Devin's story
As a consultant specializing in innovation and creativity, 47-year-old Devin Markovits thrives on problem-solving and helping businesses grow. In his spare time, he enjoys hobbies such as knife making, classic car restoration and tabletop games.
Devin rarely got sick, so when he suddenly began to get head and chest infections, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and inflamed joints, he knew something was very wrong. Devin decided to go to the ER at Hackensack University Medical Center where he was admitted.
He underwent extensive testing as doctors tried to determine the cause of his symptoms. It seemed as though every part of him was analyzed: his genes, blood, liver, kidneys, lungs, skin and bone marrow, but no results aligned with his symptoms. After an initial suspicion of T-cell lymphoma was ruled out, further testing finally revealed that he had protein-losing enteropathy and sarcoidosis. Protein-losing enteropathy is when protein is lost though the GI tract causing low blood protein levels and sarcoidosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that can impact multiple organs, including the GI tract. The picture started to become more clear.
Devin remained in the hospital for the next two months resulting in significant muscle atrophy. He had edema in both legs, a side effect of sarcoidosis, further complicating matters. He was used to being out and about enjoying nature and spending time with his family. Not being able to move around was stressful. By the time Devin was medically stable and ready for inpatient rehabilitation, he was unable to stand or walk on his own.
Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation (KIR) - Saddle Brook came highly recommended by hospital staff and Devin’s family. After researching the hospital, they felt it was the best choice to help him regain his independence.
Though eager to start rehabilitation, Devin admitted to feeling both excited and nervous. “I enjoy new experiences and challenges, but I was also concerned about my ability to meet them,” he said. “At the time of my admission, I felt very helpless since I was unable to stand or walk.”
Upon arrival, Devin’s primary goal was broad, but clear — he wanted to be independent. He needed to regain strength and the ability to perform daily tasks like dressing, bathing and walking. Kessler’s physician-led team of therapists developed a personalized plan to help him reach his goals.
In physical therapy, Devin worked on rebuilding strength and mobility. At first, he required a lift for support to stand. As he progressed, he transitioned from standing to walking in a weight supporting lift, then advanced to a rolling walker. Strength training was important in Devin’s recovery. He used resistance bands and a recumbent cross trainer to build strength, endurance and stability, which helped his mobility.
“When I first arrived, I set a goal of being able to walk with assistance in a two-week time period,” said Devin. “With hard work and the experience and expertise of the Kessler team, I was able to meet that milestone.”
Occupational therapists helped Devin to regain his core and postural strength, which would help him do everyday tasks. Devin started conditioning with seated yoga and resistance band exercises, then advanced to traditional yoga movements on a therapy mat. In activities of daily living sessions, he and his therapist worked on techniques to dress, groom and bathe with independence. As he grew physically stronger, Devin’s confidence to manage daily life also began to grow.
Devin’s progress was steady throughout his journey. By discharge, he could move from one position to another and walk with a rolling walker on his own. He had regained his ability to care for himself and could prepare simple meals and manage light household tasks with light supervision.
Devin was impressed by the care he received at KIR. “It felt like a team effort, with everyone pulling together to help me progress while keeping me comfortable,” he said. His parents and siblings also played a key role, offering encouragement through visits and calls – care packages that included cookies and books were particularly appreciated.
Devin’s parents participated in the Care Partner Program to learn how to support him after discharge. “It was valuable training,” he said. “There are so many considerations that come with recovering from a disability.” The program gives caregivers the opportunity to observe and participate in therapy and learn important tips and skills.
After three weeks, Devin was ready to return home. He planned to continue regaining mobility in outpatient therapy while staying with his parents. He was excited to see friends, family and pets and ready to enjoy home-cooked meals.
Reflecting on his experience, Devin described it as overwhelmingly positive. “The staff were supportive and friendly, and the therapy pushed me to meet my goals,” he said. “Achieving my milestones gave me confidence. It also reinforced lessons in patience and asking for help when help is needed.”
