Trinity Health Michigan Helping Former Firefighter Get Back to His Life

When Chuck Nowicki experienced several serious health issues in 2023, he could have never predicted the many challenges facing him or the positive impact Trinity Health Livonia would have on his life. Throughout a long, difficult healing journey, Livonia's Inpatient Rehab/3 West and medical team was there by his side, always helping him grow stronger and stay positive.

"I can't say enough about the Trinity Health Livonia staff, facility and inpatient rehab," said Chuck. "The level of care and quality treatment was outstanding… It's incredible to think about how far I have come from where I started. I absolutely wouldn't be here today without all of their hard work."

That road to recovery experienced several rocky patches that involved complications from a back surgery and then a knee surgery that were completed prior to him coming to Livonia. These complications led to a number of infections including MRSA that prompted him to be transferred to Trinity Health Livonia, where a dedicated team tackled the range of the daunting issues facing Chuck, who as a former firefighter, business owner and all-around busy guy, who just wanted to get moving again.

At one point, Chuck lost use of legs and was confined to a wheelchair before coming to Trinity. Over a period of several months, the Livonia team battled several persistent infections while providing state-of-the-art physical therapy. While still using a wheelchair, Chuck is working on mobility using a walker, but he's pushing to retire the walker for a cane. Eventually, he wants to get back to hunting, fishing and traveling again.

In addition to providing outstanding health care, the Livonia team also helped Chuck's family with the equipment and assist with a few home modifications to ensure his mobility.

"Nobody makes this kind of journey alone. I am so thankful for my family here at home and my family at Trinity Health Livonia for everything, said Chuck.