Anne’s Recovery Story: Hope, faith and love for family

As a nurse for 32 years, Anne Thomas took pride in prioritizing the health and well-being of her patients. However, a life-changing event led to a surprising recovery and a new career path.

On March 31, 2024, Thomas was preparing to go to brunch with her family. “Easter brunch is something I was looking forward to celebrating with my family. I was in the closet looking for a pair of shoes to wear,” Thomas said. “I started to feel unwell, and I wanted to go sit on the bed.”

She recalled trying to stand back up and immediately noticed weakness and numbness in her lower legs and fell back down. She could not move her lower limbs.

A life-changing diagnosis

Thomas had a spinal stroke and was hospitalized for over a week. A blood clot in her calf traveled to her brain and settled in her spine, resulting in her inability to move her lower limbs, also known as spinal stroke paralysis.

“I’ve never heard of anyone having a spinal stoke; It’s very rare occurrence in the U.S. I was surprised about my diagnosis because I didn’t have any symptoms such as shortness of breath, calf pain or anything—I was shocked!” Thomas said.

Choosing exceptional recovery to walk again

Once Thomas realized she needed inpatient rehabilitation, she sought care from the University of Iowa Health Network Rehabilitation Hospital, a joint venture with Encompass Health for recovery. As a nurse, she wanted to go to an inpatient rehabilitation hospital that truly motivated patients to regain their independence.

“I chose the University of Iowa Health Network because it seemed like a nice facility, and my physician and care team recommended it as a great place for inpatient rehabilitation. It’s not too far from my house, so my kids could come visit.” Thomas said.

When she arrived at the University of Iowa Health Network Rehabilitation Hospital, she didn’t realize how challenging her recovery would be over the next two weeks. “I had a hard time; I didn’t realize how severe my stroke was, and I knew therapy would be a challenge because I couldn’t walk or even move my toes,” she recalled.

‘My biggest cheerleaders’

While in inpatient rehabilitation, Thomas went through two weeks of intensive therapy to regain her strength and independence. Her doctors, nurses and therapists worked with her to develop a care plan suitable for her needs and abilities.

“They saved my life. I went from walking 10,000 steps a day to being unable to move my legs,” she said. “I looked forward to seeing my therapists and care team because they helped me. They made me feel comfortable through one of the most challenging times in my life—I couldn’t even put on a pair of shoes.”

Nicole Lata, her physical therapist, described Thomas’ condition as a unique occurrence because of its rarity. Her strength and passion to recover was and still is an inspiration, she said.

“Anne had no lower extremity mobility. Initially we discussed ways for Anne to get into a wheelchair and back on the bed. We slowly integrated her legs by using electrical stimulation to help with motor recovery. Anne was strong-willed and started walking again with the assistance of a walker in the first week,” Nicole explained.

During therapy, Thomas gained the ability to walk; she also found herself preparing for other activities.

“While in recovery, I planned a retirement party for one of my friends and had the decorations in my room,” she said. “I didn’t get a chance to attend the party due to my discharge day from the hospital, but I did get to attend my daughter’s prom. I practiced with my therapists standing with the wheelchair behind me for pictures. I just wanted to surprise her.”

A ramp of support

Thomas learned how to adapt to her new way of life and perform self-care tasks so she could return home. Thomas used a wheelchair to get around and knew she would need support accessing her front door to prevent falls. Thomas recalled mentioning that she needed a ramp to her case manager, but she didn’t know her case manager, Christine Cleveland, knew a company that provided those services and worked with her to support her transition home.

“Anne was positive and motivated to get better. She was doing her normal duties as a mom and caring for friends by planning a party all while in recovery—I was impressed by that,” Cleveland said. “I wanted to help lighten her load with a seamless transition home.”

Thomas was surprised to see her friends and family there to support her transition to a new life at home. The ramp was the most significant addition, resulting in easy access to her front door.

“I am grateful to have an accessible ramp to my house. I remember talking to Christine about it and how it would help me at home. Otherwise, I couldn’t get in the front door,” Thomas said.

A Christmas wish comes true

After her spinal stroke, Thomas had to choose a less challenging career while recovering. She remembered the high-level of care and compassion shown by her care team. Her Christmas wish was to work at the University of Iowa Health Network Rehabilitation Hospital.

“I remembered my care team supporting each other and going above and beyond for patients. When searching for a new job opportunity, I wanted to be a part of a team that showed empathy to patients, families and colleagues,” she said.

Wishes do come true. Anne is now a case manager at the University of Iowa Health Network Rehabilitation Hospital alongside her former case manager.

As Thomas continues to recover in outpatient therapy, she is excited about getting back to what she loves most—wearing heels.