Michele began experiencing daily headaches in September 2022.
“One day after work, I suddenly had a severe pain that ran from my head down to my feet,” she recalled. “Four weeks later, I couldn’t walk and lost bladder and bowel function.”
She went to Aurora Medical Center – Grafton, where imaging showed an unusual spot on her spine. She was transferred by ambulance to Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center. An MRI revealed Michele had a spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage, a rare condition that can cause spinal cord or nerve root compression and permanent neurologic damage.
“Surgery was too risky, so they monitored me until it resolved on its own. However, I then developed an arachnoid cyst on my spine.”
An arachnoid cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms on the brain or spine. While not cancerous, they can cause pain and mobility issues.
“The cyst caused major complications that impacted my spinal cord and affected my mobility even further. I had two lengthy and complex surgeries at another local hospital in February and May 2023,” she explained.
After the second surgery, Michele couldn’t walk at all, although she still had partial mobility in her feet and legs. She will need more surgeries and procedures in the future but was able to start physical therapy at Aurora Medical Center – Sheboygan County to work on regaining strength and mobility.
“Through my physical therapist, I found out I was a candidate for the hospital’s new robotic exoskeleton.”
The exoskeleton is a wearable device designed to help patients like Michele regain strength and learn how to walk again. It can be used for a variety of patients, such as those who’ve had a stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis and walking or balance-related impairments.
“It’s helped me maintain and gain strength, especially core strength. Right now, I use a wheelchair, but my goal is to regain enough function to be able to walk with a walker again,” she shared. “I enjoy going to physical therapy. The entire staff is amazing and so educated. They take the time to explain each exercise. I now have hope that I’ll only continue to improve.”
The exoskeleton was purchased thanks to a generous donation.
“Without the exoskeleton, I would not have had a positive attitude for any type of potential recovery. The benefit of using the exoskeleton is that it provides my body the opportunity to further heal and possibly aid in some form of nerve regeneration.”
During one of Michele’s therapy sessions, her daughter asked her mom for a hug – a seemingly simple request, but for Michele, it was very emotional.
“For so long, I’ve only been able to hug my daughter while sitting or lying down,” shared Michele. “It was very special to be able to hug her while I was standing.”
How you can help
Technology like the robotic exoskeleton at Aurora Sheboygan is possible because of the generosity of donors.
“I’m so grateful. I don’t know where I would be at this point if the exoskeleton wasn’t available,” said Michele. “It’s so meaningful for me to have this big technology in our small town. I don’t have to drive to Milwaukee for therapy. Thank you for helping me improve.”
To make a difference in the lives of patients like Michele, please make a gift today.