Physical Therapy

I have been fighting for Michael to receive physical therapy (PT) since the day he arrived in ICU. I brought in recent medical journal articles on the importance of range of motion PT in patients who are unconscious. The article stressed that patients who were unconscious, who received PT, had a decreased amount of neuropathy. Initially the doctors ignored me, they said that patients get PT when they go on to an acute rehab facility. They were aware of the literature, but the hospital doesn't have PT who work with patients who are unconscious. They will only work with patients who can participate in their PT. Every day during rounds, I would mention the importance of nutrition and PT. The dietitian supported my view of nutrition and he has received nutrition during most of his stay. I have a friend who has pull at the hospital. He put me in contact with the head of nursing. As soon as the head of nursing became involved Michael's care greatly improved. People starting listening to my concerns about Michael's care. I mentioned the article to the head of nursing. I mentioned the article to nursing. One of the nurses spoke to me about sending her children to day school. She asked if she could pass the article along to PT. PT was really excited about medical journal support of their work. The doctor in charge of the ICU changes each week. When Dr. Michael Schwartz, MD came aboard, he agreed to order nutrition and PT for Michael. He acknowledged that the hospital doesn't do PT on unconscious patients, however someone from PT would show me what to do and I could work with Michael. I had been moving Michael's hands and feet every day, but was encouraged that PT would show me correct Passive Range of Motion techniques. The PT who showed me what to work on acknowledged that Michael was still very flexible. Baruch HaShem! On Tuesday when Michael was somewhat conscious, I asked him to move his hand or feet and he was able to help me with his PT! GO Michael!