Saving Ed's Life at Schenectady Center

by Jeff Jacomowitz

83 year-old Ed Andryszczyk, a resident at Schenectady Center on Altamont Avenue in Schenectady, is so happy these days thanks to those who saved his life and have helped him during such bleak moments six months ago. It was last August of 2018, Ed began to go through a life-threatening experience, the day he came down with severe Sepsis from Ascending cholangitis, which is inflammation of the bile duct, a.k.a the cholangitis, and usually caused by bacteria. Ed experienced multiple clinical issues, most notably severe abdominal pain, and wound up in the intensive care unit at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Sepsis can happen to anyone but it is most common in older adults, pregnant women, children younger than one and people who may have diabetes, kidney or lung disease, cancer and have weakened immune systems. Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by the body's response to an infection. The body normally releases chemicals into the bloodstream to fight an infection. Sepsis occurs when the body's response to these chemicals is out of balance, triggering changes that can damage multiple organ systems. Septic shock can lead to death if untreated by IV fluids and antibiotics.

"When Ed was transferred from Ellis Hospital, he came here lying down," said Elie Schiff, formerly the Administrator at Schenectady Center. "Seeing him six months later, it's an unbelievable turnaround and it clearly demonstrates what solid professional rehab can do."

After Ed spent nearly three weeks at Ellis from Aug 26 to Sept 13, 2018, he was taken to Schenectady Center for rehab on a stretcher due to his immobility of both his arms and legs couldn’t move. His enzymes in his liver were showing major damage as well. Now six months later, Ed is almost back to himself and he praises both the hospital and Schenectady Center for giving him his life back. Although he is still receiving rehabilitation at Schenectady Center, Ed lives in Schenectady with his daughter, since his son and wife are not with us anymore.

“Ed’s motivation to get better has really been the key to his success," said Shannon Lansley, the Assistant Administrator at Schenectady Center. "He is such an inspiration to other residents and to our staff. We are so proud that he chose our team to be a part of his recovery.”