Susan Rucker is a 63-year-old wife, mother, and grandmother from Shoshoni, Wyoming. Recently retired, Susan was relaxing and watching television when she experienced numbness in her thumb. She initially thought it was a pinched nerve until her other fingers also went numb, and she lost the ability to stand or speak. Her husband rushed her to a nearby hospital, where doctors initially suspected anxiety. However, further examination revealed she had suffered a stroke, and she was flown to an acute care hospital in Billings, Montana.

After spending nine days in the hospital, Susan was transferred to Elkhorn Valley Rehabilitation Hospital (EVRH) for specialized inpatient rehabilitation. EVRH holds The Joint Commission’s disease-specific certification for stroke rehabilitation, demonstrating its commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for stroke patients.

Upon her arrival at EVRH, Susan required extensive assistance with all aspects of mobility. She was unable to get out of bed independently or transfer to and from a chair without help. Sitting unsupported was not possible, and she needed assistance with any activities requiring balance. Susan also was dependent on others for dressing, bathing, and toileting, as she could not complete basic tasks on her own. Her affected arm was immobile, and she was unable to walk. Additionally, she required support to stand, maintain balance, and move her affected leg.

The hospital’s interdisciplinary healthcare team created a personalized treatment plan to maximize Susan’s recovery. She began receiving intensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy treatments daily.

“The nursing and therapy staff are amazing,” Susan says. “Everyone made an impact on my recovery. Andrea is very innovative; she made me a blue hand splint. Aurora is a fireball; if you’re doubting yourself, she will show you that you can do it. Bob gave me my balance and my center. He is what people need.”

“I never felt alone because someone was always checking on me or poking their heads in to say ‘hi,’” she says.

While she was at EVRH, Susan’s family felt reassured knowing she was in good hands. Susan says her family gave her motivation and inspiration for her recovery. In addition, she was pleased that many staff members became friends with her daughters.

When Susan was discharged from EVRH after 45 days of treatment, she was independently performing bed mobility and transfers. She had regained movement and function in her affected arm and was completing her basic self-care tasks with minimal assistance. She could stand up from a chair on her own, maintain her balance, and complete tasks while standing. Most remarkably, Susan achieved one of her primary goals — to walk out of the building upon her discharge — and she did just that.

Susan now looks forward to returning home and continuing her rehabilitation at a local outpatient clinic. Her determination, wit, and charm will serve her well as she continues her journey to recovery.