Tom's Story of Regaining Independence with GRHC Rehabilitation
Tom Weadge of Boscobel has a new lease on life and is grateful to Grant Regional Health Center's Rehab team for his remarkable recovery.
On September 6, 2022, Tom’s wife Janet heard a noise early in the morning. “She told me she found me on the bathroom floor,” explained Tom. “I was rushed to a hospital close to home but it was too foggy, so I was transferred to Madison by ambulance. It’s hard to believe, but it all came on without any warning. I don't really remember anything that happened to me until I woke up after the emergency surgery to repair the aneurysm. They saved my life!”
After 7 weeks at a Madison hospital recovering from the surgery, Tom transitioned to a local Swing Bed program, closer to home. Tom had weakness in both legs and was later diagnosed with transverse myelitis, an inflammation of part of his spinal cord. This condition caused him to have the inability to feel anything from his rib area down and affected his bladder and bowels.
"Being closer to home was such a great thing for my family and friends so they could visit easier and be closer to me." Then after 4 weeks he was able to go home. He still required assistance with daily living such as help with mobility, dressing and self-care. He was dependent on a wheelchair or walker to help him navigate long distances.
In January 2023, he started the next part of recovery through Grant Regional's Rehabilitation services with help from staff and exercises to regain his strength and independence. He needed assistance with mobility and with transferring from chair to standing and in/out of vehicles, for example. He couldn’t stand by himself without assistance and had impaired dynamic sitting balance and standing balance. Initially Tom worked on his core strength to improve his balance. Gait training was done on the parallel bars and then progressed from walker to crutches to cane. He progressed to activities on his hands and knees then on his knees. Eventually Tom worked on getting on and off the floor by himself completely. (Things that most people take for granted, until you can’t).
Tom continued his progress throughout the year and was proud when he “rang the bell” symbolizing the huge accomplishment of completing 42 physical therapy sessions. We achieved standing and walking independently! Tom’s wife Janet was by his side and supported him throughout this difficult and challenging 1 ½ year long journey to recover from the aneurysm. They started taking walks in May and Tom was able to resume his normal routine and activities including building raised garden beds. Because of his determination and with the help of Grant Regional’s motivational and knowledge rehab team, Tom was able to build his strength, endurance and regain his independence.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today and get back to the things I enjoy without Grant Regional’s amazing team,” said Tom.
In August this past fall, Tom underwent repair surgery in Madison to fill in the base of the aneurysm with coil wire and place two stints at the base of it. The surgery was a success, and he has since returned to Grant Regional to continue to work on balance and strength. Tom is grateful for his remarkable recovery and is very much looking forward to being active and able to spend quality time with their granddaughters. He is even planning to do some ice fishing this winter, something he wasn’t sure he’d be able to do again. He's thankful for the exceptional care and compassion from the Rehab staff at Grant Regional.
To learn more about Grant Regional Health Center's Rehabilitation Department, visit this page or give us a call at (608) 723-3236.