Patient Stories

Have a Dream – and GO FOR IT!

M. Giltner

In 2011, a small clot cut off the flow of blood to the toes of my left foot. The doctors did everything possible to correct it but nothing worked . Unfortunately, the only answer was a below the knee amputation of my left foot.

I had a normal life before this hit. I am independent and stubborn but do listen to reason, something that has, no doubt, helped my outlook when faced with this prognosis. I loved to garden and cook, and shop. I love my cats and enjoyed playing with them. My husband and I have had a super marriage for 68 years. Life was good and active and full.

As part of my daily treatment plan, I did therapy in building strength in my arms and shoulders, focused on balance and how to live, dress, etc on one leg. On a typical day, in the morning I would spend time warming up, followed by parallel bars for upper body strengthening, learning to operate a wheelchair, etc. Later on, we tried the walker, something I’m still trying to master –and I WILL, too! In the afternoon, another session was held, both PT and OT. I have made good progress on this schedule, if I do say so myself!

I am proud of my gains I have made in therapy especially my upper body strengthening and balance training. During my stay, recovery was helped by the super “family feeling” of the patients and all of the staff. It’s a great place to heal and recover! Life is good and active and full!

Extremely Comfortable Living

Althea Schmidt

What brought you to San Luis Transitional Care?
I collapsed in my bathroom, they say I had pneumonia but I don’t remember it.

What you focused on during a typical therapy day at SLTC?
I received such excellent care…the therapist did general physical therapy work with me to get me stronger so I could get back home

What accomplishment(s) are you the most proud of that you achieved during your stay?
The exercise I received from the therapist (Scott) it made me feel strong and steady.

What aspect of your stay were you the most pleasantly surprised about?
(Giggling)- The staff are so responsive when I called they ALL came running to help…My friends and family were able to be here to help in my recovery at anytime, since there is unrestricted visiting hours!

If you had to pick a title for your recovery story, it would be:
Extremely comfortable living (it will solve all your aches and pains)