COVID-19 Relief Fund Supports COVID Rehab
For many people who suffer from COVID-19, the effects of the illness can be long-term with serious issues lasting for months. Research indicates that up to 35% of patients can experience symptoms ranging from fatigue to joint pain, headaches and heart abnormalities that last for months. In response to these findings, donations to the COVID Relief Fund helped develop an innovative, cardiovascular rehabilitation program at Swedish Hospital specifically designed for COVID patients.
The COVID Rehabilitation pilot program was initially developed to help several Swedish employees who were diagnosed with COVID-19 and “recovered” but were still experiencing chronic symptoms like shortness of breath, and were struggling to return to baseline functionality. The program has now expanded to include recovered Swedish patients as well.
“These patients are motivated to get back to the activities they used to participate in, whether that was regular exercise, getting back to work or just being able to walk around the house with less shortness of breath,” said Linda Granato, Clinical Exercise Physiologist. “We have seen significant changes in these patients in how they approach exercise, how they are progressing and how that can help them feel better when they try to do things at home.”
The initial patients are already observing benefits in their daily lives. “The COVID rehab sessions helped me with my breathing and stamina to get through the day. I was a little less fatigued and I’m now able to do daily activities,” noted Don K, Swedish patient and COVID Rehab participant. “Because of the program, it’s now easier to work 12.5 hour shifts than it was months ago. I can finally work a whole day; I can lead a normal life and do the little things I use to do.”
There is also a social and emotional aspect of the program provided by nurses and exercise physiologists who work together to develop a personalized plan for each patient. The program lasts 12 weeks and includes supervised exercise, education, lifestyle counseling and group support. “The patients benefit from being able to talk to people who have gone through similar experiences as a result of their diagnosis,” added Linda Granato. “After a few months, patients are experiencing less shortness of breath and noticing how much easier it is to do normal activities and be able to return to a full shift at work.”
Jen K., COVID Rehab participant agrees, “This program was a necessary part of my healing. This is where I had a safe, monitored place to see what I could do; where I could push my limits, be monitored, and encouraged. The oxygen was a security blanket. I knew that if I took it off I’d be well taken-care-of and they would stop if there were any issues. Out of all the things I’ve had to do I was actually sad to stop rehab because I was attached to the group-- to the people in my class. I literally got a round of applause the day I walked in without oxygen. It was so positive.”
For more information, call the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Department at 773-878-8200, Ext 7354. Or to donate to this program, please call the Foundation Office at 773-293-5121 or visit the online donation form.