Patient Stories

Last year, a 70-year-old woman was diagnosed with a mass on her neck, which restricted her ability to swallow and manage her secretions. A tracheostomy and a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, or PEG tube were placed, requiring her to use a speaking valve to communicate. She also began chemotherapy.

Recently, during chemotherapy treatment, she unexpectedly developed respiratory failure and was transferred to the ICU. She tested positive for Influenza A and was under investigation for COVID-19.

Medical Issues: Emergency admissions to hospital because of severe abdominal pain. Hypertension, six years post left CVA with limited literacy skills, aphasia, moderate dysarthria.

Background: Former truck driver, lives with daughter separated from wife. On disability.

Medical Issues: Hospital admission for surgery: aortic aneurysm. Temporary communication vulnerability in the ICU secondary to respiratory complications , intubation and medication. Possible end of life decisions.

Background: Widowed, Italian-American who immigrated to the United States 50 years ago and worked in the steel mills. English as a second language and hearing impaired.

Medical issues: Hospital admission for a scheduled hysterectomy. She has severe hearing, speech, language impairments secondary to TBI at age 4 years.

Background: Ms. D. lives with her family in a Vietnamese community. She doesn't speak or understand spoken English or Vietnamese. She had no education or rehabilitation opportunities as a child.

Medical Issues: Hospital admission secondary to respiratory problems requiring ventilatory support. Degenerative condition affecting muscles, unable to walk, weakening.

Background: Duchene's muscular dystrophy. Supportive family.