Amanda Evans
“New Year, New You.”
Those words took on a whole new meaning for Amanda Evans this year. Following cholecystectomy surgery in January, Amanda began to exhibit complications just before discharge. It started with tingling in her hands and her feet. Soon, it progressed to severe pain, weakness, and the inability to ambulate. This change in physical condition led to 98 days spent in two acute care hospitals.
After transferring to University of Louisville Hospital, Amanda was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome. Guillain-Barre syndrome, or GBS, is a condition in which a person’s immune system mistakenly attacks the nervous system. Doctors adjusted her medications, and Amanda transferred to SKY Rehab to begin her recovery.
Amanda recalls being unable to do anything for herself when she arrived at SKY. She was astonished at how quickly the staff at SKY had her moving.
“Within the first days, Clint, my physical therapist, supported my knees so that I was able to get out of bed and stand which I had not been able to do for nearly 98 days. Tammy, my occupational therapist, helped me to take a shower which made me feel like a human again. I was so depressed prior to coming to SKY. I didn’t know if I was ever going to be able to do anything for myself. But they showed me what to do and gave me my self-confidence back!”
Before this experience, Amanda had no idea what therapy was. Now, she explains to others the importance of proper therapy in their recovery planning and what to expect from SKY. “They’re considerate but they are going to push you because they know you are capable of doing it. But, it’s within you and they take that and they use that momentum to make you better, to get you back to your kids or to get you back to your job.”
After three weeks as an inpatient, Amanda chose to continue her recovery through SKY’s outpatient therapy department. She continues to achieve therapeutic milestones such as walking independently, bathing herself without assistance getting in or out of the tub, and most recently driving again. “The smallest things that you take for granted every day, once you can’t do them, they all become milestones. You have to celebrate every milestone,” Amanda said.
Amanda is glad she chose SKY for her recovery. “You guys are compassionate and you heal people! Your therapy department is the best in the world. They should feel proud of what they helped me to achieve. Yes, I’m a fighter but if I didn’t know how to do it, or have the constant encouragement that I got here, I don’t think I would have had the same outcome. You guys gave me my life back and there is no way I can ever repay you.”
Time will tell what Amanda’s “new normal” will be. But the staff at SKY have complete confidence she will continue to make astonishing advancements in her recovery. Thank you, Amanda, for your confidence and support. Helping patients such as yourself to meet recovery goals makes our jobs much more rewarding!
