George Dotski's Success Story

Written by: Rachel Bandi, Physical Therapist Assistant (CMH)

George Dotski has lived in Cheboygan his whole life and in fact lives in the same house he was born in 85 years ago. And as time and unforeseen occurrence befall us all, George fell one day at the end of January. He was on his way into the kitchen to get a glass of water. Before he got there, he fell and broke his left hip. After his surgery, he was brought to Larson Hall (the Extended Care Unit at Cheboygan Memorial Hospital) to recover.

In the three months he's been here, his recovery has been difficult & slow, but steady. When I first walked into his room, as a treating Physical Therapist Assistant, I questioned how far he would progress. For some, they never recover from a fracture of the hip and it can actually be a catalyst that leads to death. But for George, it's a completely different ending. He's going home. This is a success story from many prospectives.

His transformation has been amazing to witness. Something that we, as rehab staff, want all our patients to experience. In the beginning and with great difficulty he would perform his exercises and required a lift to be moved from his bed to a chair. I was there to help him to his feet for the first time and as he took his first few steps with trepidation. In spite of his tremendous pain, he was never belligerent or rude. He just had a determination to do what was asked of him. Even with his best efforts, a few weeks in, he had significant medical issues to deal with. It even escalated to the point where therapy was put on hold so that he could be treated for a blood clot.

Now, he's walking with a walker for distances greater than 100 feet. He's able to get in & out of bed without help. And he's able to get around and take care of some of his basic needs. We in rehab feel confident as he goes home to a great support system of family.

In this day and age when lack of respect for the elderly is rampant, his family is to be commended and their example is to be followed. There has not been a day that a family member hasn't been here to visit him & take care of his needs. Even if only to say a hello, spend a little bit of time with him, and exchange his dirty laundry with fresh clothes. They came to take him on day excursions to visit extended family. And when a new great-grandson was born here in Cheboygan Memorial Hospital, the new dad (his grandson) Derek, would come early each morning and wheel him in his wheelchair to the nursery to see him & hold him.

George goes home to see a couple of milestones. The day after he returns home he turns 85 years old. Then on May 25, he and Edith will celebrate 60 years together. In a world that is rocked with bad news, it is nice to have something positive to focus on. We hope the best for George and his family.

Rachel Bandi is a Physical Therapist Assistant at Cheboygan Memorial Hospital. If you have any questions about the rehab potential for individuals with hip fractures or other rehabilitation related questions, please contact Physical Rehabilitation Services at CMH, (231) 627-1359.

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Cheboygan
Memorial
Hospital
748 S. Main Street
Cheboygan, MI 49721
231-627-5601
800-866-9196