Donna's Story
Donna, a recent patient at Burke Rehabilitation, experienced a stroke and spent approximately two weeks in an acute care hospital. She then chose Burke as the next step in her recovery. When admitted, Donna, a 56-year-old who is a professional baker, couldn’t walk, spoke very little and had double-vision.
Burke Rehabilitation cares for the most stroke patients in New York State. Donna knew first-hand about the high quality medical and rehabilitation services available, since her mother was treated here 12 years ago.
“I wanted to get back to normal and do what I was doing a month ago. I want to work. I want to be able to go out on my own,” said Donna during one of her final therapy sessions before going home. “I think I am a strong-willed person, and I had to do better.”
Physicians diagnosed Donna with a hemorrhagic stroke; the rupturing of a blood vessel causing bleeding in the brain. As a result, Donna faced mobility and balance issues. Her care team included a team of physicians, therapists, nurses and social workers who she says treated her with compassion while challenging her to succeed.
“In therapy, they pushed me. I am normally an active person in pretty good shape, and I never said no. It was frustrating and exhausting at times, but I tried and that is half the battle.”
Her determination is one reason why Burke physiatrist Dr. Orkhan Mammadov, an attending physician at Burke, said she improved greatly. He witnessed her "wonderful persona and her optimism throughout the entire stay. "In acute rehab we created a foundation of mobility, strength, worked on coordination and confidence,” said Dr. Mammadov.
“I had access to high end gym and therapy equipment as well as an amazing team of therapists which are the best in the world,” Donna said.
Donna’s husband Andy witnessed the transformation. When she was admitted, Donna needed a feeding tube to receive nourishment but during her recovery at Burke, she started eating food that was prepared in the hospital. She went home walking with a cane and independently for short periods of time.
Andy commented, “It has been a long month, but seeing the daily progress she has made was helpful to both of us. Her exponential progress at Burke made this a very successful two-and-a-half weeks.”
