Anita: Facing a New Life, With Help from Friends

Anita loved home design and decorating, including sewing, gardening, cooking and baking. She woke up one morning and noticed that two of her toes were discolored. She called her doctor, who was treating her for diabetes, and she went in for a checkup on September 20. The doctor told her to go to the hospital immediately, and a decision was made to amputate her left leg above the knee.

When Anita arrived at Kindred Hospital San Gabriel Valley on October 8 she was critically ill physically and emotionally. She required nine pints of blood and care from our interdisciplinary team. She also required a lot of encouragement from her rehabilitation therapists.

In the beginning Anita was not able to tolerate consistent therapy. She would either refuse because she was still coping over the loss of her limb or she would be unable to participate due to medical complications.

After about a week she slowly started participating with rehab and was able to walk with a walker up to 50’ with a little bit of assistance.

Anita fought negative thoughts after her amputation and says she did not have the will to live. But she says the staff helped change her thoughts. Now, she says, she has a lot to look forward to.

“Due to the care I have received since my arrival, I am now able to sit up and walk with a walker," she says. "My therapists have worked with me in strengthening my extremities in order to be independent with my mobility. I cannot thank the staff enough, including the therapists, nurses, wound care and all the doctors who were in my care. Without their care I would not have been where I am today."