08/26/2026
Ernesto had a stroke, leading to respiratory failure and ventilator dependence.
AT ADMISSION: The stroke left Ernesto hospitalized with facial drooping and difficulty speaking. He developed acute kidney injury, requiring hemodialysis, and respiratory failure, requiring a ventilator, tracheostomy, and feeding tube.
TREATMENT AT KINDRED: After transferring to Kindred Hospital El Paso, Ernesto received respiratory, physical, occupational, and speech therapy. He arrived nonverbal, with severe difficulty swallowing, and required total assistance. Although initial weaning attempts were unsuccessful, the team’s persistence helped restore his independent breathing and enabled speaking-valve communication. Ernesto improved to needing minimal assistance with several activities.
OUTCOME: After 139 days at Kindred, Ernesto was discharged to an acute inpatient rehabilitation facility. He looks forward to walking, talking, sitting on his backyard bench, and drinking coffee, but his main goal is to have his trach removed.
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