MercyOne Riverside Rehabilitation

It had been a long road since my stroke on June 15th. Two days following my right arm and leg lay paralyzed in Methodist Hospital ICU. There was no finger, foot, or toe movement, but I could feel the nurses touch. By the time I reached inpatient rehab at Mercy One in Clive I learned brain neurons could be trained to replace the ones that died during the stroke. Movement slowly and gradually was coming back. During 15 days of inpatient rehab I learned to walk with walker and do stairs. An e-stem machine helped to wake up my right foot and toes . I met the goal to live independently but work would have to wait. I was told my license had been suspended for six month. My right hand grip was still only half as strong as my left. Also, I was still dependant on a walker and required supervision on stairs.. The therapist at outpatient Rehab Mercy One Riverside helped me to complete the process. Elizabeth Harden, my physical therapist helped me with balance and endurance. She helped me to ditch the walker and helped me to regain strength and reach on ladders. I am a window cleaner by profession and she had me bring in equipment to practice cleaning windows. Mary Jo McCleary was my occupational therapist. She gave me exercises to strengthen my right shoulder and right hand grip. Now my right hand grip is stronger than my left hand grip. Mary Jo was also instrumental in getting my driver's license back. Dr. Kovi, my neuro surgeon, wanted her to call before he cleared me to drive. Now I have my driver's license in three months instead of six. I plan to begin work this week after a doctor visit. First and foremost, I thank God for his mercy. Ninety percent who have a stroke in the brainstem do not survive. I am also thankful for all the people that helped me through this entire process to reach my goals. Elizabeth Harden and Mary Jo McCleary at Mercy Riverside helped complete my recovery process and gave me home exercises to continue. I do believe they truly made a huge difference. A stroke is a major trial, but I will not soon forget the people who helped during time of need. Update 4/26/2024 It has been a little over 9 months since my stroke. Most would not know I had a stroke. I have been working as a window cleaner since September 15th. Ladders, high pitched roofs, and straddling deck rails to get to windows have not been a problem. It has been fairly cool only one hot day so far this spring. Handling hot weather is not so easy. I am hoping that was just that particular day and I had worked long hours the days before. I am guessing more hot days are coming this summer so we will see how it goes. A heart monitor in the month of August showed my heart was good and no atrial fibrillation which can be a cause of stroke. On October 10, 2023 had a sleep test and they detected 80 times in an hour that my breathing stopped for 10 or 15 seconds. I thought I slept so well and was surprised to learn I had sleep apnea. Now I am using a CPAP machine at night. Still taking blood pressure and cholesterol pills along with blood thinners but am doing well otherwise. I am not sure if sleep apnea caused my stroke. Overall feeling great and still thankful for the people who helped along the way.

Sydney is absolutely amazing with my son. We've been seeing her for about 2 months now and my son's speech has gotten so much better then it was. My son loves going to see her every week.

Essie and Stacy are the BEST

Great Staff!!