Ronald Seevers’ Story

_{October 7, 2022}
On November 18th, 2021, Ronald went to Columbus for a normal lumbar fusion surgical procedure. Ronald had pre-planned, prior to the surgery, to discharge to Rockland Ridge for his rehabilitation, knowing he would have to learn how to maneuver using a back brace and regain his strength. Little did we know this was the beginning of a year-long journey back to health.

Ronald’s surgery went as planned and all was well, but by day four they noticed his intestinal tract had not returned quite to normal. He was found to have an intestinal blockage and an ulcer in his stomach that had ruptured. This was the beginning of a long fight against infection. Ronald overcame being ventilated and having multiple surgical procedures but was still battling an ongoing infection. He was only allowed IV nutrition, trying to allow his intestines time to heal. Ronald said, “It was a weird feeling. I know it’s hard to believe, but I don’t remember any of it.”



At the beginning of January, Ronald was stable enough to discharge from the hospital and transfer to an intensive rehabilitation hospital. At the end of February, while at the rehabilitation hospital, Ronald was finally able to start a food diet. He states, “I remember first having broth, and it tasted so good.” Finally, at the beginning of March, Ronald was discharged from the rehabilitation hospital to Rockland Ridge. We were so happy to finally meet him!

Rockland, along with Ronald’s family and friends, had encouraged him and patiently waited for his return back home. Ronald said, “When I came here, it was a very good short experience. I could tell from the beginning how much the nurses and staff cared.” Unfortunately, the joyous occasion was short-lived when the nursing staff noted changes and sent Ronald back to the hospital to be checked, and thankfully so.

Ronald was sent back to the Columbus hospital where it seems he was not quite ready and healed enough for discharge to us yet. He was again placed on IV nutrition to give his abdomen and intestines time to heal. Ronald was again discharged from the hospital and re-admitted to the rehabilitation hospital to start the process over again. By mid-May, Ronald was able to make his way back to Rockland Ridge. It is then that Ronald had an unexpected complication where he suffered a heart attack. Ronald remembered, “My Nurse Aide, Cheryl, was in the room helping me when I felt a pain I had never had in my life, worse than any back pain I have ever had. Cheryl immediately went and got Nurse Dreama, who called the squad.”

Ronald was able to make a quick recovery and came back to Rockland. He stated at this time he was feeling and doing great; however, he was still battling infections that had not quite resolved. After some tests, a decision was made by his Columbus surgeon to readmit him to the Columbus hospital. At the beginning of June, Ronald was once again started on IV Nutrition and received intestinal surgical intervention. Ronald shared, “I was hoping I wouldn’t have to stay at the hospital again. Andrea, Rockland’s transport driver, took me and we talked all the way up.” Ronald remembers, “I was so thankful they kept my room for me when I was gone. That was one thing I was worried about; I didn’t want to go anyplace else.”

Ronald spent the rest of June and July battling infections and surgical attempts at fixing his abdominal complications in the Columbus hospital. At the end of July, Ronald got the break he had been praying for. His body was finally healing! Ronald recalled, “My legs and feet didn’t want to do what my brain was saying. I remember when I first started walking, it was painful, but by working with therapy, I was able to get where I am now. I can now walk over 100 feet!” Ronald said he was finally able to start enjoying life again. “I enjoyed the ice cream truck days, the parties, and the music,” shared Ronald.

Sally, Ronald’s niece, stated, “Rockland is always clean and smells nice. Everyone is super helpful. Our goals in the care conference meetings were always met. I believe we wouldn’t be able to take him home if they hadn’t worked toward his goals. I noticed he was being pushed and expected to do more, and he looked much better. He has enjoyed the staff. They have been a very positive factor in his rehab. I don’t think he would be where he is today if it wasn’t for Rockland continuing to work with him.” Ronald concluded our conversation with, “I think this is an excellent place! I don’t know what else they could do here to make it any better! I am excited and thankful to be going home.”