Robyn's Story
Life changed in a split-second for Tennessee native Robyn Gurley, 38.
Robyn, who had relocated to Marquand, Missouri with her boyfriend and their three girls, was a stay-at-home mom who enjoyed movies, playing cards and board games. One summer day, Robyn was on her way home from a doctor’s appointment when the car she was riding in suddenly veered off the road and hit a utility pole.
Airlifted to Saint Louis University Hospital, Robyn’s injuries were severe. She was rushed into surgery where she had screws placed to stabilize her broken pelvis and thoracic (mid-back) spine. Robyn would spend the next two weeks in the hospital, struggling to have her pain controlled. Unable to get in or out of bed, walk or use the bathroom independently, Robyn knew she was going to need intensive rehabilitation: “It was the only option to meet my needs,” she recalled.
When her care team recommended SSM Health Rehabilitation Hospital – Bridgeton as the next step in her recovery, Robyn was all in. Upon arrival, Robyn was confined to a tilt-in-space wheelchair. This specialized device is designed for pressure relief and positioning, allowing a patient to maintain their posture while the seat tilts backwards, and required total assistance for all wheelchair mobility. She also required the use of a mechanical lift, a device used to safely lift and move individuals who require assistance with transferring due to mobility limitations, in and out of bed. With three children at home, Robyn’s main goal was to become independent again. With that in mind, her physician-led care team devised a plan to help her get there.
Physical therapists worked with Robyn to transition her into an ultra-light wheelchair – which she affectionately called her “sports car” – due to its easier maneuverability. Robyn’s injuries left her unable to bear any weight on her legs or twist and bend, making every activity even more challenging. This meant that Robyn had to rely more heavily on her arms, so therapists worked with Robyn to create resistance when propelling her wheelchair to help improve muscle strength and endurance. They also focused on seated lower body exercises to improve Robyn’s core and leg strength. A milestone for Robyn came when she was able to move and bend her left leg after being unable to do so since the accident.
“Robyn had such a zest for life despite going through a traumatizing accident,” her physical therapist said. “She always brought a smile to the faces around her. I think she taught us more than we taught her, in terms of always having a good attitude and smiling through difficult challenges.”
In occupational therapy, the initial focus was to train Robyn how to use a slide board to help transfer between surfaces, as this was the safest way to be independent upon returning home. Typically made of plastic or wood, a slide board acts as a bridge to allow individuals to move from one seated surface to another, such as moving from a wheelchair to a bed or a car. Occupational therapists had Robyn use a variety of equipment in her sessions, including resistance training bands and weights in order to strengthen both of her arms so that she could be more independent with transfers and strong enough to propel her wheelchair. Therapists also worked with Robyn on her ability to dress herself from bed, as that allowed her to be able to take care of daily living tasks. They also introduced adaptive equipment, including leg lifter, which aided Robyn to get in and out of bed. “Being able to sit up on my own and not feel like I’m going to fall over was a turning point,” Robyn said.
Robyn’s family, including one of her daughters, underwent training so they could safely assist her on how to get in and out of her wheelchair. “My daughter has been my number one supporter,” Robyn stated. “She was my cheerleader and has helped a lot.”
After 16 days at SSM Health Rehabilitation Hospital – Bridgeton, Robyn had made significant progress. While she was still unable to bear weight on her legs, she had progressed to being fully independent with dressing and transfers, needing just minimal assistance to use the restroom. Robyn was also able to get in and out of bed with the use of a leg lifter and could propel her wheelchair on her own. Additionally, Robyn had progressed to only requiring supervision to get into her “sports car.”
Robyn describes her rehabilitation experience as “phenomenal.” She is looking forward to sleeping in her own bed and enjoying the comfort of her own home, as well as seeing her mom, family and dogs. She hopes to return to SSM Health Rehabilitation Hospital – Bridgeton once she is able to bear weight on her legs again.
When asked if she had any advice for others facing a difficult recovery, Robyn said, “Don’t be scared to ask questions. Staff are willing to answer questions. Also, ask your family to be involved in your care.”