Since October 2021, Richard has been treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Max Peralta Hospital in Cartago, Costa Rica for this life-threatening condition that causes a significant change in gas exchange at the lung level.
Saúl Rodríguez, one of the critical care physicians at the hospital center, commented that the pulmonary function was completely invalid (losing the ability to transmit gases) and the placement of extracorporeal assist devices was required to oxygenate them, remove carbon dioxide and maintain vital signs. .
Rodríguez recalled that the lung damage was so great that even with the ventilator off, the patient developed a pneumothorax, meaning the lungs were “deflated,” a complication that required surgical intervention with the assistance of surgeons from Calderón Guardia Hospital the capital.
He recalled that last October Richard was ill with Covid-19 and after several days without any response to medication, with excitement and very low oxygen saturation, decided to go to the above hospital, was hospitalized and despite the fact that the family believed it was something mild, because he was a healthy person, the stay was extended.
Rodríguez said that he could say it was one of the most severe cases because he required the “highest” care, that is, placing him in an extracorporeal support machine, also because he required out-of-hospital services, breast surgery and intensive care the Calderon Guardia.
After the surgery, he continued, Richard had to spend 40 days in a rehabilitation process involving nutritional support and respiratory therapy before being disconnected from the mechanical ventilator.
“The idea was for him to start breathing on his own again, but it’s a gradual and slow process because with such serious illnesses, muscle mass is lost and the lack of physical conditioning makes the process difficult,” explains the doctor.
Richard’s wife Viviana highlighted the excellent care her spouse received in the ICU, an act she described as “a culture of great charisma,” and in relation to the staff of that service, she affirmed that they are very special and maybe not realize it, but with their actions they make the place very different from what you imagine.
The resident of Tres Ríos graduated from Max Peralta on April 5 and is now recovering alongside his wife and two children, who are his great motivation to face an important phase of rehabilitation, praised the CCSS, in charge of the public health in Costa Rica.
Rodríguez did not hide his emotion at this fact and assured that it was a great satisfaction to see that such a serious patient, who deserved the care of so many people of Max Peralta and even colleagues of the Calderón Guardia Hospital in all disciplines, left the intensive care unit and is back home.
jha / Ale