Jan

Jan came to 3DPT Hainesport back in January after being diagnosed with transverse myelitis a few months prior. Transverse myelitis is a rare neurological condition characterized by inflammation of both sides of a section of the spinal cord. This inflammation can damage or destroy myelin, the insulating material covering nerve cell fibers which disrupts communication between the nerves in the spinal cord and the rest of the body. This leads to a range of symptoms including muscle weakness, sensory changes, and pain. The condition can develop suddenly or over the course of several days. The causes include autoimmune disorders, infections, or other inflammatory diseases, although sometimes a cause is not found. The goal for physical therapy with this diagnosis is to restore function and manage symptoms. Jan started working with Dr. Grace Wall and has continued care with Dr. Kristen McCloskey. 

When Jan first came to 3DPT Hainesport, she had significant lower extremity weakness that greatly impacted her daily life. As a result of her condition, she experienced consistent pain and considerable difficulty with walking, navigating stairs, and completing tasks like standing up from sitting. Her balance was notably impaired, requiring constant support for stability. At that time, Jan relied on a standard walker for mobility and frequently used a wheelchair within her home environment. Her limitations also led her to sleep in a hospital bed on the first floor of her home, as she was unable to safely manage stairs. To accommodate her reduced mobility, ramps had been installed throughout her living space. These challenges highlighted the importance of her goals in therapy—to regain her strength, independence, and return to the activities she loves.

Over the past 5 months at 3DPT Hainesport, Jan has made remarkable progress in her rehab journey! Through her personalized program focused on building lower body strength and endurance, she has steadily regained mobility and independence. Jan is no longer reliant on a wheelchair at home and has recently begun walking with a four-point cane. She has achieved meaningful milestones, including walking up and down stairs, transitioning back to sleeping in her own bed upstairs, and moving through her home without the need for ramps or constant assistance. Her dedication and consistency in therapy have been key drivers of her success, and she continues to work toward her long-term goals with determination and optimism.

Jan was chosen to be our patient of the month to highlight her remarkable strength, resilience, and determination in the face of a challenging and often unpredictable condition. Despite experiencing sudden and life-altering symptoms, including mobility limitations and pain, she has demonstrated extraordinary perseverance through intensive rehabilitation and medical treatment. Jan’s positive attitude, commitment to recovery, and willingness to share her journey has been an inspiration to both staff and fellow patients. We hope to raise awareness about transverse myelitis and celebrate the courage it takes to confront and adapt to such a complex neurological disorder!

Here’s what Jan has to say about her journey and her time at 3DPT Hainesport:

1. Tell us about what brought you to physical therapy and how this affected your life.

What brought me to 3DPT was a weakness in my legs which happened out of the blue.  I have always been very active, which included going to the gym working out, walking regularly with friends and my husband, taking exercise classes like Jazzercise, Zumba Fitness, Chair Yoga, Hip Hop 4 Seniors, Line Dancing and a Healthy Bones class. I loved being involved in my community and especially my church.  I did volunteer work at my local hospital among several other volunteer things. 

One day, several months ago this all changed when out of the blue I experienced excruciating pain in my lower back and both legs which made my legs weak and affected my mobility and I couldn’t walk. This has greatly affected my life because I am no longer independent and have to rely on other people which is very hard for me.  After looking into several physical therapy places that would accept my insurance that was close to where I live, I found 3DPT.

2. Tell us a little about your recovery process. What has been the hardest part of your therapy?  What was your favorite part of physical therapy?

My recovery process has been, and is, a daily journey.  I say this because it involves several factors: (1) continuing to trust God and his plan for my life; (2) maintaining an attitude of gratitude and thanksgiving at all times; (3) being humble and accepting help from all the people who have been there for me, and who are still are supporting me, i.e. like my church and prayer group family, my husband, son, friends and a special thanks to the staff and my physical therapist Kristen at 3DPT. 

The hardest thing about my therapy was in the beginning when my balance was very shaky, my movement was very slow with the walker and I couldn’t stand long  without holding on and being patient.  My therapy has been very encouraging and I am progressing.

My favorite part of my therapy is that my therapist is always open to trying new exercises.  Kristen always asks how I am feeling and how my doctor’s appointments are going.  Kristen is very caring and concerned about my overall welfare as well as the staff at 3DPT.

Take a look at some of Jan’s rehab at 3DPT Hainesport

3.  What advice would you give to other people who suffered similar injuries or going through the same situation?

My advice to other people that may be going through  a similar experience like me is to get into physical therapy as soon as possible and put your trust in God because you cannot get better without them both.  God is the ultimate healer.

4. Why would you recommend 3 Dimensional Physical Therapy?

I would recommend 3DPT because of the dedicated, committed, supportive and caring staff.  They sincerely care about getting their patients back to a full healthy life.

Physical therapy can help you achieve your goals too!
Click HERE to make an appointment with a 3DPT physical therapist