ProMedica Toledo Hospital Team Saves Man from Rare Infection

When Bob Zimmerman first got sick, they thought it could be a very bad case of pneumonia. It turned out to be a rare and life-threatening infection caused by a bacteria called nocardia farcinica.

“They suspect that Bob got it from dead wood or maybe from his travel out west where there were lots of wildfires,” explains his wife, Susie.

Being immunocompromised, Bob is more susceptible to infections. He was admitted to ProMedica Toledo Hospital in April 2022, where he underwent transfusions and rounds of antibiotics. Finally, he was discharged in May, just before his 64^th birthday.

The Zimmermans are grateful for care they received both in the hospital and after. Here is their story, in Susie’s words.

Forever Grateful

My husband was admitted and was in ICU for several weeks. The Infectious Disease dept was consulted, which is where we met Dr. Shah.

Little did we know, this man was going to work so effortless to literally help save my husband's life. Each and every day he came into his room to explain to my husband and myself where his case was and where he thought we were headed. I cannot say enough about his efforts. He never gave false hopes, he was always honest and forthcoming with information. More than once or twice did he scratch his head...but yet did the research, calling and digging for more medical answers. He NEVER gave up on my husband and for this we will both be forever grateful. He went above and beyond for us...we were truly blessed.

Once home, his care did not stop because we were discharged. We saw him almost weekly in his office-- just because you leave the hospital, it does not mean you are fortunate to recover. He had ordered lab work weekly on my husband and continued to see him for months (as well as his NP Jacqueline) we never left his office confused or feeling as though " we were just another patient"...no matter how bad this health issue was, we felt Dr. Shah was on top of this. We also had to phone in weekly and speak to his office, enter Janine...She is another angel. Without her, we truly would have been lost. She is Dr. Shah’s right hand and together they can do anything. 

My husband has recovered for the most part. There may be long-term effects of the blood bacteria, including lung damage. I can honestly say, without Dr. Shah, Jacqueline and Janine...I truly am not sure my husband would still be here. There were others that were very good with Bob as well — Dr. Oostra, Dr. Pipoly, and the whole ICU team at Toledo Hospital. They were outstanding to work with and made sure I was as comfortable as my husband was. We were blessed to have had such wonderful, professional people on our team. We are forever grateful.