LEWISBURG, Tenn. — John Cook had a simple cold that quickly turned to pneumonia and sepsis due to his lung condition. With the support of Maury Regional Medical Center, Marshall Medical Center’s hospital-to-home program and his wife, he made a full recovery.
Cook and his wife, Gayle, have both been life-long residents of southern Middle Tennessee, having lived in both Maury and Marshall counties. In that time, they’ve also chosen Maury Regional Health for most of their medical needs.
Cook, who is diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), unfortunately became sick with a cold that turned into pneumonia. COPD can significantly increase the risk of cold complications due to a weakened immune system and a greater risk for secondary infections. In Cook’s case, his cold turned to pneumonia, which ultimately led to sepsis.
Sepsis is a life-threatening medical condition that occurs when the body’s immune system has an overwhelming response to an infection. It triggers a widespread inflammation that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and, if not treated promptly, death. Learn more about the signs of sepsis here.
For Cook, his recovery was going to take time and hands-on, detailed medical support to ensure the best possible outcome.
“Sepsis kept me in the ICU for one week, followed by an additional week’s stay in a regular room at Maury Regional Medical Center,” said Cook. “I don’t remember a whole lot about that week. But as I was getting better, I became aware that I was very weak and needed inpatient therapy.”
As current residents of Marshall County, the Cooks were able to leverage the support of Marshall Medical Center’s hospital-to-home program — sometimes referred to as “swing beds” — which assists those who have had joint replacement, other surgery or an extended illness to regain strength and function to return home. The benefits of the hospital-to-home program include customized rehabilitation, 24/7 dedicated care and private, comfortable accommodations.
“I was excited to get a swing bed. I didn’t want to go to a nursing home,” said Cook. “The care I received was exceptional and the nurses were wonderful. Knowing there was an LPN or PA on staff was comforting. Doing physical therapy throughout the day was rewarding. Overall, this experience has been a blessing.”
Cook spent nearly three weeks in the program before returning home. He now has regular outpatient visits at Marshall Medical Center Physical Therapy and daily at-home exercises.
“The overall awareness of my health has shifted. I’ve made many strides to improve my health, including giving up cigarettes — and I’m fully committed to my strength training and physical exercise from physical therapy. My advice to others? Take a good, hard look at Maury Regional Health because they are excellent. Gayle has told all of her friends about the hospital-to-home program if they should ever need inpatient physical therapy. And I would say the same.”
Marshall Medical Center in Lewisburg provides hospital-based rehabilitation services for individuals transitioning to home following a hospital stay due to illness, injury or surgery. To learn more, visit MauryRegional.com/HospitalToHome.
