Ian's story
Ian Kelly, a 53-year-old, husband, father of two and IT manager, found his life altered dramatically after a bike accident. In addition to biking, Ian enjoys woodworking and participating in triathlons.
His life changed in an instant one day after work. “I ride my bike to and from work every day,” said Ian. “I got hit by a car while riding my bike home. I lost consciousness and acquired a brain injury.” Ian also had a fracture to his right elbow and multiple thoracic compression fractures in his spine.
He was rushed to Hackensack University Medical Center where his future seemed uncertain.
There were many challenges that Ian faced as he began to recover: “I was unable to walk, I had right leg and right arm weakness and was unable to make a fist or coordinate my right hand. I had double vision all of the time. I couldn’t eat and was fed through a PEG tube. I had difficulty with memory and attention. My balance was poor,” noted Ian. In order to protect his spine, he wore a clamshell back brace to supports his spine and limit movement.
When he was medically stable, it was apparent that Ian would need specialized rehabilitation to regain his independence. Because of its reputation and proximately to his home, he decided to go to Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation – Saddle Brook for the next phase of his recovery. His primary goals on admission were to walk and cook for his children.
Under the guidance of a physician-led therapy team, Ian began intense rehabilitation that included physical, occupational and speech therapies.
Since Ian still relied on a PEG tube for nutrition, his speech therapist worked with him to address dysphagia (swallow) with exercises including Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) and the use of surface electromyography for biofeedback during these exercises. Ian progressed from the PEG tube to moderately thick liquids, to all liquids and finally to a regular diet. He also participated in cognitive rehabilitation exercises related to medication, financial and schedule management to hone his executive functioning skills. He made significant gains in all.
Physical therapy sessions aimed to increase his strength and endurance so he could safely walk and navigate stairs. His occupational therapist used his love for cooking to help him plan, sequence and work on his fine motor skills. Ian said, “I was able to make my own breakfast pancakes, grilled cheese sandwiches and also bake cookies.”
Reflecting on pivotal moments in his journey, Ian recalls the emotional impact of seeing the helmet he had on when he was in the accident. It really put a lot into perspective. He said his physical turning point was being able to take a shower for the first time in months. “It made me feel so much more like myself and human and less as a patient,” he explained.
Ian's family and friends played an important role in his recovery, offering support throughout his recovery. Looking ahead, Ian eagerly anticipates simple pleasures like outdoor strolls with his wife and watching hockey games. As he prepared for discharge, Ian reflected on his rehabilitation experience with gratitude. “I met so many great people who took good care of me and am appreciative of everything,” he said.
Ian planned to continue outpatient therapy at Kessler Rehabilitation Center - Marlton.
His life changed in an instant one day after work. “I ride my bike to and from work every day,” said Ian. “I got hit by a car while riding my bike home. I lost consciousness and acquired a brain injury.” Ian also had a fracture to his right elbow and multiple thoracic compression fractures in his spine.
He was rushed to Hackensack University Medical Center where his future seemed uncertain.
There were many challenges that Ian faced as he began to recover: “I was unable to walk, I had right leg and right arm weakness and was unable to make a fist or coordinate my right hand. I had double vision all of the time. I couldn’t eat and was fed through a PEG tube. I had difficulty with memory and attention. My balance was poor,” noted Ian. In order to protect his spine, he wore a clamshell back brace to supports his spine and limit movement.
When he was medically stable, it was apparent that Ian would need specialized rehabilitation to regain his independence. Because of its reputation and proximately to his home, he decided to go to Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation – Saddle Brook for the next phase of his recovery. His primary goals on admission were to walk and cook for his children.
Under the guidance of a physician-led therapy team, Ian began intense rehabilitation that included physical, occupational and speech therapies.
Since Ian still relied on a PEG tube for nutrition, his speech therapist worked with him to address dysphagia (swallow) with exercises including Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) and the use of surface electromyography for biofeedback during these exercises. Ian progressed from the PEG tube to moderately thick liquids, to all liquids and finally to a regular diet. He also participated in cognitive rehabilitation exercises related to medication, financial and schedule management to hone his executive functioning skills. He made significant gains in all.
Physical therapy sessions aimed to increase his strength and endurance so he could safely walk and navigate stairs. His occupational therapist used his love for cooking to help him plan, sequence and work on his fine motor skills. Ian said, “I was able to make my own breakfast pancakes, grilled cheese sandwiches and also bake cookies.”
Reflecting on pivotal moments in his journey, Ian recalls the emotional impact of seeing the helmet he had on when he was in the accident. It really put a lot into perspective. He said his physical turning point was being able to take a shower for the first time in months. “It made me feel so much more like myself and human and less as a patient,” he explained.
Ian's family and friends played an important role in his recovery, offering support throughout his recovery. Looking ahead, Ian eagerly anticipates simple pleasures like outdoor strolls with his wife and watching hockey games. As he prepared for discharge, Ian reflected on his rehabilitation experience with gratitude. “I met so many great people who took good care of me and am appreciative of everything,” he said.
Ian planned to continue outpatient therapy at Kessler Rehabilitation Center - Marlton.