Andrew’s story: Recovering from a stroke and thriving at home

"I had a 6-month-old and a 4 year old when I experienced my stroke. The most important thing was getting back to my growing family and returning life to some level of normalcy for them."

Andrew, age 28, was admitted to Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital after suffering a right-brain stroke. He underwent a right-sided craniectomy (removal of his skull) and transferred to Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital on January 31, 2023.

Andrew spent a total of 67 days on Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital's brain injury unit. He participated in three hours of therapy at least five days a week. These therapies included physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychology services, recreational therapy, music therapy, and art therapy. Rehabilitation was focused on increasing his left-sided strength and coordination, vision, mobility, ability to perform personal care, and his thinking skills so he could return home. As Andrew improved, the team utilized several robotic-based therapies, equestrian therapy, weight-support systems such as the Zero-G^®, and electrical stimulation for his arm and leg.

On March 15, 2023, Andrew returned to Christiana Care Hospital for a cranioplasty, where his skull was replaced and he returned to Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation on March 18, 2023, to continue his recovery. He also participated in a community outing to practice his mobility in a real-life setting and prepare him for a discharge home.

On April 11, 2023, Andrew discharged home with his family. Andrew had improved to dressing himself with only set-up of his clothing, showering at a supervision level while standing, and toileting at a supervision level. He was independent to transfer in and out of bed and was walking 150 feet using a forearm crutch and brace for his left ankle with steadying assistance. He could go up and down a flight of stairs with minimal assistance. His visual neglect had improved, and his cognition returned to normal.

Today, Andrew is back to work and back to being an acitive father to his 1 and 5 year old sons. He is newly enrolled in Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital's Driver Rehab Program with a goal to be back to driving and regaining full independence. He continues to work with physical and occupational therapy here at the hospital.

"Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital gave me the support I needed a difficult time. The therapists, techs, nurses, all pushed me to my fullest potential. While I still have a long way to go in my recovery, I am thankful for my progress."

Support Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital