Therapists in Rehab Hospital Inspire Hope

Unfortunately at different times in my life, I have been hospitalized in 4 different countries, but none of them could compare to my six week stay in Lavigny, Switzerland.

After nearly 2 months in the hospital, I am still trying to piece together what happened to me. I don’t remember any details about my fall, about the harrowing helicopter transport and emergency brain surgery or the first 2 hospitals where I laid in a bed too weak to stand, too confused to carry on a conversation to process everything I was facing.

Fortunately over time, I began to heal. But I am the first to admit I did not do it alone. I was transferred to the 3rd hospital, Lavigny, a neurological rehabilitation center specializing in treatment for epilepsy, stroke victims and brain injury. Set in the rolling hills between the Jura Mountains and Lake Geneva, the bucolic countryside with majestic views filled me with peace, but my therapists stoked the inner fire to thrive.

At Lavigny, I relearned self care, how to use muscles properly and how to regain my voice after intubation during surgery. Everyone was so encouraging and kind and young.

When I arrived at Lavigny, I felt as old as the mountains surrounding me. Tasks that I once completed effortlessly, seemed insurmountable. Maneuvering down the hall 30 feet to the dining rooms without toppling over felt as exhausting as completing a marathon.

The first thing the nurses and therapists did was get me out of bed. With words of support, they refused to let me mope around and feel sorry for myself. We became a team with a common goal— make me strong enough to function independently so I could go home.

Therapist in Rehab Hospital Inspire Hope

The village of Lavigny, with the hospital in foreground

At times I felt like giving up, but my team of therapists wouldn’t let me. With their never ending encouragement, I took one step forward and then another. Nadine taught me how take a shower safely, how to tie my shoes and how use eating utensils again.

Carla and Benoit helped me regain balance and walk without staggering side to side like a drunk. They trained me to lift my left arm again and to make a fist with my left hand. Manon helped me recover my voice, which squeaked as if I had just coached a European championship.
No one knew for sure how much of my abilities I could recover or how quickly, but no one ever let on they had any doubt that I would return to normal, so I never doubted either. That combined with the positive verbal encouragement from loved ones’ nightly phone calls surrounded me with positivity.

Lisa, my neuropsychologist, explained what trauma does to the brain and helped me regain its function even before I realized it wasn’t working. At first I wanted to lash out at all my therapists in frustration over my loss of abilities, ashamed of my dependency, my physical weakness, my mental handicaps. I complained to Gerald over the phone, “They treat me like a baby. They will keep me here forever.” It was as though I couldn’t admit my loss of skills, losses I was reminded of when I saw other patients slumped over in wheel chairs, hobbling behind walkers, unable to walk, to talk, to swallow. Contrary to my misperception, each action was a challenge to become more self-reliant, so I could live independently again.

Each day was the same rigorous routine, 5 intense 45 minutes of therapy — PT, OT, neuropsych, speech therapy —that left me feeling so exhausted between sessions that I fell asleep between each one.

When I was finally released from the hospital, I was convinced that my therapies and my team’s commitment and care, literally saved my life. I was filled with gratitude to Lavigny and its staff.

When I met with the psychiatrist in charge of my case after another month of therapy as an outpatient, he reminded me,”The therapists certainly helped you reach your goals, but what they all told me was that it was your will power and drive that made the biggest difference to come back from such a devastating accident.”

In retrospect I am not sure how I overcame such great odds alone in a hospital in Switzerland during a global pandemic. I wish I could impart that combined force – family, therapists and iron will to readers who may be facing insurmountable odds in their battles against cancer, illness, life altering accidents. The human spirit is so fragile, life challenges so insurmountable, our mortality so fleeting, but don’t give up. Never underestimate the power of love and the role you play in your recovery, in your capacity to heal .

I will always credit the therapists at Lavigny with giving me back my dignity. They celebrated every success – the day I could raise a glass to my lips, butter my own bread and walk to the dining hall without assistance- was worthy of a standing ovation. They acknowledged the courage it took each day to get out of bed and confront the shadow of my past and I will be forever grateful.

Pat leaving the hospital

Posted in health, inspiration.

12 Comments

  1. Pat, your resilience is inspiring, reminding us to keep moving forward, to reaffirm, with gratitude, the relationships we have with loved ones.

    • Yes Pietra another reminder to cherish the relationships we have with loved ones and special neighbors and friends. So sorry we won’t be able to see you this summer as we are still not allowed in the country.

  2. Pat-you have many talents and gifts! Your command of the written word is not only inspiring, but always enjoyable! What a great story your life has been! I’m so happy to see you not only survived, but conquered this “chapter!”! GOOD FOR YOU! And all those angels who pushed you back to health! Shine on! ❤️

    • Thanks Marilyn,
      I am not sure if I totally conquered this chapter. I am more of a work in progress with a great supporting staff. The angels surrounding me shine down from afar too.

  3. What a testimony to the power of teamwork, Pat! You, of all people, realize there’s no “I” in the word team. You’re blessed indeed to have such an indomitable spirit and to have found a hospital capable of igniting that spirit and doing whatever was necessary to help you back into the land of the living. Be more careful, my friend — I’m not sure heaven’s quite ready for you yet, as you have much to impart here first!

    • Yes teamwork was key and my therapists were so good at communicating with each other about how best to help me recover. Once a week the head of each department would meet with my team of doctors (all women which delighted me) to discuss my progress and the program for the next week. That feisty spirit I was born with sure helps too.

  4. When Gerald would tell us about your drive and ambition to get over every hurdle it came as no surprise. You are such a fighter…an inspiration to us all and reminds us of how fragile life, health, well-being is. In an instant, such as was in your case, it can be shattered. You have also taught us through your blog and your life about cherishing and never taking for granted the abilities we have, the families we love, and the friends we have gathered along our journey. You remind myself to be thankful everyday. Thanks my friend. So glad you are so much better.

    • Yes, Tina, I am still grappling with the realization that life is so fragile that it can be shattered in one day and in these unsettled times our well being seems even more delicate. I know I still have of long way, but sports has taught me self discipline so I will do the work necessary and I KNOW that family and friends will give me the courage to go on on my most difficult days.

  5. Pat,
    Your determination and resilience are so inspiring! I am so happy to read your post. You have overcome so much, and your attitude of gratitude is as strong as your will to get well. Thank you for sharing your story. I know that it will help others!
    Keeping you in my prayers, Teri (ISU)

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