Tami Sloan, 50 of Wheelwright, is a true success story of both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation at Pikeville Medical Center (PMC).
She was brought to Pikeville Medical Center exhibiting symptoms of a stroke in January of this year. Unfortunately, for her, PMC was the third hospital she and her husband, William, had visited for care. The first two facilities, dismissed her symptoms as an allergic reaction and mental illness. This delay in diagnosis and treatment meant that rehabilitation would be more difficult for Tami.
Within minutes of entering PMC’s emergency room, an emergency medicine physician assessed her situation and ordered diagnostic testing to properly diagnose the stroke. PMC is a certified Primary Stroke Center, meaning the physicians and staff of the Emergency Department, and throughout the hospital, are specially trained in identifying the signs and symptoms of stroke in patients.
“He knew what was going on after only asking me a few questions,” explained Tami. “Twenty minutes from the time I came in, he was already figuring out that I was having a stroke.”
When her test results came back, the stroke was confirmed. Tami was experiencing a brain stem stroke in the pons; a type of stroke that only four percent of people survive. The brain stem handles basic functions like breathing, swallowing, heart rate, blood pressure, sleeping. The pons is about the size of your thumb. Director of PMC’s Primary Stroke Center, Naveed Ahmed, MD, took charge of Tami’s neurologic care.
“The first few days I was in the hospital were a blur,” Tami said. “Dr. Ahmed was very honest with me and William, telling me that I was fortunate to be able to communicate, but that I may not live through this.”
Tami took that advice to heart and used as much of the following days with her husband, children and grandson, saying everything she needed to. But her health began to improve little by little. She was going to live, but her left side was paralyzed from the stroke.
Tami was admitted to the PMC’s 10th floor for inpatient rehab for 10 days. There, Occupational Therapist, Rachelle Glass helped her learn to put her shoes on and bath and care for herself again. Physical Therapist Tracey Tipton helped her learn to get in and out of a car and eventually walk again with the help of a hemi-walker. Her biggest motivation was her four-year-old grandson, Raylan.
“Raylan was my inspiration through it all,” said Tami. “Helping take care of him would remind me of why I needed to walk again and get better.”
Her husband William built her a home-gym for her to use. Every time she went to physical therapy, William would see what equipment Tami was using and would make sure she had something similar at home to continue the techniques she was learning.
“William is a big part of why I’m still here,” Tami said. “He pushed me to keep up with my exercises at home, even when I didn’t feel like it.”
When Tami was well enough to be discharged, she continued her treatment at PMC’s Outpatient Rehabilitation Center. These bi-weekly visits have helped Tami to refine her motor skills. Physical Therapist, Whitney Tyree and Occupational Therapist, Susan Mozena have helped Tami re-learn how to help prepare meals, button clothing, apply her makeup and even style her hair.
“I can’t praise the therapists enough. They push you to do the best you can,” said Tami. “They even prayed with me. They are truly the best. I believe that God gave them to me to help me get better.”
William remarked that his wife’s therapists did not treat her like it was their job. They treated her like family and he appreciated that tremendously.
“As a Stroke Neurologist, I am amazed at how each patient presents, but I am very happy for the patient and family when the recovery from the stroke is good,” said Dr. Ahmed. “Tamara has been one such patient who, with God’s grace, has done so well working with our wonderful physical and occupational therapists.”
The Sloan’s are very grateful for the care that Tami received at PMC. She will be here for another year to enjoy the holidays with her children, Cheyenne and BB, and the rest of her family.
“The care that she got here was priceless,” William expressed. “If you even think you might be having a stroke, you need to come to PMC to be seen. She is a living testimony of that.”
“This facility is top-notch and I would advise anyone to come here,” said Tami. “I couldn’t have gotten better care anywhere else. Without these ladies I would not have made this much progress. They deserve all the credit for helping me come this far,” Tami added. “They are more than my therapists, they are like family and I love them.”
The administration at PMC makes sure that the rehabilitation departments have the very best diagnostic and therapeutic equipment available to patients.
Tami will continue outpatient rehabilitation visits through December. Afterwards, her progress will be reevaluated to determine if treatment will continue.
Please visit www.pikevillehospital.org for more information about PMC’s Rehabilitation Services.
