After suffering a stroke on Christmas Eve, 53-year-old William Gilliland didn’t find out what had happened for sure until three days later when he went to the emergency department at St. Mary Medical Center with paralysis in his right arm and leg.
What followed was weeks of recovery with a team of more than 20 professionals dedicated to his care. Like many stroke patients, Gilliland required services from a multitude of disciplines including neurology, physiatry, podiatry, occupational, speech and physical therapy, social services, rehabilitation nursing and more. They all collaborated to ensure that Gilliland would achieve the best possible recovery from his stroke.
Two weeks after his stroke, Gilliland was already showing and getting dressed by himself and combing his hair. He also learned to write with his left hand.
“It’s been excellent care and they are right on about everything,” Gilliland says. “I’m looking forward to continuing with the rehabilitation program through outpatient therapy at St. Mary Medical Center.”
“We have excellent technology and expertise to help us fight stroke and heart disease, but it’s up to us to know the symptoms, lower the risk factors and use good judgment in seeking treatment,” says Gilliland’s Neurologist George Abu-Aita, MD.
Learn more about stroke care at the hospitals of Community Healthcare System and rehabilitative care by clicking here.
