Tyrone's Story

Tyrone McCall stands in a therapy gym assisted by his therapist.

It takes a lot to slow down 58-year-old North Carolina native Tyrone “Tye” McCall. When he isn’t traveling for his home remodeling work, he enjoys sports, socializing and enjoying time with his wife, Cortina.

Diagnosed with heart failure in 2016, Tye was in and out of the hospital before having a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) placed. The LVAD helps pump blood from the lower left heart chamber, called the left ventricle, to the rest of the body and is used to treat severe heart failure. Following surgery, Tye suffered a stroke that affected the left side of his body.

Tye’s physician recommended inpatient rehabilitation to help him regain his strength, mobility and independence. Upon arrival at UF Health Rehabilitation Hospital, Tye was motivated to work hard. “My doctor told me I would get the most therapy at this facility, which is what I needed to get stronger and go home,” he recalls.

Tye arrived at the hospital just 14 days after receiving his LVAD. Upon admission, he required assistance to stand, walk a few steps and handle stairs. Tye’s stroke left him with decreased mobility in his left arm and he needed assistance to complete all of his personal care activities, including bathing and dressing. Because of his surgery, Tye also had to follow precautions to protect his chest incision. His physician-led team of nurses, physical and occupational therapists devised a care plan to help him reach his goals of getting stronger and becoming independent again.

In physical therapy, Tye worked to improve his leg strength and balance so he could safely move from sitting to standing. “I didn’t realize how bad of shape I was in with my balance,” Tye admitted. Therapists had Tye performed hip strengthening and stability exercises to reduce his risk of falls. He also practiced stepping up onto elevated surfaces and used resistance bands and ankle weights while taking steps to improve his balance. Additionally, Tye used a recumbent exercise bike in his sessions to improve his strength and endurance for community mobility. They also challenged Tye to stand and walk for longer periods each day in order to increase his endurance.

Tye also participated in a cardiac physical therapy group. Cardiac patients exercised together helping improve their endurance. The group also gave Tye a better understanding of cardiac issues given many in the group discussed their cardiac procedures and how they were managing in the aftermath.

Occupational therapists (OT) helped Tye increase his independence on the personal care front. Therapy sessions included training in a mock apartment, where he practiced everyday chores like washing and putting away dishes, cooking, cleaning and laundry, all in a safe and supervised environment. As his mobility and balance improved, Tye’s occupational therapists took him outdoors to practice tasks like checking the mail and getting in and out of a vehicle.

“Every activity helped me to reach my goal,” Tye stated. “Everything tied in together. I loved being able to bathe with my OT helping me and learning how to take care of myself again. I loved working on my strength inside and outside… I will be able to do what I need to do at home.”

Tye said his therapists kept him motivated, providing a positive environment. “The therapy staff does an amazing job at getting patients better. Every therapist I worked with was excellent. They all pushed me and never let me slack. They made sure I was being consistent and improving a little more each day.”

Ten days into his stay at UF Health Rehabilitation Hospital, Tye was ready for discharge. He was able to walk, go up and down stairs, pick up objects and transfer from sitting to standing without assistance, all while following the precautions to protect his incision.

Tye could also care for himself manage his LVAD -- replacing its batteries and taking the proper steps to waterproof the equipment in order to take showers at home. Tye had also regained full use of his left arm improved its range of motion.

Looking back on days in rehabilitation, Tye said, “My heart needed to catch up with my body. They brought me back to life when I got my LVAD. That was my chance…eventually, I’m going to get a heart transplant. I’m on the list. Now I’m stronger from therapy, which is good because the heart can come anytime.”

Tye says he is looking forward to continuing his recovery at home with Cortina. “I am most looking forward taking it easy. I know I have to be careful. I am going to get back out there and do things that I was doing before.”