Determined to walk again, with a little help from my friends.

Exceptional Care Story––Kent Phillips

When I experienced my stroke, I was rushed to St. Mary’s by an ambulance. When I arrived in the Emergency department, I was in somewhat of a daze from the effects of the stroke, but I can remember having a reassuring feeling that I was in good hands. After some diagnostic tests confirmed that I had indeed suffered a stroke, I was admitted to the hospital and started on blood thinners. The staff at St. Mary’s really impressed me. I spent about two weeks in the hospital, and during that time, everyone I encountered was extremely attentive. It was obvious they really cared about their patients in a personal way. When it was time for me to be discharged, it was a bittersweet feeling. On the one hand, I was glad to be going home, but I was also leaving people who had become my friends.

Suffering from a stroke was a very humbling experience for me. I realized that I could not take anything for granted, especially the ability to walk. But thanks to the care provided by St. Mary’s, the recovery experience was a very positive one.

After leaving my friends at the hospital, I found a new group of friends and cheerleaders when I went through rehabilitation services at the Advanced Rehabilitation Center (ARC). I was really impressed with the ARC. I cannot say enough good things about my therapists there. They were compassionate, dedicated and determined to help me walk again. I was determined to walk again too, but I needed more than just my own determination to succeed.

Through the ARC, I started physical therapy where I worked on regaining my ability to walk. In addition, I also performed therapy at home using exercises provided by my therapists. I could only do so much for myself, so it was important for me to have people helping me along the way. My physical therapists were great. They kept pushing me and showing me what I needed to do to get better.

I never imagined that something like this would ever happen to me. I am just so grateful that there are people out there like the people at St. Mary’s. They have been absolutely wonderful. From the time I arrived in the emergency department to the time I was discharged and began rehabilitation, I can honestly say that without the staff at St. Mary’s, I would not be where I am today.