COVID-19 survivor regains independence at Life Care Center of Hixson

This summer, Carolyn Johnson survived COVID-19, but the virus left her weak from the pneumonia and acute respiratory failure.

“I did not expect to live,” Carolyn said. “You just have to push through with COVID, to beat this silent devil of a disease.”

On Sept. 2, 2020, Carolyn came to Life Care Center of Hixson, Tennessee, needing some assistance with all her mobility and several of her activities of daily living, including bathing and dressing.

“I could not do anything before I came to Life Care Center of Hixson,” said Carolyn. “I required assistance for everything. I was on 16 liters of oxygen in the hospital after being diagnosed with COVID-19.”

Physical therapists worked with Carolyn six days a week to regain her strength, endurance and balance, using progressively harder exercises. Occupational therapists trained her five days a week in her self-care skills. Therapists taught her energy conservation techniques and breathing exercises.

“I prayed and still pray every day thanking God for the care I received at Life Care Center of Hixson,” Carolyn said.

Carolyn completed her rehabilitation on Oct. 16 and returned home, now independent.