Over the past two years, the number of patients treated in the ICU has grown exponentially. Many similar cases; very different needs. One thing is clear: They need ongoing care after leaving the hospital. A program answers that call.
By IU Health Senior Journalist, TJ Banes, tfender1@iuhealth.org
Even in his strongest days, Richard “Rick” Letherberry’s voice was weak. He usually walks with the help of a cane.
A year ago this month, Letherberry was diagnosed with pneumonia caused by COVID-19 attacking his lungs. He was hospitalized for three months. At one point, he was in a coma and had to be on a ventilator for more than a month.
His wife, Caressa “Angel” Letherberry recalls the tragic day his family was summoned to say “goodbye”. At the age of 38, Letherberry’s life and the lives of his family changed forever.
As he continued to fight back, the virus took a devastating toll. He had sepsis, severe pain, difficulty breathing, walking and talking. He has experienced both cognitive and emotional challenges. He needs help with things he used to do easily – like putting on shoes and socks.
This man, of Plainfield, Ind., is a father of three who earns his living as a truck driver. He has been married to his wife for 11 years and enjoys serving as youth pastor and music minister.
But COVID has paid the price.
“He had a great voice but COVID stole that from us,” his wife said. And much more than that. With his feet dropped bilaterally, he walks differently. Letherberry used to love playing basketball. Angel Letherberry said: “Now he walks like an 80-year-old man and can’t play sports.
From Pensacola, Fla., Rick Letherberry says he’s heartbroken that he’ll never walk the beach again.
After a year off, he returned to his job as a truck driver, but things were not easy. He is tired and continues to battle the long-term effects of pneumonia and COVID-19. To help combat those effects, Letherberry is part of the IU Health ICU Survivors Center. Letherberry was under the care of Dr. Sikander Khan and Dr. Conan Chittick.
“Dr. Khan is referring him to all these professionals – occupational therapy and physical therapy and also psychotherapy,” his wife said. Dr. Khan specializes in critical lung care and oversees the majority of COVID-19 patients treated at IU Health Methodist Hospital. After discharge, many patients expressed concerns about their quality of life – the majority felt fatigue and depression.
“We took part in a six-month study on the impact of COVID and mental health,” said Angel Letherberry. Through the ICU Survivors Center, patients like Letherberry receive care and follow-up support. That support focuses on providing multidisciplinary care that can address different aspects of a patient’s needs such as sleep problems, anxiety, and overall physical health. The goal is to maximize patient recovery, reduce unnecessary hospitalizations, increase patient satisfaction, and reduce mortality.
“The ICU Survivor Program helps in ways I didn’t think possible. It’s not like a regular doctor’s visit where you tell them what’s going on and they give you medication and that’s it,” said Letherberry. “It’s like a one-stop shop. I came in with the desire to see a doctor and see a nurse, social worker, and a chaplain. I have never felt so cared for by a doctor in my life. “
The ICU Survivor Support Program also works with pulmonologists, nurse practitioners, nurse navigators, pharmacists, and mindfulness coaches to create individualized care plans for patients. core. The team works closely with therapy teams and makes referrals to the IU Medical Center for Life for thoracic transplants when needed. Last year, the team examined 59 patients and had more than 600 referrals.
“I hope the program continues to grow and reach more patients,” said Angel Letherberry. “I wish I had known about that when he was in the ICU but my focus was on him not dying and I was just thinking about the future and what would happen. I’m grateful he’s alive and we have this support.”
