Janet Lewis has been living with Lupus for 16 years, but one morning she woke up and knew something was very wrong. She was experiencing the worst flare-up she’s ever had and her husband immediately rushed her to Pennsylvania Hospital. The episode left her with intense weakness on her left side, which meant she would have to relearn how to perform basic functions including walking, bathing, cooking and brushing her teeth.
“I was petrified,” says Janet. “But I was prepared to work for my recovery because I wanted to return to my family.”
After spending a week at Pennsylvania Hospital, she was transferred to Penn Medicine Rehabilitation to regain strength and to relearn life skills. From the moment she arrived, Janet knew that she had made the right decision.
As she began undergoing three hours of therapy a day, five days a week, Janet felt her body transforming.
“My first day here, I needed help to move my legs out of bed, and to go to the bathroom. As I continued to gain more strength, I could feel my body getting stronger and more independent.”
Janet credits her therapists for empowering her to work towards reclaiming her life.
“Therapy was hard, but the staff was patient and encouraging. They cheered me on and I knew I was in great hands.”
Physical therapist Brittney Lunney worked with Janet during her inpatient rehabilitation.
“Through our therapy sessions, Janet was able to establish her goals, and I worked with her to create plan to meet those goals” says Lunney. “As Janet progressed each session, she became more encouraged by her progress.”
During her recovery, Janet was able to participate in a wide variety of therapies.
“One morning my therapist had me in the practice kitchen at 7:30, relearning how to cook eggs. I had to bend, stretch, reach—all of the things that are required of me when I’m home cooking for my family,” says Janet. “Recreational therapy taught me breathing exercises to relieve stress. We played board games and decorated a Christmas tree with other patients, which I enjoyed.”
After being discharged, Janet received home therapy and began to return to her normal routine.
As she continues to recover through outpatient therapy at Penn Therapy & Fitness, Janet is grateful that the team at Penn Medicine Rehabilitation has been with her during this difficult time in her life.
“I would recommend Penn Medicine Rehabilitation to anyone, the experience was remarkable. There’s nowhere else to go.”
– Janet Lewis
For more information about our inpatient rehabilitation program or to request a tour, call 877-969-7342 or request a tour online.