Steve

Physical and Occupational Therapy

Steve Barnett Patient Experience

Steve Barnett believes in miracles. He was discharged from Christian Hospital on Dec. 1, 2021, after battling COVID-19 for four months in four different hospitals, including more than six weeks in one of those facilities intubated on a ventilator in a drug induced-coma.

Barnett, 50, from Eldred, Illinois, had not received the COVID-19 vaccine and in August 2021 he was exposed to the virus, became ill, diagnosed positive and immediately admitted to an Illinois hospital for a few days before being transferred to a St. Louis County hospital, where he spent more than six weeks intubated in a drug-induced coma. From there he was transferred to another hospital in St. Louis for a few weeks to be weaned from the ventilator before being transferred to Christian Hospital for physical and occupational therapy.

“It’s amazing that I’m going home – I never thought I’d make it,” notes Barnett, who was in excellent physical shape and healthy prior to getting the virus. “I never had any health issues until I got sick and tested positive with Covid. I really never thought I’d come out of it after I was intubated.” When Barnett arrived at Christian Hospital for therapy on Nov. 5, 2021, he couldn’t walk and needed help to stand after months of being bed-ridden.

“I never dreamed when I got it (COVID-19) that it would be four months before I’d be going home,” says Barnett, who recalls several people he knew who have passed away from the virus, including one friend he was with when both became infected. “I’m so glad to be going home and so grateful for everything, and the treatment I’ve received here means so much to me. I couldn’t ask for better care! I really never thought I’d be alive today.” Barnett notes that he plans to get the vaccine as soon as he gets home.

“My experience at Christian was excellent and they helped me tremendously,” says Barnett, “What impressed me the most is that everybody here genuinely cared about my care and me getting better, not just going through the motions – they really wanted to see me get better and pushed me to be able to walk again. After being a patient here, I would recommend Christian Hospital to anybody, whether it’s for physical therapy or other medical care. I’m leaving here feeling really good.”