06/18/2026
Ariana went to a community hospital with abdominal distention and vomiting. She was found to have a severe small-bowel obstruction, as well as diabetic ketoacidosis. Initially, she was treated conservatively with NGT decompression, a medical procedure where a flexible tube is inserted through the nose and into the stomach to drain accumulated air and digestive fluids. However, she was subsequently found to have a cecal perforation (a hole in her large intestine) and taken to the operating room for an exploratory laparotomy and cecum repair.
Her oxygen levels dropped because thick mucus was likely blocking her airways, making it necessary to clean out her lungs and place a breathing tube down her throat. Ariana was then transferred to Kindred Hospital Rancho to continue her care.
At Kindred Rancho, Ariana received occupational therapy, restorative nursing assistance, speech therapy, and physical therapy. Ariana was initially assessed as needing maximum assistance with all self-care tasks. Her functional mobility, sitting and standing balance, and bed mobility also required total assistance, and her respiratory and speech abilities were weak. In addition, Ariana was unable to swallow and continued a nothing-by-mouth dietary regimen, with a PEG (feeding tube) recommended.
Through the dedication of her rehabilitation and nursing team, Ariana made significant strides in her therapy. By the end of her stay at Kindred, she completed self-care activities with moderate to minimal assistance. In addition, she was able to perform transfers and walk 200 feet indoors and outdoors with independence. She could also go up and down the stairs with the use of rails. Ariana was decannulated (breathing tube removed) and able to express functional needs and wants. She could also tolerate an easy-to-chew diet and thick liquids.
Ariana has been discharged to acute inpatient rehabilitation.
