I will Walk Again

Determination helped her to walk again

Let me share the inspiring story of a patient of mine, whom I'll refer to as Mary. Mary had the unfortunate experience of breaking her hip right at the start of the pandemic. She spent weeks in the hospital before being transferred to a rehabilitation unit. Due to her deteriorating health during this period, her daughter had to make the difficult decision of placing her in a care home instead of bringing her back home.

A year later, I had the opportunity to meet Mary. Her daughter, hopeful that she could regain her ability to walk, asked me to assess her. I was initially sceptical considering her age (89) and the time that had passed since her injury. However, upon meeting her, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Mary had considerable strength and mobility in her limbs. She had been using the ReTurn standing aid for weight-bearing transfers. Against all odds, I believed there was a chance for her to achieve her goal.

Over the following months, Mary diligently worked on improving her strength, balance, and sit-to-stand technique. With practice, her walking ability gradually improved. The care home staff were supportive and helped her walk short distances. As the pandemic restrictions eased, we even practiced getting in and out of a car with the assistance of her daughter. It was an exciting moment, an opportunity for her to escape to the shops!

After our initial success, I thought my work with Mary was complete. I reflected on our journey, I realised that success is a combination of various elements. It requires strong motivation, the support of a caring family and dedicated caregivers who assist with exercises between sessions, as well as a good physical baseline. But above all, it takes an iron will to defy the odds.

Unfortunately, my visits to Mary didn't end there. Six months later, she developed a urinary infection which led to confusion and a fall resulting in the breaking of her hip and collarbone. It took another three months before I returned to the care home, and during that time, Mary's desire to walk again grew stronger. Although she was now frailer, her unwavering determination carried her through. She walked again, though not as far as before. It was truly remarkable to witness someone of her age, who had previously been immobile for a year, achieve this feat once more.

During our sessions, Mary would often ask me to share a success story. And each time, I would tell her that she herself was the very embodiment of triumph. She couldn't fully grasp just how incredible her journey was, but for others, she became a beacon of hope. Mary was “The Success Story”.