Getting Back to Life: Jamie's Journey Through Therapy

After two back surgeries, a knee replacement and a shoulder replacement, Jamie knows what recovery takes. Through each chapter, she has returned to the Therapy Department at Weston County Health Services - not only to rebuild her strength and mobility, but to regain something even more important: her independence.

Losing the Little Things

After surgery, some of the hardest things were the everyday tasks she suddenly couldn't do.

“I couldn’t load the dishwasher. I couldn’t reach down into the washer or dryer. That’s where I lost a lot of my independence.”

Following her most recent back surgery, Jamie remembers just how weak she had become. During one therapy session, she was asked to perform leg lifts while lying on her side.

“I could not even lift my legs,” she said. “They had to help lift them.”

“Now, them babies just whip up and go up and down!”

Finding What Works

For Jamie, one of the things that stood out about her WCHS therapy experience was how the team adapted her treatment to her.

Because of previous surgeries, certain exercises didn't work for her. Instead of giving up, her therapists looked for alternatives.

“They researched a lot, and they would find an exercise or something that I could do that would work.”

They demonstrated exercises with her, provided instructions to take home and adjusted her plan when needed. That personal attention is one of the reasons Jamie continued choosing WCHS after each surgery.

“It’s because of the caring and compassion that they have. They always greeted me with a smile. They care.”

Jamie describes the team as respectful, compassionate, caring and professional. Even on the days she wasn't feeling her best, they paid attention. Sometimes they would ask if she wanted to skip the day. Jamie's answer?

“No. Let’s do this and make me feel better.”

You've Got to Take It Home With You

Jamie is also quick to point out that her therapists couldn't do all the work for her.

“Physical therapy doesn’t stop here. You’ve got to take it home with you.”

She continued the exercises she was given at home and learned the importance of staying active while listening to her body and following the guidance of her healthcare team.

A phrase she once heard from a friend has stuck with her throughout her recovery: “Motion is lotion.”

“You notice it if you don’t move,” she said.

And while Jamie admits everyone needs a day off occasionally, she believes patients have to take an active role in their recovery.

“You’ve got to listen to your physical therapist. There were times I didn’t want to, but I did. You can’t get better if you’re not doing it.”

Back to Doing What She Loves

Today, Jamie is doing the household tasks she once couldn't do. And recently, just a few months after her latest back surgery, she reached another milestone.

“I mowed part of the lawn the other day. I weed-eated, and I used the self-propelled mower to get around where my husband can’t get with the riding mower.”

It wore her out, she admits.

“But I did it.”

Those four words say a lot about how far she's come.

Her Advice to Others

For someone who needs therapy but is nervous about starting - or thinks they need to travel elsewhere for care - Jamie encourages them to start with a conversation.

“Come in and meet them. Visit with them and tell them what your fears are. They’ll help you with those fears.”

Jamie remembers walking into WCHS Therapy after her first back surgery bent at the knees and in significant pain. Jenna immediately noticed, offered her a chair and talked with her about what they could do to help.

That care has stayed with Jamie through every recovery. It's also why, when friends ask her where they should go for therapy, her answer is easy:

“I would refer people here before I would anywhere else.”

From needing help just to lift her legs to mowing her lawn again, Jamie's journey has taken time, determination and plenty of work. Her therapy team gave her the tools, encouragement and individualized care she needed.

Jamie took it from there.