After a long, hard road of rehabilitation at Baptist Health Rehabilitation Institute, Martha Copeland is now back to enjoying the amazing things she once loved to do. In 2012, Martha was at the shooting range when an aneurysm ruptured – forever changing her life. She was rushed to the local hospital in Hot Springs and was soon transported via MedFlight to Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock for treatment. After ten difficult days in the ICU, Martha was referred to Baptist Health Rehabilitation Institute. It was there where her journey to recovery began. With the ability to read but no comprehension of the meaning of words and wheelchair bound, the odds were highly stacked against her. “Talk about no hope,” Martha said recalling that time of her life. After some time, her condition didn’t seem to be changing. Then her primary care physician decided to refer her to a neurosurgeon in case she had contracted hydrocephalus, a condition where fluid builds up on the brain. After a thorough examination, it was determined that she needed a shunt to alleviate the pressure in her brain. “I remember after having the shunt my girls came in and said, ‘I have my mother back’,” she explained. After the shunt was in place, Martha was soon able to continue her rehabilitation and saw great progress. She eventually learned how to walk on her own and was able to re-learn how to do all the amazing things she loved to do. “Physical therapists worked with me to do what needed to be done, even if I didn’t always agree.” Martha said. Today, she is enjoying the little things in life and living every day to its fullest. “I couldn’t have done it without the Baptist Health Rehabilitation Institute and my family!” she said. “It’s been wonderful to think where I was almost three years ago and where I am today.”
Keep on learning. Keep on striving. #KeepOnAmazing
Baptist Health Stroke Services
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, there are several types of disabilities that stroke can cause, from problems walking and balancing to memory disturbances and even paralysis. However, the outlook for stroke patients today is more hopeful than ever due to advances in both stroke treatment and rehabilitation. Baptist Health physicians and staff work as an interdisciplinary team with the patient and their family to provide the best possible care, facilitating the patient’s return to the community and educating the patient and family to adjust to the diagnosis. This commitment to patient education and outcomes has earned Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock the Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission as a Primary Stroke Center of Excellence.