Cough, Crisis and Comeback: Robert’s ECMO Story
Robert Bogh could not stop coughing while visiting a neighbor. When his neighbor offered cough medicine, Robert assumed he had a stubborn cold. He did not realize he had the flu, an illness his wife would also develop days later. Much of what happened after that remains a blur.
Robert’s condition declined sharply. His speech didn’t make sense, and his fingernails turned blue. At urgent care, clinicians noted his oxygen levels were in the 40s. He was rushed by ambulance to an emergency room in Mobile, Ala.
Robert was admitted to the ICU and placed on a ventilator. Doctors diagnosed him with Influenza A and pneumonia, which had progressed into acute respiratory distress syndrome. When it became clear he needed more advanced care, he was transferred to Baptist Hospital. His family believes that transfer decision ultimately saved his life.
The care team at Baptist placed Robert on ECMO or Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation. Robert was put in a medically induced coma, leaving him with no memory of that time. His family, however, recalls the uncertainty of each hour and the relief they felt under the calm, steady care of the Baptist ECMO team. They described the nurses as compassionate and supportive even when Robert’s prognosis was uncertain. Robert’s family believed ECMO and the Baptist team offered Robert his best survival chance.
More than two months after his first hospital admittance and rehabilitation, Robert began his recovery. He required physical, occupational and speech therapy for several months. By the end of spring, he completed therapy. That summer he was able to take his first family vacation since his illness — a milestone that signaled a return to normal life.
Robert’s recovery was strengthened by a strong support system. His daughter, Jennifer, became his strongest advocate. His neighbors, Mary and Scott, were the ones who first informed his family about ECMO and helped connect them with Baptist. His son, Jonathan, helped coordinate his transfer. His wife, Lisa, remained by his side through every stage of his illness and recovery, offering constant encouragement. Extended family, church members and friends rallied around the family in prayer and support.
Robert and his family speak with gratitude for the many Baptist caregivers who made a lasting impact. Trevor, one of his ICU nurses, provided comfort during long, difficult days. Another nurse, Tony, supported Robert’s wife and daughter while Robert was in a coma, offering reassuring words of comfort. His speech therapist, Matthew — nicknamed the “Ice Man” — brought encouragement and consistency to every session. Dr. Diaz provided attentive, compassionate care that Robert and his family found vital.
They also expressed appreciation for many others involved in Robert’s care, from custodial staff who showed kindness to his wife to dialysis nurses, physical therapists, ECMO specialists and physicians. His family believes each person contributed to his recovery.
Today, Robert fully understands how close he came to losing his life. His doctors and care team helped him grasp the severity of what he experienced. Robert and his loved ones believe that God placed him with the Baptist team to help heal him, and that his story continues with purpose. Today, he lives with renewed gratitude — for another chance at life, for the people who fought for him and for the Baptist team whose Mission is helping people throughout life’s journey.
