Doug's story
Doug Mundorf is a former electronic repair technician from Pennsylvania who led an active life. He and his family love to vacation at the beach - especially at Indian River Inlet in Delaware. A military history buff, Doug traces his ancestors back to the Civil War. He even was an extra in the movie “Major League II” when the production came to film on City Island in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
But all his hobbies and activities came to an abrupt halt when he was struck by an unexplained weakness and stomach virus. He fought the virus for a week, but he could barely walk.
When he crumpled to the floor at home, he was rushed to UPMC Harrisburg Hospital. There, he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a rare condition in which the body’s immune system attacks and damages the nerves. He underwent plasma exchange treatments, which help correct the autoimmune response exhibited in Guillain-Barre, and underwent additional testing for shortness of breath.
Indeed, complicating matters, a CT scan revealed a large mass in his abdomen. It was the size of a shoebox. This mass was inhibiting Doug’s breathing, and he needed supplemental oxygen. While doctors agreed the mass had to be surgically removed, Doug was simply not strong enough to go through the procedure. The damage to his nerves from Guillain-Barre Syndrome had left him without the ability to walk or feed himself. Severe weakness left him reliant on supplemental oxygen. Doug knew he had a long road ahead, but his goals were simple: “to regain his independence and to get home.” His physicians recommended an intensive inpatient rehabilitation program to help him regain his strength.
Doug was admitted to Helen M. Simpson Rehabilitation Hospital, and his physician-led care team developed a rigorous therapy program with the goal of making him strong enough for surgery. Doug and his wife, Tara, choose Helen M. Simpson Rehabilitation Hospital because he could continue to be followed by his UPMC physician and because they had heard so many great things about the quality of care.
“My rehab team helped with my progress by providing constant motivation and challenges,” Doug said.
He appreciated the positive feedback and the different approaches of his therapists, which included using resistance bands and core exercises. The physical therapy team got Doug up and taking some initial steps with the support of an overhead harness with leg straps, which prevented him from falling if his legs gave out. With the support of his therapists, Doug began to see solid improvement after six weeks.
A repeat CT scan at Helen Simpson showed the mass had grown, but Doug's improved physical condition allowed for a successful surgical resection. The mass, weighing about 20 pounds, was removed.
A week later, Doug returned to Helen M. Simpson Rehabilitation Hospital to resume his therapy.
Upon his return, Doug's physical condition was reassessed and a new treatment plan was put into place.
His physical therapists directed him in seated and standing leg exercises including sit to stand transfers, step-ups onto a box step and standing alternating marches to work on single leg support. His care team utilized electrical stimulation during therapy to increase the blood flow to his leg muscles and help his nerve response to increase his mobility.
In occupational therapy (OT), Doug focused on walking distances he would need to move around his home using a walker and some assistance, and worked on increasing his upper body strength with therapy band and arm bike exercises. Over several sessions, his OT team worked with him on transferring to bed using a stool and bed rail for safety. They also taught him how to use adaptive equipment such as a reacher, sock aid and dressing stick to more independently complete dressing tasks.
Doug was enthusiastic and worked hard. His “ah-ha” moment was being able to walk without the body harness and then walking with a walker and the assistance of one person.
During his therapy sessions, Tara and his daughter were by his side, encouraging him and providing emotional support. His daughter even helped with exercises with guidance from the therapist.
As he gained back his strength and endurance, he soon began to walk using a walker with some assistance and could complete his self-care tasks with minimal assistance. After three weeks of inpatient rehabilitation following his abdominal surgery, and a total of four months combined acute care and rehabilitation care since his Guillain-Barre diagnosis, Doug was excited to reach his goal of returning home.
“I needed the structure. It was nice to have a set routine every day,” he said of his time in inpatient rehabilitation. Tara expressed that she was looking forward to having Doug home and being a family unit again under one roof. “People made an effort with him before and after his surgery,” Tara recalled.
Once home, Doug looks forward to watching his daughter at sporting events and spending quality time with his family. He had this to share with others on a health journey: "Don't let fear hold you back; challenge yourself, set goals and never doubt your abilities."
As Doug prepared to continue therapy through home health services, he reflected on his journey with gratitude. He wholeheartedly encourages others to choose the path of inpatient rehabilitation and shares, "I’d tell everyone to come here, 100%."