One Step at a Time: Jeanne Duck's Rehabilitation Story

Jeanne Duck visited EAMC-Opelika with complaints of a right sided headache which she described as the worst she’d ever experienced.

She was found to have a large brain hemorrhage and was intubated and subsequently transferred to UAB for further medical management. After arriving at UAB, an external ventricular drain was placed, and she was also treated for pneumonia.

After nearly two weeks at UAB, she was finally extubated and had the external ventricular drain removed. The hospital stay left Duck severely debilitated and far from her normal, independent self. She required total assistance for transfers, maintaining her balance while seated and for all self-care tasks.

Her road to recovery and independence began when she was transferred from UAB to the Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit (ARU) at EAMC-Lanier.

While in the ARU, Duck received occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy services. During her stay, she worked hard during each therapy session and made significant progress with all three therapy disciplines.

Prior to leaving, she was able to transfer to a walker with only one person assisting, she was able to walk 150 feet while using a walker and only requiring the assistance of one person, she was able to complete most self-care tasks with someone assisting with setting up of the required items and she was able to improve vocal quality and cognition.

“It was a good experience, and I had a lot of help,” Mrs. Duck said when asked about her stay at the ARU. “I knew the people taking care of me truly cared about me and my progress towards my goals. The staff and therapists provided me with outstanding patience and care.

“I gained so much function back that I am able to go back home with my husband, Barry.”

When asked what advice she would give to other rehab patients, Duck said to, “celebrate the little victories. Don’t harp on all the things you can’t do, but instead focus on the things you can do.”

Duck is excited to be going home with her family, and the ARU team is so proud of her recovery.

Click here to learn more about the ARU.