It is quite frequent that the iMER Coordinators get moved by medical cases as with this one: A young woman (36 years old, from Athens, Greece), in the 35th. week of her pregnancy, suddenly had difficulty to breathe and begun vomiting. Her distressed husband carried her to the closest hospital in Athens, but that same night, she got a spasm and lost consciousness. Diagnosed with eclampsia, she underwent a caesarean section to save her baby, followed by two craniotomies, to treat internal haemorrages. After the interventions MS. Maria R. suffered from a serious right side hemiplegia. At this point, iMER took over her rehabilitation process. This is Ms. Green’s (iMER patient advocate) report:
“…I have just returned from a very emotional visit to Mrs. R. room .
M. R. arrived for treatment at the Rehabilitation unit in Mt. Scopus, but according to the initial clinical assessment, this case was a total loss and it was suggested that she be sent back to Athens a.s.a.p. She was completely unresponsive to her environment and, other than loud screams, she showed no reactions.
Prof. David Linton (intensive care super specialist) and Dr. Z. Miner (rehabilitation super specialist) took the case with an optimistic attitude, taking the small improvements a day at a time, while showing the Rehab staff that they were not alone in this battle.
Today, almost four full months following her hospitalization, I visited her prior to her return flight to Athens tomorrow morning.
I found her sitting in a chair, her face lit up when Stamatia and I entered the room and she independently picked a cookie from a pastry box, brought it to her mouth and took a bite.
There is no question in my mind that Prof. Linton's and Dr. Miner’s positive attitude and support to the Rehab team provided the R. couple with a chance for a "normal" family life. If ever we question our jobs and tasks, we need only remember this case to regain our strength.
Helen Green
Patient Advocate
iMER
