Patient Stories

Deena Furuseth

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Deena Furuseth, Lancaster

Dee is for Determination

Dee "stands" for Determination… Deena (Dee) Furuseth was a busy mom completing her final semester of college. As she was returning from a meeting, an oncoming car crossed the center line and struck her car head-on. She doesn't remember the ten days that followed. She was med-flighted to Gundersen-Lutheran in LaCrosse and endured seven surgeries and two blood transfusions in three days. Her massive injuries included two broken legs, shattered arm, broken hip and many other breaks and contusions.

After 10 days, she was transferred to Orchard Manor Nursing Home in Lancaster to begin her long road to recovery. At that point Dee could not walk, stand, feed or dress herself. "Every move I tried to make was extremely painful and I could feel all the metal plates and rods."

Grant Regional Rehab staff began treating Dee right away at the nursing home. "My new routine was rehab, rehab, lunch, rehab, rehab, dinner. The rehab staff was so gentle and patient – yet motivating that within a week they had me standing. They inspired me and helped me set milestone goals to achieve. I am so thankful to the rehab staff. They really got to know me as a person – so much that they incorporated my therapy to include my daughter. We worked with putty and puzzles to help me regain the function of my hand, wrist and fingers. They never gave up on me – even through the tears and pain. They helped me realize that each day is a gift and I had the power and determination to make the most of it – even if it was the most difficult thing I've ever had to go through."

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