After undergoing successful weight loss surgery, newlywed Ashley attended a support group at El Camino Hospital in Mountain View as part of her weight loss journey. While attending a group session one day, she got lightheaded and felt ill. She attributed it to her recent surgery, but the group coordinator and friends in the support group convinced her to visit the emergency room at the hospital to find out what was happening. After a series of tests, she was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, an autoimmune disease that can come on suddenly and impacts the nervous system, causing nerve pain and paralysis.
Ashley’s journey to a healthier lifestyle took a difficult turn. In a short time, she began losing her mobility. There are only a few specialized care facilities with expertise and experience treating patients with Guillain-Barré Syndrome and the inpatient Rehabilitation Center at El Camino Hospital Los Gatos is one of them.
“When I was admitted to the Rehabilitation Center, I couldn’t stand on my own, walk or transfer myself from one place to another. But by the time I left, the therapists had me doing some stairs and walking on my own. This has been hard work, but I am very happy with the care I received at El Camino Hospital. I have nothing but good things to say about the people who work here. The nurses are outstanding and the therapists are great as well,” Ashley says.
The rehabilitation team personalized Ashley’s intensive therapies with the goal of helping her return home as soon as possible. As part of her therapy sessions, Ashley participated in Wii therapy with other patients and says she enjoyed the interaction while making new friends in the process. Their encouragement motivated her to work hard and before she went home, the staff and patients celebrated her discharge with a party to acknowledge her accomplishments and recovery.
Ashley says that the Rehabilitation Center at El Camino Hospital Los Gatos has helped her regain her life. Her future goal is to run a 5K. She has some work to do to get there, but is looking forward to reaching her goal. We’re glad we could be part of her journey.