Kristina's Story
Reaching life’s milestones forever create lasting memories between a parent and a child. One milestone for many families is dropping off a son or daughter at college for the first time.
For Kristina Valera, 56, that day took on much more significance because she wasn’t really sure if she would have the strength.
Kristina was looking forward to a final summer with her son prior to his college enrollment. In addition to spending time with him, she also planned to attend concerts and hang out with friends and family. But her summer plans had to be put on hold due to an unforeseen accident.
Getting ready to head downtown for a concert, Kristina packed a bag for an overnight stay at a hotel near the venue. She tossed it over her shoulder – but it was too heavy. She fell to the ground in agony.
Kristina was taken by ambulance to SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital where an x-ray determined she had fractured her hip. Complicating the injury was Kristina’s previously diagnosed multiple sclerosis (MS). With her bones too weak to use typical screws to repair the fracture, doctors had to perform a partial hip replacement.
Surgery fixed Kristina’s hip, but sapped the strength in her upper body and right leg. Once she stabilized, her doctors recommended a comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation program to rebuild her strength and mobility so she could get back to her busy life.
She chose SSM Health Rehabilitation Hospital – Bridgeton for her next level of care due to a recommendation and its proximity to her family. Kristina’s physician-led rehabilitation team worked with her to develop an individualized treatment plan.
When she arrived, the team conducted a full assessment. Kristina could walk with a rolled walker, though she needed moderate assistance from another person. The pain from her surgery, as well as the weakness in her hand and arm from her multiple sclerosis, allowed her to climb just three steps with the assistance of two staff members. Kristina also needed significant assistance for her activities of daily living, including dressing, showering, using the restroom and even opening the condiments on her meal tray.
Kristina’s goals following rehabilitation were simple, yet profound. She wanted to feel safe in her home, return to her active lifestyle and be strong enough to take her son to college. Her plan included physical and occupational therapy, with a keen focus on strengthening Kristina’s hip and providing her tools to manage her multiple sclerosis.
“It was more than what I expected, because I was not only able to get the therapy for my hip replacement, but also get the physical and occupational therapy that helped my MS,” she explained.
In addition to strength exercises, treatment focused on building Kristina’s balance, as well as her ability to walk and climb stairs. Her care team used electrical stimulation on her leg, hand and arm to re-educate her brain on how her muscles worked. Electrical stimulation sends mild electrical pulses through skin to stimulate the muscles, as well as manipulate nerves.
With her muscles becoming familiar with movements again, Kristina began increased repetitions and intensity climbing stairs. She also used a bicycle-like machine for her arms and hands that she found beneficial.
“There was a machine for my arm where they put all of these electrode pads on my shoulder and arm and I pedaled for 30 minutes,” Kristina recalled. “It was helpful, as was getting to practice stairs and simulating getting in and out of a car, and walking on a mat which had an uneven surface.”
Her therapists enjoyed her positive and determined attitude. It was clear her goal-oriented demeanor was propelling her spirit forward as she found new ways to build strength.
Kristina had good family support throughout her stay at SSM Health Rehabilitation Hospital – Bridgeton. Invaluable visits, highlighted by a mix of everyday activities and special occasions that included walking to the outdoor garden and her son playing the piano, made all the difference.
Her occupational therapy team introduced strategies to help Kristina become more independent. She learned to use adaptive equipment to get herself dressed, including a reacher, sock aid, dressing stick and shoe horn. She quickly caught on to these strategies, allowing her to dress independently and move onto other self-care tasks.
As her hip continued to strengthen, occupational therapy also gave Kristina a chance to address the functionality of her hands due to her multiple sclerosis. Through continued electrical stimulation, as well as the use of Kinesio Tape to facilitate finger extension and finger strengthening exercises, Kristina’s right hand felt significantly more functional.
After 20 days at SSM Health Rehabilitation Hospital – Bridgeton, Kristina triumphantly discharged. She planned to continue her rehabilitation as an outpatient at SSM Health Day Institute.
“I learned that I need to make time for physical therapy and occupational therapy,” Kristina said.
Kristina offered that anyone who needs therapy should be open to the experience and utilize the services offered.
“Be open to anything that the therapist recommends trying and to do anything once,” she said. “Take full advantage of the services.”
Indeed, because of her hard work and determination, Kristina was able to squeak out a few more weeks of summer fun. More importantly, she was there to watch her son unpack his belongings at college, as their family closed one chapter and began another.