Fifty-eight-year-old Pilar Medina from Fort Collins, Colorado, is a mother of four, grandmother to 17, and great-grandmother to two. She enjoys diamond painting, listening to music, watching TV, walking her dogs, and spending time with her large family.

One day while at home, Pilar suddenly felt dizzy and fainted. When she regained consciousness, she had weakness on her right side, double vision in her left eye, and facial drooping. She went to an acute care hospital where it was determined that she had suffered a stroke and developed Bell’s Palsy, a condition that causes temporary paralysis in the facial muscles.

After initial treatment, Pilar chose Northern Colorado Long Term Acute Hospital (NCLTAH) for continued critical care, based on the recommendation of her granddaughter, a former patient.

Upon arriving at NCLTAH, Pilar was experiencing severe right-sided weakness and was unable to walk. She began working with the hospital’s healthcare team, who developed an individualized treatment plan to aid in her recovery.

Pilar started physical therapy focused on relearning how to walk and recently took her first steps using a front-wheeled walker. Occupational therapy helped her with daily activities such as dressing, bathing, and using the restroom while managing her right-sided weakness.

“The therapy program has been great,” she says. “Physical therapy has me walking again. Speech therapy has really helped me manage my Bell’s Palsy diagnosis. The doctors have been very helpful in developing a sleep program for me and explaining my diagnosis and treatment options.”

Pilar is now preparing to transition to Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital (NCRH) for more intensive rehabilitation. She’s excited to keep building her strength so she can return home, back to her dogs and family, her favorite activities, and especially her own bed.

Reflecting on her experience, Pilar says, “Everyone is so attentive and friendly. This has been a great experience.”