Injured on Vacation & Desperate to get to Siskin Hospital

Mary Dykes was on her dream vacation with a friend to the Mediterranean. It was during their excursion to Naples that she fell on rocky terrain and fractured her femur.

Only three months before, Mary had total joint replacements of her left knee and left hip. When she sent her x-ray to her orthopedic surgeon, Kristopher Sanders, M.D., he insisted she could not travel on the broken bone.

Mary underwent surgery in Italy and had several medical challenges that resulted in her being restrained for six weeks. As a retired nurse, she knew she needed therapy; she needed to move. “I kept thinking I’ve got to get home to Siskin.”

Mary had experience with Siskin Hospital. Fifteen years ago, she underwent bilateral total knee surgery and spent one week here. She knew she could improve if she made it home and could get therapy at Siskin Hospital.

“Before I got here, I wasn’t sure I would ever be myself,” Mary said. “I was very deconditioned,” she remarked, explaining she could barely turn over in bed.

According to Denice Eckler, PT, “When Mary arrived, she was fearful and depressed. She had significant issues with low blood pressure, which limited her ability to change positions and participate in therapy. She had significant weakness and general debility from being in bed for so long and required a hoyer lift for transfers the first few weeks.”

Denice continues, “After a few accomplishments and encouragement from her therapists, Mary started to dig deep and work really hard. She tried everything I asked of her, even if it was a complete failure. We were able to laugh together and move forward to the next task.”

According to Denice, Mary can now perform transfers with minimal assistance. She is not walking yet, but is ready to go home with a wheelchair level and continue with therapy as she rebuilds her strength and endurance.

“Mary was a joy to work with,” says Denice. “I am so proud of her progress.”

Mary says that a few physical therapists really “pulled me through,” including Denice, Jeannine, and Mike. “In fact, everyone has been so nice,” Mary added.

Mary, from everyone here, we’re so glad you made it home to Siskin Hospital!