Sarah's Story
Sarah Temples, a 64-year-old retired nurse, was no stranger to the medical world. Born in Adel, GA, she spent her life in the service of others. In addition to her nursing career, she took care of her neighborhood in Seminole County. But life threw Sarah a curveball when she experienced a cardiac incident that would change her life.
"I had been feeling progressively worse for a year, but thought it was just a stomach issue" Sarah recalled. But when she could hardly breathe, an ambulance rushed her to Archbold Medical Center in Thomasville, GA. Doctors revealed she had already experienced a heart attack, and her heart might be inoperable, but she had a will to fight.
After heart surgery and a series of other medical complications, Sarah's physical and cognitive abilities took a significant hit. She could no longer walk, breathe without oxygen support, or remember things clearly. "I was unable to stand on my own," she remembered.
Requiring extended healing and recovery, Sarah was transferred to Select Specialty Hospital – Tallahassee. Her initial goal was clear: "I want to be able to return home so that I can be available for others, near my neighbors and pets," she said.
Sarah's recovery wasn't easy. The occupational therapy team started with the basics: grooming activities while she was on bed rest and eventually, when she was stable, helping her sit on the edge of the bed and work on her standing balance. "Learning to stand up safely again was key," she said. One of her memorable achievements was the first time she could stand with assistance to reach a chair, a moment she equated to feeling like a "kid on Christmas."
Physical therapy introduced safe mobility exercises. Sarah learned to transfer to a wheelchair and worked on balance. By the end of her stay, she could walk 40 feet with the aid of a walker. "My rehab team showed me numerous exercises and progressed my sitting and standing balance," she acknowledged.
Beyond physical limitations, the emotional and mental challenges weren't easy to overcome either. During therapy, Sarah expressed feelings of anxiety and depression. Her team integrated outdoor excursions for mood enhancement. Sarah's spirits lifted during these outings, recalling "I couldn’t stop smiling."
Reflecting on her time at Select Specialty Hospital, Sarah praised the "family" atmosphere, saying “It felt like a bridge from the worst and scariest time of my life to the best and most beautiful time." And while Sarah learned she was stronger than she thought, she recognized recovery is a team effort.
For Sarah, the journey of healing at Select Specialty Hospital - Tallahassee was challenging, but it paved her path back home. And as she fondly noted, "Home sweet home."