Success Story - Ellie
Back to Stories"My family and I are eternally grateful to everyone involved for the professionalism and comfort shown that surpasses all physical ailments. Thank you!" -Ellie Pedraza
In Her Words...
"I am a COVID survivor. I really do not remember much, but I do know that I wouldn't be here, and I wouldn't be walking without the stupendous efforts and support given to me by the medical staff at Reading Hospital and Reading Hospital Rehabilitation at Wyomissing. I have experienced tenderness and care beyond professional health care. It's one thing to treat the body and another to treat the spirit. They helped me recuperate from life threatening conditions and brought me hope."
"It's not easy to survive the cascading effects due to COVID, but it's reassuring to know that you have a dedicated team of doctors, nurses, and therapists working around the clock to help me get through this desperate time."
The Full Story
Ellie was admitted to Reading Hospital in January 2022 with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. She had numerous medical complications, including pericardial effusion and cardiogenic shock, requiring a prolonged ICU stay and critical illness myopathy.
After spending 39 days in the hospital, she was admitted to Reading Hospital Rehabilitation at Wyomissing. At the time of admission, she was profoundly weak and unable to raise her arms, even to feed herself. She was dependent level for all care and required the use of a mechanical lift to transfer from the bed to the chair. She had significant bilateral foot drop and proximal hip weakness, which affected her ability to walk safely.
Ellie participated in therapy and worked very hard to progress to her prior level of function. After a rigorous inpatient rehabilitation program, Ellie was discharged home. She is now able to ambulate several hundred feet and can independently care for herself once again.