Since discharge, “I just finished two more months at a Kessler location close to home,” said Devin. “It was a great experience and has kept me focused. I've continued to make progress and now walk with a cane, which I leave behind more frequently!”
Devin rarely got sick, so when he suddenly began to get head and chest infections, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and inflamed joints, he knew something was very wrong. Devin decided to go to the ER at Hackensack University Medical Center where he was admitted.
He underwent extensive testing as doctors tried to determine the cause of his symptoms. It seemed as though every part of him was analyzed: his genes, blood, liver, kidneys, lungs, skin and bone marrow, but no results aligned with his symptoms. After an initial suspicion of T-cell lymphoma was ruled out, further testing finally revealed that he had protein-losing enteropathy and sarcoidosis. Protein-losing enteropathy is when protein is lost though the GI tract causing low blood protein levels and sarcoidosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that can impact multiple organs, including the GI tract. The picture started to become more clear.
Devin remained in the hospital for the next two months resulting in significant muscle atrophy. He had edema in both legs, a side effect of sarcoidosis, further complicating matters. He was used to being out and about enjoying nature and spending time with his family. Not being able to move around was stressful. By the time Devin was medically stable and ready for inpatient rehabilitation, he was unable to stand or walk on his own.
Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation (KIR) - Saddle Brook came highly recommended by hospital staff and Devin’s family. After researching the hospital, they felt it was the best choice to help him regain his independence.
Though eager to start rehabilitation, Devin admitted to feeling both excited and nervous. “I enjoy new experiences and challenges, but I was also concerned about my ability to meet them,” he said. “At the time of my admission, I felt very helpless since I was unable to stand or walk.”
Upon arrival, Devin’s primary goal was broad, but clear — he wanted to be independent. He needed to regain strength and the ability to perform daily tasks like dressing, bathing and walking. Kessler’s physician-led team of therapists developed a personalized plan to help him reach his goals.
In physical therapy, Devin worked on rebuilding strength and mobility. At first, he required a lift for support to stand. As he progressed, he transitioned from standing to walking in a weight supporting lift, then advanced to a rolling walker. Strength training was important in Devin’s recovery. He used resistance bands and a recumbent cross trainer to build strength, endurance and stability, which helped his mobility.
“When I first arrived, I set a goal of being able to walk with assistance in a two-week time period,” said Devin. “With hard work and the experience and expertise of the Kessler team, I was able to meet that milestone.”
Occupational therapists helped Devin to regain his core and postural strength, which would help him do everyday tasks. Devin started conditioning with seated yoga and resistance band exercises, then advanced to traditional yoga movements on a therapy mat. In activities of daily living sessions, he and his therapist worked on techniques to dress, groom and bathe with independence. As he grew physically stronger, Devin’s confidence to manage daily life also began to grow.
Devin’s progress was steady throughout his journey. By discharge, he could move from one position to another and walk with a rolling walker on his own. He had regained his ability to care for himself and could prepare simple meals and manage light household tasks with light supervision.
Devin was impressed by the care he received at KIR. “It felt like a team effort, with everyone pulling together to help me progress while keeping me comfortable,” he said. His parents and siblings also played a key role, offering encouragement through visits and calls – care packages that included cookies and books were particularly appreciated.
Devin’s parents participated in the Care Partner Program to learn how to support him after discharge. “It was valuable training,” he said. “There are so many considerations that come with recovering from a disability.” The program gives caregivers the opportunity to observe and participate in therapy and learn important tips and skills.
After three weeks, Devin was ready to return home. He planned to continue regaining mobility in outpatient therapy while staying with his parents. He was excited to see friends, family and pets and ready to enjoy home-cooked meals.
Reflecting on his experience, Devin described it as overwhelmingly positive. “The staff were supportive and friendly, and the therapy pushed me to meet my goals,” he said. “Achieving my milestones gave me confidence. It also reinforced lessons in patience and asking for help when help is needed.”
Since discharge, “I just finished two more months at a Kessler location close to home,” said Devin. “It was a great experience and has kept me focused. I've continued to make progress and now walk with a cane, which I leave behind more frequently!”