Physical therapists also worked with Chandra on the parallel bars, using an overhead body-weight support harness to practice her walking. Simultaneously, occupational therapists guided Chandra on different ways to complete her personal care tasks, including dressing and bathing, so she could be as independent as possible.
Chandra said her turning point was also her lowest point, as she did not feel her progress was happening fast enough.
“It almost felt like a punishment for ignoring my MS for so long,” she said.
Chandra remembers feeling defeated when she didn’t even have the dexterity to pick up dice. The next day, however, she was playing a game of Connect 4 as part of her occupational therapy and was finally able to grasp the game piece and place it the rack.
“That is when I realized that things were going to turn around for me,” she shared.
Chandra credits Barnell in playing a large role in her recovery process. The fact that he was able to “hold down the fort” and take care of the kids allowed Chandra to focus fully on her recovery and not spend too much time worrying about what was happening at home.
She describes her time at Northshore Rehabilitation as difficult because she wasn’t used to accepting help and had always been able to do things for herself. She added that the rehabilitation process was a “humbling and eye-opening experience” but that she learned to rely on others and accept help when she needs it.
After 13 days, Chandra made great progress.
She was still working on her balance, but she felt much more like herself and was grateful that she has use of her hand again.
While she couldn’t wait to return home to Barnell and the kids, Chandra said, “I might cry when I leave because everyone at Northshore has been so nice to me.”
She added: “During those few rough times I had, the staff was right there to cheer me up and help me feel comfortable about myself again.”
Her advice for anyone dealing with MS is to not ignore the little signs of a flare up, “because when it appears full-force, you will definitely not be able to ignore it. Listen to what your body is telling you.”
Northshore Rehabilitation Hospital provides a dynamic rehabilitation environment for patients suffering from stroke, amputation, neurologic diseases, orthopedic trauma, brain injury, spinal cord injury and other conditions. Learn more at https://www.northshore-rehab.com/.