THERAPY-Magazin
Exercise for a better quality of life
After a coma and severe pneumonia, 80-year-old Michael H. rebuilt his mobility and quality of life through daily training with the THERA-Trainer. Read his inspiring story of willpower and recovery.
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THERAPY Magazin
A field report from Michael H.
Coma, movement and independence – Michael H. discovered that these terms are more closely connected than it would seem at first glance. Read about how, with great willpower, the now 80-year-old managed to get back on his feet after a serious illness and long hospital stays.
Up until a few years ago I was a very active person. I enjoyed spending my time in the mountains. Even difficult ascents, via ferrata or routes secured by ropes couldn’t stop me from climbing a summit. Mountain biking, inline skating and skiing in winter were among my favourite activities.
Unfortunately my activities in the nearby Allgäu region came to an abrupt end when I caught a hospital virus after a knee operation in 2015. I got pneumonia in both lungs and was in an artificial coma in hospital for four weeks. After I was transferred to a lung clinic, I was in an induced coma for four more weeks. During this time a large part of my lung tissue was destroyed. Of course, I hardly moved at all during this time. After my treatment in hospital I was in rehabilitation. I received many therapies, but after being discharged in the summer I could no longer walk independently – I needed the constant support of my walker.
Unfortunately my activities in the nearby Allgäu region came to an abrupt end when I caught a hospital virus after a knee operation in 2015. I got pneumonia in both lungs and was in an artificial coma in hospital for four weeks. After I was transferred to a lung clinic, I was in an induced coma for four more weeks. During this time a large part of my lung tissue was destroyed. Of course, I hardly moved at all during this time. After my treatment in hospital I was in rehabilitation. I received many therapies, but after being discharged in the summer I could no longer walk independently – I needed the constant support of my walker.
I may not be able to climb mountains anymore. But I am active, I move regularly and I feel fit.
I live with my wife in a small house close to my daughter. We have a small garden, but overall we don’t have a lot of space. When I was allowed to go home after rehabilitation, I was able to use a THERA-Trainer right away. I exercised with the device two or three times a day and after a short time I was able to walk on my own again. As a result of the exercise, my condition improved to such an extent that in December 2015 I no longer required the artificial oxygen supply.
For more than three years I was doing really well, until I suffered another case of double pneumonia, as well as a small heart attack in October 2018. Since then, I unfortunately need an additional oxygen supply once again. In winter, and now, while the coronavirus is active, I can’t leave our house. The only movement I have left is a few steps in the garden – and the THERA-Trainer. Despite this, or indeed because of it, I still use my tigo to this day. I may not be able to climb mountains anymore. But I am active, I move regularly and I feel fit.
I can only advise those who have similar illnesses to get a THERA-Trainer.
For more than three years I was doing really well, until I suffered another case of double pneumonia, as well as a small heart attack in October 2018. Since then, I unfortunately need an additional oxygen supply once again. In winter, and now, while the coronavirus is active, I can’t leave our house. The only movement I have left is a few steps in the garden – and the THERA-Trainer. Despite this, or indeed because of it, I still use my tigo to this day. I may not be able to climb mountains anymore. But I am active, I move regularly and I feel fit.
I can only advise those who have similar illnesses to get a THERA-Trainer.
"Until he fell ill, my father was a very active and agile person. Whether he was hiking, cycling or enjoying some other sporting activity, he was always on the move. I’m delighted that I was able to give my father back some of his mobility despite his illness. As the managing director of medica Medizintechnik GmbH, I was right at the source, so to speak. But I think that many families, regardless of their health insurance and the size of their wallet, could afford to do this. Whether it’s Christmas, birthdays or other occasions, we are so often looking for the right gift for our parents and end up settling for everyday things or another voucher that won’t be used.A lack of exercise can lead to a whole host of problems, but exercise makes you happy. Don’t we as children have a duty to treat our parents to some happiness? They brought us up to be a valuable part of society and have given us so much along the way. So why not give them back a little mobility?"
Otto Höbel, CTO medica Medizintechnik GmbH
Otto Höbel, CTO medica Medizintechnik GmbH
Patienten & Angehörige
Therapy & Practice
THERAPY 2020-II
THERAPY Magazine
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THERAPY Magazin
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