Amanda Barefoot’s life changed this past August when she woke up with the sensation of her head spinning and numbness in her fingers and toes. She went to a hospital, where she was treated for high blood pressure and abnormal lab work.

A week later, Amanda had a planned appendectomy to remove her appendix, and was still experiencing symptoms. Her health deteriorated to the point where she could no longer walk due to progressive weakness. Returning to the hospital, Amanda underwent many tests and procedures in the next month before she was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the body’s nerves.

Unable to walk or perform her activities of daily living, Amanda and her family chose Midlands Regional Rehabilitation Hospital (MRRH) for rehabilitative treatment based on its newness, private rooms, modern technology, excellent patient reviews, and closeness to her home.

Under the guidance of an interdisciplinary team led by a physician, Amanda began physical and occupational therapies. Upon admission, she was unable to independently stand, get in and out of bed, or dress herself. However, after 17 days at MRRH, Amanda was able to walk short distances, transfer in and out of bed, and dress with little assistance. She credits her therapy team for giving her the confidence to push herself.

“They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself, and here I am walking,” Amanda says. “Their kindness, encouragement, and compassionate care are why I decided to continue my outpatient rehabilitative care at MRRH.”

Amanda hopes to return to her job as a school counselor in the spring.