A New Beginning

Three Strikes

and

You’re

NOT Out!

Over the last three years, the Santé physical, occupational, and speech-language therapists have worked with Buck on balance, stretching, walking, lower body and fine motor skills, and communication. When therapy began, Buck had no interest in toys. He now will reach out and grasp toys. Buck can sit by himself, crawls around the house, is pulling to stand and beginning to cruise the furniture. Even though he needs help with feeding, Buck’s improving eye-hand coordination allows him to eat finger foods on his own. Using simple sign language, the speech-language therapist is working with him on communication skills. Buck is following some directions better, such as “give me the toy.”

In between the Santé visits, Regina works with Buck on mobility and balance. He can stand on his own for five to ten seconds! “It has really helped to have the same therapists work with Buck at our home or school. They work so well together. We’re thankful for his continued progress,” said Regina.

In 2001, he returned to work as a chef for a local independent school district. Jeremy re-injured his back while rolling a loaded baker’s rack in the parking lot. When the rack hit a divot, his immediate reaction was to prevent it from falling over. Instead, Jeremy ended up underneath the rack and food. A myelogram showed that he had herniated a disk below his surgically fused disk. Throughout the recovery period, Jeremy had to submit appeals to the workers’ compensation program to receive medical treatment. He used hot and cold packs as well as Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation for the pain. Heavier doses of painkillers were also prescribed.

Frustrated with his limited physical improvement and aware of a growing dependence on the pain medication, Jeremy reviewed his options with his physician – surgery or biofeedback and individual psychotherapy at Santé Rehabilitation. Reluctant to undergo a second surgery, Jeremy opted for the second alternative.

“Santé’s multidisciplinary pain management program saved my life, said Jeremy. All components (physical therapy, massage, counseling, biofeedback, spiritual) helped me recover. Not only am I psychologically stronger, I am more active than before my second injury and my stamina is much improved.”

Following graduation from the pain management program, he is participating in Santé’s 10-week aftercare program. “These weekly group meetings are very helpful. I don’t want to take a chance and lapse back into old habits. I truly believe that if I had participated in this pain management program after the initial back injury, I would have had the techniques to cope with the pain until I needed the surgery. I would have never become dependent on the painkillers, said Jeremy.”

The experiences of the last five years have led to a change of careers for Jeremy. After completing his Associate of Applied Science degree, he plans to become a Physician’s Assistant. “As a Physician’s Assistant, I can help people and make a difference,” said Jeremy. It really is a new beginning.

In October 2000, Susie had the first of her three surgeries to repair her torn rotator cuff. Even though she thought it was too soon, Susie started physical therapy as ordered by her doctor. Rip…the rotator cuff tore a second time!

Seven months later, she underwent her second surgery performed by the same surgeon. Once again, Susie began physical therapy. During the six months of therapy, she did not regain strength in her arm. The nightmare continued when the rotator cuff tore once more.

Upset and angry, Susie sought out the opinion of a second surgeon…she did not want the same outcome a third time! In April 2002, Susie had her third surgery. Unlike her previous experiences, she began passive exercises in a motion chair for three weeks. Once the physician determined that the rotator cuff tendon had healed sufficiently, Susie started occupational therapy with a new rehab company in May, Santé Rehabilitation. The goal was to break up the scar tissue from the previous surgeries with passive exercises and then progress to more strenuous exercises to help her regain upper body and arm strength.

Susie works with her occupational therapist three times a week and does exercises at home. Over time, the exercise regimen has become more rigorous. “My therapist is so positive. Even when I have a plateau in my progress, her “can do” attitude and different approaches keep me going! Unlike my previous experiences before Santé, my “age” is not an issue!” says Susie.

Even though Susie has had to make a few changes to her lifestyle, she has not given in to her injury. As Director and music teacher of a Parents Day-Out program, she looks forward to the day when she can lift her right arm as she sing songs and does finger plays with the children.