Inpatient Rehab for Prosthetic Leg Helps Patient Regain Independence
May 14, 2024
Christina Thrower (left center) poses for a photo with therapists from EAMC-Lanier's Acute Rehab Unit (ARU). Thrower was a patient in the ARU after an amputation.
VALLEY, Ala.—Christina Thrower is a 48-year-old with type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia and peripheral artery disease who was admitted to East Alabama Medical Center on Oct. 2, 2023 with severe peripheral vascular disease and an ischemic left foot.
Earlier in May 2023, she had a femoral-popliteal bypass graft and thrombolytics infusions because of thrombus in her lower leg back. She had been fighting persistent pain and wounds since that time.
In late-October 2023, Thrower underwent a procedure to amputate her left leg below the knee. After her procedure, she transferred to EAMC-Lanier’s Acute Rehab Unit (ARU) and made excellent progress.
By the time she discharged from the ARU, Thrower was able to move around and perform self-care from a wheelchair. Thrower continued to recover at home and received her new prosthetic. She was seen by home health therapy but was recommended to undergo intensive therapy services for prosthetic training. She returned to the ARU on March 29, 2024 for a week of training.
When asked why she wanted to return to the ARU for her rehab, Thrower mentioned her love for the therapy team, stating, “I came back because of them.”
Her rehab goal was to be able to deliver cakes, attend bridal shows and get on the field with her family to watch and play softball with her grandchildren.
She worked very hard throughout her stay and by her discharge date was able to navigate community distances, walk across uneven ground and climb stairs with her new prosthetic.
