Susan Ellenbrand

When Susan Ellenbrand arrived for an appointment with her neurosurgeon, Dr. John Serak, she wasn’t herself. Susan’s arms and legs were completely numb, and she couldn’t walk. Dr. Serak sent her straight to Baptist Floyd Hospital for a thorough exam. A CT scan showed that Susan had a compressed spinal cord.

Susan underwent surgery a few days later. Surgeons removed a bone while placing rods and pins in her back. After surgery, Susan was unable to walk. She spent several days in the hospital before discharging to Southern Indiana Rehabilitation Hospital for inpatient rehab.

Through physical therapy and occupational therapy at SIRH, Susan had two goals. First, to alleviate her pain. Second, to regain her strength. After eight days of inpatient rehabilitation, Susan successfully and safely returned home with a walker.

However, Susan’s journey is far from complete. Doctors told Susan that her recovery could take up to a year, but she remains positive and determined to do whatever it takes. That includes continuing her therapy at SIRH via outpatient therapy.

“My therapists at SIRH have gone above and beyond,” Susan said. “They really care about you as a person.”

As she keeps working on her recovery via outpatient therapy, Susan will continue to lean on the prayer and positivity that keeps her going.