Our Rehab Patients Say It Best

Having spent many years working in medical field as a chaplain, 75-year-old Michael Ostrander understands how easily negativity can overcome a patient. However, he was determined to not let this happen when he became one.  

One morning while Michael was reading book, he started experiencing chest pains and shortness of breath. Not thinking it was anything too serious, Michael’s wife called his primary care provider who suggested they stop in that afternoon just to be safe. 

On their way to the appointment, Michael’s symptoms began to worsen. He knew he wouldn’t be able to handle the pain much longer. The couple quickly decided they should go to the emergency department at Lakeland Hospital Niles instead. 

“As my wife went in to get a wheelchair, a security officer appeared,” said Michael. “I was so weak and short of breath, so he helped get me out of the car and wheeled me inside.” 

Hospitalist, Ken Ochiai, MD, explained that Michael was experiencing heart failure, which occurs when the heart doesn’t pump out enough blood and causes fluids to build up in the body. His care team removed fourteen liters of fluid from his body over the next few days. 

After spending nine days at Lakeland Hospital Niles, Michael was transported to Lakeland Hospital Watervliet, where he began two weeks of inpatient rehabilitation. 

“I hit the ground running as soon as I arrived,” said Michael. “Their mission was to get me better.” 

Michael attended physical, occupational, and speech therapy every day for three hours. The informal but structured style of treatment was something he thrived on. 

“I looked forward to the bantering with my therapists each day,” said Michael. 

By the end of his first week of rehabilitation, Michael was able to perform simple exercises on his own such as standing up and sitting back down on his bed unassisted. A few days later he walked 70 feet with his walker without stopping—his biggest accomplishment to date. 

After Michael was discharged, he continued outpatient physical therapy with Lakeland Rehabilitation in Niles. He has also made a number of lifestyle changes to help manage his heart failure, including limiting sodium intake and taking his medications as prescribed.  

“You have to trust the process and be positive,” said Michael. “Although the sessions were difficult for me sometimes, my therapy team knew how to lift my spirits and make it fun.”