Ashley's road to recovery at Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital

In May 2022, 34-year-old Ashley began a challenging medical journey following surgery for a Chiari malformation. Her recovery was complicated by multiple re-hospitalizations due to infections and additional surgeries. By December 2022, she was admitted to Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital (Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital) to undertake intensive rehabilitation, aiming to return home to her family. During her stay, she consulted with orthopedic surgery and underwent tendon releases on both legs. This led to a nearly three-week return to acute care for surgery and post-op treatment before resuming her intensive rehabilitation at Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital in February 2023.

When Ashley was admitted to Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital, she was entirely dependent on others for self-care, requiring two people and a mechanical lift for mobility. Her significant leg contractures prevented her from sitting unsupported or standing, and she faced difficulties with basic tasks like eating, drinking, speaking, and maintaining personal hygiene. Ashley also experienced confusion, double vision, and visual deficits. Over four and a half months, she received 24-hour nursing and physician care and participated in various therapies, including physical, occupational, speech, and recreation therapies, along with psychological services. The tendon releases were pivotal in her transition from using lifting equipment to walking. Speech therapy helped her manage swallowing and cognitive issues, allowing her to start a modified diet. Her vision and tracheostomy tube were also managed by specialists. Throughout her recovery, Ashley’s husband played an essential role, receiving training to assist her progressively, from bed care to transfers and walking.

Ashley's story is a testament to the transformative care provided by Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital. Donations to Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital enable the hospital to offer comprehensive, high-quality rehabilitation services that help patients like Ashley achieve remarkable recoveries. Your support ensures that Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital can continue to provide essential therapies, state-of-the-art treatments, and personalized care plans that make a real difference in patients' lives. Consider donating to Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital to help more patients regain their independence and improve their quality of life.

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