11/04/2025
From Crisis to Comeback: James Petrocine’s Remarkable Recovery
One moment, James Petrocine was relaxing in his hot tub. The next, he was being rushed to Conway Medical Center with severe chest pain and shortness of breath. His condition quickly escalated, requiring mechanical ventilation, a tracheostomy, and a feeding tube. What James was suffering from was a Cerebral Vascular Accident (stroke), and his road to recovery began.
When James awoke at AMG Specialty Hospital of Charleston, he was disoriented and unable to recall the events that brought him there. It was his namesake who shared the story with him. Though his memory was hazy, James was clear about one thing: “I’m surprised that I’m able to do this,” he said. “I feel blessed to be alive.”
A passionate music lover and Karaoke enthusiast, James had long kept a catalog of every song he’s ever performed. That love of music and his determination to sing again, became the driving force behind his recovery.
Upon admission to AMG Specialty Hospital, James was completely dependent for mobility and unable to communicate. The road ahead was daunting, but our dedicated team of physicians, pharmacists, nurses, respiratory therapists, and rehabilitation specialists were "All In" on helping him reclaim his life.
Through focused and aggressive ventilator weaning and consistent therapy with physical, occupational, and speech therapists, James made steady progress. Day by day, step by step, he regained strength and independence. By the time of discharge, he was walking over 250 feet, speaking clearly, decannulated, and enjoying a regular diet.
Today, James is back home—and thriving. When asked what he was most looking forward to, he smiled and said, “Just being home. From what I hear, I wasn’t supposed to make it. I’m grateful for the incredible care team that got me here. I got my life back, and oh yeah, I’m gonna sing!”