Christina's story

Photo of Christina Taylor and her therapist at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation.
Christina Taylor's life was turned upside down when she suffered a stroke while driving. A former nurse from southern Maryland, Christina was always active, juggling her career and caring for her four grandchildren.

“I rode motorcycles, helped take care of my grandkids and just did all kinds of things,” she said.

Christina realized something was wrong when her right side began to feel weak and numb. “I was driving to a family event when I told my sister-in-law, ‘I have to call 911, because I think I’m having a stroke.’” At the hospital, a CT scan and MRI confirmed she had a brain bleed. After six days in the hospital, Christina chose to go to Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation (KIR) - Chester on the recommendation of her brother.

Upon arrival at KIR - Chester, Christina faced numerous challenges. “I couldn’t really move any part of my right side,” she explained. “It took three people to transfer me out of bed and I had lost a lot of continence. Eating was sloppy and sleeping was a nightmare.”

At KIR - Chester, Christina received comprehensive rehabilitation from a physician-led team of therapists. She admitted that her goals were unrealistic at first. “I thought I’d have the stroke and bounce back real quick, but now realize it might be months instead of weeks.” With the support of her nurses and therapists, she learned to focus on obtainable goals: relearning to swallow, standing safely after using the restroom and strengthening her body.

Christina’s occupational therapy sessions focused on neuro re-education of her arm, using modalities like electric stimulation and vibration. Her strength progressed from completely flaccid to achieving an active range of motion against gravity. Physical therapy emphasized improving transfers and walking using a rolling walker. Speech therapy targeted her communication skills and dysphagia (trouble swallowing), eventually upgrading her to a regular diet with thin liquids after intense swallowing therapy.

Christina appreciated the support and expertise of the therapists. “They did amazing things,” she says. “Every day, I saw a little more independence. By the time I left, I needed only one person to get me to the bathroom.”

Indeed, Christina’s goals evolved as her rehabilitation proceeded. She found motivation in activities that allowed her to participate independently in her treatment. “Using a special walker, where I could propel myself ... [it] made me feel like I was moving myself, not just being moved by others.”

Her progress was steady. “I’m gaining strength every day,” said Christina. “My right side is responding, my legs are stronger and my arm is moving more.”

Family support was crucial in her recovery. “Everyone I’m around is more than helpful and encouraging,” she said. In fact, she stayed with her best friend in New Jersey while she continued therapy on an outpatient basis after she was discharged from KIR - Chester.

One of her best friends helped with range of motion exercises, assisted in the bathroom and made sure she was eating well. “She’s been nothing but great,” exclaimed Christina.

Reflecting on her rehabilitation, Christina felt grateful. “Kessler did an absolutely awesome job. It was a very positive experience,” she said.

Christina is now back in Maryland and continuing her recovery in outpatient therapy at Select Medical Outpatient Rehabilitation.

“I’ve continued with therapy and happy to say I’m independent at home,” said Christina. Her advice for others who find themselves in a similar situation is to “relax, listen to what the therapists say and stay focused.”