Concierge Director: Mayya Burlakova
Patient Name: Zeidman, Eric
Admission Date: 5/24/24
Admitted From: Boca Regional Hospital
Discharge Date: 8/1/24
Discharge To: Home
Length of Stay: 67 days
Reason for Stay: s/p left chest tube replacement SOB and s/p chest pain , s/p thoractomy
Details of experience:
When Eric , a 67 year old male, arrived at The Legacy, he had immediately set goals for himself . Raising his bar high, his biggest priority was to be able to eat again by mouth. He had a feeding tube (PEG) placed at the hospital, due to a failed swallow test and was no longer able to safely take in food or drinks for enjoyment. He reported that before this recent medical event his swallow was essentially normal and this was therefore a drastic life change .
As expected, Eric wanted to get hard at work with his speech therapist to address the issues causing his swallow deficits. His therapist reviewed his previous results and took note of his goals, thereby educating him on effective oral hygiene habits in addition to exercises that would assist with strengthening his oropharyngeal swallow.
As a highly motivated patient, Eric practiced daily, using his prescribed breather for respiratory strengthening and performing all of the necessary exercises. After several weeks of intensive therapy, on 6/18, it was time to repeat the instrumental X-ray also known as a modified barium swallow. Nervous yet confident Eric’s results yielded vast improvement. He passed the exam and was cleared to begin the tube feed weaning process.
At first he began what is called pleasure feedings, small portions delivered at first at lunch then eventually at breakfast and dinner. After successful intake, Eric moved from one to three full meal trays a day, all while being monitored closely by his speech therapist and dietician .
At the time of his discharge, he was safely consuming 100% of his meals, taking all medications by mouth and no longer receiving food via tube. Upon follow up with Eric, one week post discharge he reports to be feeling great ! His tube was completely removed and he has regained his quality of life enjoying meals out with family.
We wish Eric continued good health and well-being as he moves forward in his health care journey.