Cathie Anderson 2017
After a year of losing weight and working to be in better health, Cathie Anderson was ready to take on the world with a new confidence. Little did she know that new confidence would be shaken on March 27th, 2017. Cathie noticed a few abnormal changes and came into the emergency room at St. Francis Memorial Hospital. After some testing and a few days of a hospital stay, it was found that Cathie had a midbrain stroke with a gradual onset. The gradual onset led to a very “discouraging and confusing” day on March 29th. Cathie remembers a facial droop, balance difficulty, and numbness in her hands and feet. Cathie remembers thinking “I have to get better; I have people who need me”. Cathie is the mother of 5 amazing men, 2 of which rely on her for many caregiving tasks. “My family was amazing, all the visits and phone calls really helped keep me motivated. My entire community really stepped up, helping with everything and anything.”
Cathie remained at St. Francis Memorial Hospital for a swing bed stay from March 31st-April 19th. Cathie recalls the great care she had, “I worked with one person, but everyone communicates and works together. They really seem to know how and when to push me”. She mentioned the pool was very motivating to her as she was comfortable there, “I had no fear, and it was actually a reward for me”. As Cathie’s balance and strength improved, she was transitioned from a walker to a cane, and eventually to nothing at all. Cathie recalls the therapists’ confidence in her, “They know how to trust when you have absolutely no trust in yourself. It was important to remember that all the stuff we did was to help me and my body compensate.”
After her swing bed stay, Cathie transitioned to outpatient therapy. She recalls wanting to drive so badly. “My son took me to the church parking lot to practice. I remember asking if I should try to park in a spot near the church, but he kindly replied “No, I don’t think so.”” After rounds of practicing, it was time to try driving to and from therapy. Cathie recalls having family ride along with her at first, but she has now been to Fremont and Omaha independently. Besides driving, she has returned to the things she enjoys such as reading and attending sporting events. She continues to work towards playing the piano and sewing sometime again.
Cathie would like to remind others to “push past your comfort zone, don’t be afraid to share that you are scared but trust those helping you. They truly have your best interest at heart.” Since her therapy, Cathie has remained a dedicated wellness member. Wimmer Rehabilitation would like to thank Cathie Anderson for not only inspiring us but also being a motivator for many other exercisers.
