Sixty-nine-year-old Bill Rosenau is a bus driver from Loveland, Colorado. Married to his wife for 49 years, they have two daughters and two grandchildren. When not spending time with his family, Bill’s passion is working in the yard and gardening. Being outside brings him joy.

Severe back pain and the loss of the use of his legs brought Bill’s active life to a halt. Bill was diagnosed with discitis, an infection of the discs in the spinal column, and osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone or vertebrae. Osteomyelitis is often caused by discitis when the infection spreads from the disc to the bone.

While being treated at an acute care hospital, Bill’s nurses recommended continued rehabilitative care at Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital (NCRH) because they said it would get him back home. Bill also had a friend who had been a patient at NCRH and recommended the hospital as well.

Bill’s goal upon entering NCRH was to walk out of the building at his time of discharge. He says his therapy team has been great. “They know I want to work hard and will always give it my all,” he says.

Bill also shares that Colton, his case manager, addressed his concerns, helped with discharge plans, and set up all his home adaptive equipment needs. He complimented Dr. Philip Witek as well, saying that he was compassionate and great at listening.

“Dr. Witek spent a lot of time with me to address my needs,” Bill says. “The overall experience has been great, and the food is wonderful, especially the crusted halibut!”

At the end of his hospital stay, Bill did walk out the doors as he planned. He’s excited to get back work and to his prior life with his wife.