Sandy Armstrong - Mt. Pleasant, MI

Stroke Survivor, RehabCentre Patient, Mother, Grandmother

"The team was excellent and very helpful and encouraging throughout my stay. Today, I'm doing well and sharing my story."

Sandy Armstrong, 87, had been living independently in her Mt. Pleasant apartment until a medical emergency changed everything. A family member found her unconscious with a broken arm. She was evaluated by the Emergency Department team at MyMichigan Medical Center Mt. Pleasant, then transported to MyMichigan Medical Center Alma for further testing and care. Her MRI showed she had suffered a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), more commonly known as a stroke, and doctors estimated she had been on the ground for 12 to 16 hours before being found. Fortunately, her arm didn’t require surgery, and she was identified as a great candidate for inpatient rehabilitation at the RehabCentre at MyMichigan Medical Center Alma.

Though the stroke left Sandy with extensive bruising, decreased sensation on her right side and a broken right arm in a sling, she was fortunate—there were no cognitive, speech or paralysis complications. With a strong will and the support of her daughter, Terra, and daughter-in-law, Leslie, Sandy committed fully to her recovery, participating in physical, speech and occupational therapy twice a day.

“She knew the RehabCentre had expansive services and took advantage of their expertise,” Leslie said of Sandy. “She also insisted on eating in the shared dining space with other rehab patients. She believed social connection and community would help her heal, and she was right.”

Sandy’s rehabilitation was coordinated by Stephanie Goggin, M.D., D. P.T., alongside a strong team of therapists. “The team was excellent about scheduling and knowing how much I could handle,” Sandy shared. “I felt safe there, and everyone was very helpful.”

The family was also appreciative that staff was flexible with visitors and supported Sandy’s social and emotional needs in addition to her physical ones. A family pizza night tradition was moved temporarily from Sandy’s apartment to the RehabCentre dining room.

After discharge, Sandy entered an assisted living facility for continued healing. She is still performing exercises learned at therapy and joining in for the activities offered there. Thanks to her therapy team and her personal dedication to keep moving, she recently moved to a lower level of care than was required initially. She has even returned to the Medical Center in Midland to film an educational video about stroke and physical rehabilitation. Staff remembered  her, and she was met with waves and hugs.

“We are so happy to have mom doing well having had such positive experiences with each of the MyMichigan Health teams she has worked with,” said Terra. “She enjoys sharing her story and inspiring others.”
 

MyMichigan Health offers comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation at MyMichigan Medical Centers in Alma and Alpena. This specialized rehabilitation is designed for people who have experienced the debilitating effects of an acute injury, impairment or illness. The goal is to help each individual function as independently as possible through focused treatment programs for conditions including stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, orthopedic injury, neurological conditions, amputation and trauma. Those who would like additional information about the RehabCentre in Alma may visit www.mymichigan.org/almarehabcentre.