Tag Archive for: Stroke

Dora Sadler

Dora came to RHNI to regain her independence after a stroke

At 48 years old, Dora Sadler worked hard to control her high blood pressure. With a history of cerebrovascular accident, or CVA, in her family, Dora understood the importance of doing so.

One day, Dora began to feel off balance a few hours into her 12-hour shift at Lippert’s in Bristol. One of her coworkers called EMS, which transported Dora to Goshen Hospital.

At the hospital, Dora received news that she had suffered a mild stroke. Once stabilized, Dora returned home, only to suffer a second, more severe stroke two weeks later.

Dora returned to Goshen Hospital and met with a neurologist. Unfortunately, the neurologist didn’t think Dora would get much better. She experienced a burning sensation in her muscles on her left side, “very bad” shakes, and a stutter.

But Dora is a fiercely independent woman. “I did not want my family having the burden to care for me, and I wasn’t going to have to depend upon a wheelchair or walker,” Dora stated. “I needed intensive therapy!”

Dora decided to admit to Rehabilitation Hospital of Northern Indiana (RHNI) for her stroke recovery. She spent 16 days at the inpatient rehabilitation hospital and made significant progress.

“I am so glad for this place,” Dora stated. “I am not 100% prior to my stroke, but 110% from when it first happened. All the therapy helped me and put me on my way to making me better. They pushed me to what I could do.”

Dora wished to thank her speech therapists for making her feel better by talking slower, as the stroke significantly impacted Dora’s speech. “Speech therapy encouraged me. I am very proud to be where I am at today. It feels so good to be able to sit and talk and not be so tired due to my shakes.”

With an eye toward her next steps, the RHNI team worked with Dora to develop a plan and set her up for success. “Case management provided me a list of outside agencies that will come into my home and help me accomplish things the right and safe way,” she noted. Dora’s family also participated in family training at RHNI so they could safely help Dora at home. “Family training day was the first day my daughter came to see me as I didn’t want her to worry about me, and I wanted to walk to her.”

And that’s exactly what Dora did.

Dora would like to advise others, “don’t look to the bad. You will not see the good, and you must keep a positive attitude and keep moving forward.” Dora is looking forward to taking care of herself, walking around her house, playing with her granddaughter, fishing, and skating again.

/0 Comments/by

Carolyn White

Carolyn White was inspired by her therapists to take her recovery one day at a time.

Carolyn White has been a caretaker to her husband since he was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in his 50s. They love spending time with family, especially their grandchild and great-grandchild. In her spare time, Carolyn enjoys crocheting and knitting items for babies like sweaters and hats. She worked for Genesis as an assembler on and off for ten years until she had a stroke and aneurysm.

Quickly going from caretaker to patient, Carolyn found herself at a hospital in Chicago. Seeing her progress there, Carolyn’s family knew she needed extended care. Her daughter and husband toured a few different facilities. They ended up liking Rehabilitation Hospital of Northern Indiana the most and trusted the employees they met.

After 12 days at RHNI, Carolyn wanted to go home even though she had more to accomplish. Her care team talked her into staying a few more days. Carolyn explained, “I’m so glad I did! The last few days didn’t feel like therapy. Ashley and Mariah are very sweet girls. They came to my room and helped me with some of the things I still needed help with, like walking.” At times, recovery was frustrating for Carolyn when she didn’t see progress as fast as she wanted. Her family supported her through the difficult times. They gave her the motivation to keep pushing.

Carolyn’s care team helped her realize that recovery doesn’t happen overnight. They told her with time, patience, and hard work, she could accomplish her goals. Her speech therapist taught her to speak slow and easy. She said, “I learned that patients need to listen and pay attention, and they will make it out stronger. I don’t consider myself a success. I see myself as being grounded in hard work.”

Now in the comfort of her home, Carolyn looks forward to continuing her recovery. Her goal is to independently maneuver around her house. She’s been able to get up the stairs with help from her daughter and husband. She started outpatient therapy with RHNI with hopes to get even stronger. She also plans to join the stroke support group to hear other people’s stories and the struggles they faced.

/0 Comments/by