therapy – simply getting into and out of bed or a wheelchair required help from two people and while he was pleased at his ability to brush his teeth by himself and walk 10 feet with a walker, he wanted to go further and do so without help. He couldn’t wait until to use the bathroom or get dressed on his own.
Physical therapy gave Nate exercises to build strength and endurance in his legs, arms and core. He also used an array of therapy tools to help advance – the parallel bars, a therapy mat with railings, a stationary exercise bike, aerobic steps and resistance bands.
Nate continued to work on walking with a walker. He took his walker through obstacle courses and climbed stairs and mounted curbs. His therapists also taught him strategies for getting into and out of a car without help.
Nate’s occupational therapist had him practice the day-to-day tasks he’d lost the ability to complete. He worked on bathing, dressing, grooming and using the toilet with a therapist’s help, and learned strategies for handling movements on his own that were hampered by his limited mobility.
Dietary and pharmacy also played a big role in Nate’s rehabilitation. His diet was reconfigured to include healthier choices while his pharmacist prescribed a diuretic geared to reduce water and swelling.
The combination of regular exercise, a personalized nutrition plan and medication resulted in continued weight loss and an increase in Nate’s muscle tone. The two assistants helping his every move turned into one.
Recreational therapy engaged Nate socially while fine tuning his motor skills. He painted with watercolors, learned a few new games, and tried his hand at making both jewelry and a bookmark.
Nate’s confidence grew alongside his strength and mobility. Harry noticed that when he participated in the hospital’s Care Partner program, which involves family members and future caregivers in each patient’s therapy so they know how to care for and help their loved one once they return home. Harry was impressed. His son was far more independent than he had been just a few weeks earlier.
After 20 days at TriHealth Rehabilitation Hospital, Nate was ready to return home. He was now covering 130 feet independently with his walker. He had also shed more than half his body weight.
Nate will continue striding toward a better life at home. He’ll start with a home care program, and once he acclimates, he’ll work exercise into his daily routine.