Fighting his way back
Ron Clark
Sep, 2021
Physicians: Donna DeFilippo, DO
Sean Sullivan, DO
Jerome Kuhnlein, MD
Katie Fitton, DO
Robert Ward, DO
It started with a strange tingle in his feet. Stevensville resident, and flooring subcontractor, Ron Clark, was enjoying a typical summer day on the golf course when he noticed his feet felt numb.
The next day, the tingling and numbness traveled up his legs. Ron went to the emergency department at Spectrum Health Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph, where he was diagnosed with COVID-19.
Over the following days, Ron’s condition worsened and he became unable to walk. He was eventually admitted to Lakeland Medical Center. Results from a spinal tap showed that Ron had Guillian-Barre syndrome. In rare cases, people with COVID-19 may develop this nervous system disorder. It temporarily disables nerves from sending efficient signals, muscles lose their ability to respond to commands of the brain, and the individual receives fewer sensory signals. It can also result in weakness and inability to feel heat, pain, and more.
As Ron’s oxygen levels went down and temporary paralysis traveled up his body and hands, it also began to affect the nerves around his diaphragm. He wasn’t able to breathe on his own.
“It was terrifying to gradually not be able to move, especially my hands and feet,” said Ron. “I didn’t know what was going to happen.”
To save his life, Ron needed to be intubated. He was transferred to Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids.
“About two weeks after intubation, I woke up in Grand Rapids in critical care,” said Ron.
COVID-19, Guillian-Barre, cardiac issues, and complications with a blood clot had all taken a serious toll on Ron’s body during that time.
“Even though I was feeling terrible and not acting like myself, my care team was great,” said Ron. “Bonnie at Butterworth especially stood out. She was so patient and understanding. She was always there when I needed it.”
A team of doctors stretching from Southwest Michigan to Grand Rapids also made a difference for Ron.
“There were so many providers I talked to throughout my hospital stay,” he said. “They were all very good at explaining things so I understood what they were doing each step of the way.”
Walking with Watervliet
Once stabilized, Ron was given the choice to return to Spectrum Health Lakeland Watervliet Hospital to undergo inpatient rehabilitation. It was a no brainer for him.
“I wanted to be closer to home,” said Ron. “And it was a great choice because of all the wonderful people at Watervliet.”
When Ron began treatment for his recovery, he could hardly lift himself an inch off the training table. But his therapy team assured him that by the time he left, he’d be able to walk again. His care team included physical and occupational therapists, Renee Hardman, Elliott Davis, Tiffany Shedlock, Mila Komarova, and Nate Prine, and physicians, Donna DeFilippo, DO, and Sean Sullivan, DO.
“They had me doing all kinds of exercise with my legs to help me stand,” said Ron. “After a few days of assistance from a machine, I was able to stand up with a walker, then use parallel bars. Not long after that, Elliott had me walking around the hospital. It was kind of incredible considering I had been completely immobile before that.”
The team also provided Ron with emotional support.
“Being sick for so long was discouraging,” said Ron. “But anytime they saw I was discouraged, they all encouraged me that it would get better and not to give up.”
“I really love the Watervliet rehab team,” Ron continued. “The nurses were all very kind and helpful. I even got to know the environmental services team because Randy Hardy always made it a point to talk to me when he cleaned my room. It helped make it a little less lonely.”
A path through the pain
After weeks of inpatient rehabilitation, Ron returned home. He continues to see gradual improvements with at home exercises and outpatient therapy.
His care is being overseen by cardiologist, Jerome Kuhnlein, MD; pulmonologist, Katie Fitton, DO; neurologist, Robert Ward, DO; and nurse practitioner, Michael Schiman, NP.
“They’re all very good,” said Ron. “I can tell they are all concerned about me on a personal level and view me as more than just a patient.”
The road to full recovery will take more time, as Ron regains mobility and fights neuropathy pain. It has been a difficult journey both physically and mentally.
“It was a shock—I’ve always been the strong guy who took care of things,” said Ron. “I went from living a normal life, to being bedridden, to now being able to move around the house with a walker.”
From lifesaving interventions, to learning to walk again, Ron experienced a full range of care from Spectrum Health to help him fight his way back.
“The people I’ve met at Lakeland have been so amazing,” said Ron. “With their help and my determination, I know I’ll drive again and return to work. I’m trying hard. I won’t give up. And I’ll continue this fight.”