Henry Russell, age 70, from Lawrenceville, Virginia went from a healthy, retired area manager who prides himself on being a professional “tinkerer” to bedridden and unable to walk or stand for months. In 2020, he had elevated liver enzyme levels. Henry was prediabetic and took a statin every day but his primary physicians were monitoring that closely. Henry took care of himself in all the ways he could by staying up-to-date on vaccines and doctors’ appointments.
However, in April to June of 2021, Henry lost all ability to move and his muscle tissue slowly began to waste away. He went from 225 pounds to 143 pounds. His diagnosis was an autoimmune disease called polymyositis. Polymyositis (pol-e-my-o-SY-tis) is an uncommon inflammatory disease that causes muscle weakness affecting both sides of your body.1 Henry could not walk. He was unable to sit up or do normal everyday activities. And, unfortunately, the cause of polymyositis is unknown.
June 2021 was his first admission into the hospital. Coincidentally, his wife of 33 years, Angela, works in the Riverside Health System in contract negotiation, so she was certain he would receive the greatest of care.
Unfortunately, Henry’s condition worsened. He had a bout with colitis, which is an inflammatory bowel disease so he could not hold any food down. To make matters even more dire, atrial fibrillation knocked out Henry’s kidney functions. He was in rough shape. He also began experiencing grand mal seizures. As Henry was in a state of unconsciousness and confusion, Angela stayed by his side the whole time. When she was not able to visit every day due to work and other commitments, she was very pleased with the doctors’ communication with her regarding his condition.
“It takes a village when you are diagnosed with a grave illness like this,” says Henry, “As a patient, you are very confused. I was bombarded with medical words and terminology that I had never heard of before. My wife, Angela, was by my side as a caregiver, translator and advocate. I cannot thank her enough. The care and communication from the staff at Riverside was life-changing.”
Henry was placed on dialysis for a short period of time and thankfully, for great renal doctors and staff, his kidneys regained normal functioning. He also began an intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy regimen. Liquid immunoglobulin is blood plasma from healthy donors which helps boost the immune system and fight infections.2 Additionally, he was put on a prednisone steroid, antibiotics and a soft foods diet. His condition gradually became better and was transferred to the Gardens at Warwick Forest to be treated by Riverside Therapy Group in Newport News, Virginia to continue his recovery.
“The people at The Gardens at Warwick Forest really took care of me. I cannot say anything but great things,” elaborates Henry. “The staff were all amazing: my physical therapists, Rosa, Steve, and John; my occupational therapist, Crystal and Melissa; my nurses, Stephanie, Irma, Lorraine, Pam, Christine, Tasha, Shea, Carolyn, Jaden, Rebecca and Felicia; and the housekeepers, Shawanda and Tony, to name a few. These folks really became my family during recovery.”
When Henry arrived, he could not walk. He could hardly brush his teeth on his own. The staff was unsure if he would ever walk again. Emotions were strong and the outlook was grim.
However, by his third week at The Gardens at Warwick Forest, Henry was able to stand up from his wheelchair. “I was determined to stand up and hug my wife,” he chuckled.
Little by little, Henry began walking with a walker and grew stronger every day.
As Henry continued his progress, Crystal, Rosa and Steve, his occupational and physical therapists, recognized that he could potentially stand. They facilitated that exercise in the parallel bars, and when Henry attempted, he did it in one try! Steve and Crystal were both completely astounded, mouths agape like “WHAT??!?” They really pushed him. Pushed his limits to attempt walking and eventually building up to walking long distances and ascending 17 stairs.
Day after day, Henry got stronger. The Gardens at Warwick Forest staff continued to be amazed by his strength and resilience. He was able to perform his morning ablutions without assistance. When he arrived at the facility, he needed help with everything.
“The staff really were wonderful at The Gardens at Warwick Forest. They followed COVID protocols all the while letting my wife visit every day. Even our 15-year-old dog, Kyeson, paid respects to me and my recovery,” Henry describes. “I also had patient friends who would chatter in the hallways to one another which added some levity in a tough situation. Without the staff’s positive dispositions and encouraging attitudes, I am not sure I would have had such a speedy recovery.”
After two months, Henry returned home by mid-February of 2022. He still has to do out-patient physical and occupational therapy but he has almost made a full recovery. Henry currently weighs a healthy 174 pounds and is excited to get back to being the chef of the household and among friends; working in his garden; attempting to get back to his golf swing; catching a fish or two; and of course, professional tinkering.
1 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/polymyositis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353208
2 https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/immunoglobulin-therapy
