Adriana’s Story: A New Mother Faces Spinal Cord Injury Head-On On January 15, 2018, Adriana’s life changed forever. At 17 weeks pregnant, she was shot in the neck during an attempted carjacking. The bullet injured her spinal cord and left her paralyzed. Thankfully, her unborn child survived. After receiving acute care in her hometown of Bogotá, Columbia, she and her husband flew to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab at the recommendation of many family and friends. When Adriana arrived in February 2018, she knew she had found the right place for her recovery. Upon her arrival, Adriana’s abilities were limited — she could wiggle her left foot and touch her nose with one hand. But her physical limitations didn’t stop her from committing to working as hard as she could in therapy every day. In light of Adriana’s pregnancy, her care team developed novel ways to complete therapy while keeping her unborn baby safe. Additionally, they incorporated therapeutic interventions that not only made Adriana stronger, but prepared her for life with a new child. “My occupational therapist, Anne, was one of the best gifts Shirley Ryan AbilityLab gave me,” said Adriana. “I was so worried I was not going to be able to bottle feed my baby when he was born. She developed a special cuff for my hand that would allow me to feed him when he would lay in my arms.” Adriana worked hard during intensive inpatient therapy for two months, up until her baby boy, Juan Emilio, was born. From the moment she first held him, she felt reassured knowing her team at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab was dedicated to helping her every step of the way. As Adriana learned the ropes of motherhood, she pushed her therapy and recovery forward. After her inpatient stay, Adriana went on to continue her therapy in our DayRehab and outpatient programs. Today, Adriana is back home in Bogotá. She is able to complete many activities that she once considered impossible. She has more sensation and movement, and is able to grab a cup, feed herself, brush her teeth, brush her hair, apply her makeup, transfer herself and, most importantly, feed and care for Juan Emilio. “At Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, every aspect of a patient’s recovery is so intentional and individualized,” she said. “There is always science and data supporting what you are doing every day. The relationships I built with my care team are relationships that will last a lifetime. This is my home.”
FAMILY & VISITOR AMENITIES In order to provide comfort for your visitors, there is a sofa, which can open into a sleeper bed. The bedside table is also equipped with three drawers, as well as USB and power outlets. IN-ROOM TECHNOLOGY Through your television, you can access in-room education, entertainment and information. With your TV, you can: • Learn more about
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and take a virtual tour • Access your therapy schedule • View your care team • Control the lights and shades in your room
• Watch relaxation videos • Find music and movies
• Search a patient education library • Provide feedback, share your story and recognize exceptional service from hospital staff
To watch Adriana’s story, visit sralab.org /adriana
Your Patient Experience 26
Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease