In September, Mario Alfano began to develop a fever and shortness of breath. As symptoms worsened, he was hospitalized, developed pneumonia and ultimately went into full respiratory failure. He is one of the many members of our community that had contracted COVID-19. Mario required intubation with an endotracheal tube to maintain his respiratory function while in the hospital. A PEG feeding tube was also placed to allow him to receive nutrition while he was unable to eat by mouth. Mario spent months in bed while receiving medical care, and eventually the doctors decided that they were able to remove the endotracheal tube.
Just days after the endotracheal tube was removed and he started breathing on his own, Mario was transferred to Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Miami. He presented with cardiorespiratory complications and required supplemental oxygen via a nasal cannula. He was followed by internal medicine and rehab physicians, and required nursing care and respiratory treatments. Upon his arrival to Encompass Health Miami, Mario needed physical assistance to get out of bed, stand, and walk. He was also unable to perform his self care activities such as getting dressed and bathing without help. Residual difficulties with swallowing, affecting his ability to eat normal foods and drink liquids were also a residual affect of the intubation. Through hard work with physical, occupational, and speech therapists, Mario demonstrated rapid progress. After only a 2 week stay at Encompass Health Miami, Mario was able to walk, go up and down stairs and perform self care activities without any assistance. With the assistance of speech therapists, he was able to return to eating regular foods, and ensure that his cognition was the same as it was before contracting COVID-19.
Mario demonstrated an incredible attitude, remaining positive and motivated every day of his stay in rehab. He was able to achieve his ultimate goal of being able to return home with his wife and 2 kids without requiring any supplemental oxygen. Mario is just one example of our community members that have overcome COVID-19 with the assistance of the therapists, nurses, and medical staff at Encompass Health Miami.
