Tim Jones, 66, is an active guy. He runs, hikes, and loves taking his dog, Rory, on long walks in Stamford. A few months ago, Tim went out for a run and started feeling dizzy. He sat down for a minute, and when he went to stand, he realized he had lost “power” on his left side – and it was getting increasingly worse. He and his wife acted quickly.
“My wife drove us to the Emergency Department at Stamford Hospital and within minutes I was in a wheelchair and undergoing tests,” Tim recounted. The next morning, following an MRI, ultrasound, and EKG, Tim was diagnosed with having experienced an ischemic stroke. This type of stroke occurs when a blockage cuts off blood supply to part of the brain leading to numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg; and difficulty speaking, confusion, problems with vision, and loss of balance.
Ischemic strokes require prompt treatment to minimize brain damage and improve outcomes.
“My wife drove us to the Emergency Department at Stamford Hospital and within minutes I was in a wheelchair and undergoing tests,” Tim recounted. The next morning, following an MRI, ultrasound, and EKG, Tim was diagnosed with having experienced an ischemic stroke. This type of stroke occurs when a blockage cuts off blood supply to part of the brain leading to numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg; and difficulty speaking, confusion, problems with vision, and loss of balance.
Ischemic strokes require prompt treatment to minimize brain damage and improve outcomes.
“I was under observation for two days and began to experience some progress,” Tim said, noting he was seen by a full team of providers including a cardiologist, neurologist, physiotherapist, and many nurses.
His care team recommended he be discharged to Stamford Health’s Van Munching Acute Rehabilitation Unit, where he could receive comprehensive physical and occupational therapy.
“The care I received at Van Munching was outstanding,” Tim noted. For three hours each day, he participated in physical and occupational therapy sessions (PT and OT). “It was the highlight of my day doing OT and PT – the team was so friendly, supportive, and calm.”
His care team recommended he be discharged to Stamford Health’s Van Munching Acute Rehabilitation Unit, where he could receive comprehensive physical and occupational therapy.
“The care I received at Van Munching was outstanding,” Tim noted. For three hours each day, he participated in physical and occupational therapy sessions (PT and OT). “It was the highlight of my day doing OT and PT – the team was so friendly, supportive, and calm.”
When the Van Munching team learned that Tim had a dog, and getting back to walking his dog by himself was his recovery goal – they found a way to support his efforts.
“Gabby (a recreation therapist) introduced me to Harrison (Stamford Health’s resident therapy dog) and brought a double leash so we could take him out for a walk,” Tim shared. “Gabby held on one side; I held the other, and Harrison calmly walked between the two of us. It helped me to build confidence. It's amazing that the hospital has that resource for patients.”
After nine days, Tim was ready to return home. He’s currently participating in outpatient physical therapy at Tully Health Center twice a week and may begin outpatient occupational therapy soon.
After nine days, Tim was ready to return home. He’s currently participating in outpatient physical therapy at Tully Health Center twice a week and may begin outpatient occupational therapy soon.
“My arm is at about 90% back to normal, and my leg is at 70%,” said Tim, and while he is encouraged by his progress, he wants to get back to running, playing golf and pickleball.
“I can’t quite take Rory (my dog) out on my own yet, but my physiotherapist says it’s only about a week or two away,” Tim said.
Through it all, Tim’s wife, Shelly, has been by his side.
“She’s been fantastic through all of this,” Tim said. With the support of Shelly and Rory, there’s no stopping Tim from meeting his recovery goals.
“I can’t quite take Rory (my dog) out on my own yet, but my physiotherapist says it’s only about a week or two away,” Tim said.
Through it all, Tim’s wife, Shelly, has been by his side.
“She’s been fantastic through all of this,” Tim said. With the support of Shelly and Rory, there’s no stopping Tim from meeting his recovery goals.