Veteran Patient!

My latest stay in hospitals was 3 weeks. My dad says I always go all in! I broke my right ankle (weak side of my body) Christmas night. I was transferring from my recliner to my wheelchair, lost my balance and fell. After that I just went to bed and didn’t think I hurt myself. I didn’t sleep very much that night because of the throbbing. Next morning Walter called EMS I knew something was wrong.

The hospital confirmed I had a broken two bones in my ankle, I needed pins in my ankle. I intentionally went to Setan Williamson because my sleeve surgery was scheduled for Monday in the same hospital. Two birds for one, as they say. 

I stayed in Setan a week, but had to go to a rehab hospital to learn how to manage with the ankle. So I was transferred to PAM (Post Acute Medicine) Rehab Hospital. I was excited to get therapy. Three years ago I was angry when I was in a rehab hospital. I was the perfect patient this time, I would offer my arm   for my vitals, I never complained about all the sticks even though my body looked like a pin cushion and I would wheel down the halls saying hi to everyone.

I really enjoyed the therapy sessions and learned so much more about my body. It’s funny how my attitude is different three years into this stroke. I have so much respect for all the therapists that helped me over these years. I was not always a perfect patient. I do say thank you to each of you, you saved my life in more ways than you know.

After I got home I saw my accomplishments, I lost 25lbs in 6 weeks and I reduced my high blood pressure meds from 4 meds to just 1. My right ankle requires no weight bearing for 6 more weeks, so I decided to wait the six weeks and not use my allotted outpatient therapy sessions (insurance allotted) until I can stand on both feet. Therapy will teach me to walk again. Yes third time I’ll learn.