Success Story: Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital

By: Jacqueline Gonzalez

In April 2019, Richard Russell experienced difficulty breathing and a tight pain in his chest. Alarmed, he visited the emergency room, where he later discovered he had a mild heart attack. After a series of tests were conducted, doctors discovered that Russell had major blockages in his heart and would require double bypass surgery. This was most shocking to Russell, considering that exactly one year ago, in May 2018, he had suffered a stroke.

Russell spent time recovering from his stroke at the Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital, and although he wished the circumstances were different this time around, he was glad to see the staff at the CCRH. “I was here a year ago, and everybody, from the staff, nurses, and therapists were fantastic, so naturally, there was no other choice for me.”

The staff played a major impact on his recovery. Russell states, “all the therapists are dedicated, and you can tell they care, and their ultimate goal is to have your health improve.”  He was two weeks fresh out of surgery; after spending a week in the hospital for recovery, he was transferred to the CCRH, where he has been for under a week. Russell states that his therapy is going well, and he is slowly, but surely, regaining his endurance and strength.

His gratitude is so overwhelming, that he had a difficult time trying to pinpoint a particular staff member to single out, but they were all superb – “even the lady that comes in for housekeeping,” states Russell.

Prior to his heart attack, Russell loved spending time with his wife, pets, and shooting pool. He is looking forward to resuming this lifestyle, once he gets the clear from his surgeon to use his arms again. Russell is also looking forward to taking a long and well-deserved vacation with his wife.