Dian Thom’s trip to the Emergency Room (ER) for shortness of breath quickly became so much more.
Dian’s story started in August 2017 when she visited the ER for shortness of breath and difficulty walking. She was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. Her care team started chemotherapy, which seemed to work in the beginning; however, Dian’s immune system was compromised, and an invasive fungal infection took a toll on her overall health. Dian was admitted into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) where she spent four weeks and underwent two surgeries.
“I was not aware of what was going on around me,” Dian says.
“My family was told my chances of survival were 50-50 at best.”
Dian beat the odds, and when she left the ICU, she was moved to the oncology ward to continue recovering. In mid November, Dian was far enough into her recovery to move to Red Bud Regional Hospital to continue her rehabilitation in the Swing Bed Program.
“I was in bed for so long in the ICU and oncology ward,” Dian says,
“when I got to Red Bud Regional, I couldn’t even raise my arms.”
The Care Plan Team at Red Bud Regional Hospital evaluated Dian’s condition, set goals for her rehabilitation and paired her with physical and occupational therapists. Her goal was to get back to her baseline, which included walking independently, completing basic daily living tasks and returning home to her husband. Dian spent close to three months rehabilitating in the Swing Bed Program.
“It took four therapists to help me walk eight feet,” Dian says.
“Now I can walk 200 feet with only a walker to help me.”
Dian was discharged home on Valentine’s Day.