Harry: “Good Medicine” Aids Recovery

Harry, 52, lives on the Navajo reservation in Lukachukai, AZ with his wife of 33 years. He has four brothers, three sisters, twin sons and one grandson who all live on the reservation as well.

In early October 2009, Harry was admitted to a short-term acute care hospital with abdominal pain and shortness of breath. While undergoing abdominal surgery he had V-tach arrest, a form of cardiac arrest. He was seriously ill and his prognosis was bleak. With numerous medical issues and a worsening condition he was flown by air ambulance to Tucson Medical Center where he underwent additional surgeries. Still critical and unable to wean off the vent, he was flown to the ICU at Kindred Hospital Arizona – Phoenix on November 6. At every step, the family was told to prepare for the worst, but at Kindred he was able to be weaned from the ventilator and began his recovery.

Harry was a construction crane operator for most of his adult life. However, for the last seven years, he has been the Shaman (Medicine Man) for his community. His wife believes that his recovery was aided by the prayers of the whole Navajo nation as well as traditional herbs applied to his skin. “I love this hospital!” she said. “I wouldn’t trust another hospital to care for us the way you [Kindred] have.”

Harry is scheduled to discharge to a Kindred nursing center to continue his recovery and hopes to go home soon. When he does, there will be many ceremonies – Harry loves the holidays and was saddened to miss them all. So the community plans to have belated ceremonies for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s when he returns.

Photo: Harry is shown with Respiratory Therapist Batal Fyazi (left) and rehabilitation Coordinator Vikas Batta (right)