Katina Morrison didn’t think at 41 she would struggle to walk, drive or even lift a cup. After being diagnosed with polymyositis, a persistent inflammatory muscle disease that causes weakness of the skeletal muscles, which control movement, Katina is working with the staff at CHRISTUS Inpatient Rehabilitation.
At CHRISTUS, healthcare professionals are dedicated to help patients like Katina regain independence and return home as soon as possible.
In September of 2013, Katina began experiencing weakness throughout her arms, hands, feet and legs.. When walking, she had to stop several times just to make it across the room. By October, getting up from a sitting position was difficult and driving impossible. Her orthopedic, Dr. Robert Goodman felt there was something more significant occurring than ramifications of a previous back injury. Enlisting the help of Dr. Leigh Henderson, Physiatrist and his co-Medical Director at CHRISTUS Rehab, Katina was diagnosed and immediately began inpatient rehab. Katina’s progress is remarkable, which she attributes to her doctors and the rehab team.
“Before I came to rehab, I couldn’t do anything,” Katina said. “This wonderful team has taken great care of me. Every day, I’m a little bit better.”
At CHRISTUS, that’s the goal - to make every day a little bit better for the patient. CHRISTUS Health Shreveport-Bossier offers multi-disciplinary inpatient medical rehabilitation at the Schumpert campus. In 2015, patients will be cared for in a brand new unit being built now at the Highland campus.
The hospital’s 28-bed inpatient center is designed to assist patients in improving their quality of life following an injury or illness by combining treatment and education. In working with Katina or any patient, the staff has three goals:
• to help perform daily living activities such as dressing, eating and walking
• to help achieve the best quality of life through strengthened muscles, improved mobility and increased independence
• to involve the patient’s family throughout the rehabilitative process through setting goals, participating in therapy and preparing for discharge.
It’s a family-centered approach to therapy. Katina’s 15-year-old son Tyvonta Thomas has been with her every step of the way, even participating in therapy and caring for her.
“I wouldn’t have made it without my son and without the CHRISTUS team – this is the best rehab,” Katina said.
The rehabilitation team at CHRISTUS understands rehab care is a new experience for most patients and families. At times it can be physically exhausting and emotionally trying. But throughout all its therapy programs, CHRISTUS’ first commitment is always to the patients’ care and safety as they learn new skills and ways of coping with the activities of daily life.
For Case Manager Annelisa Davis, it’s been a privilege to be a part of Katrina’s care team. “Katrina represents the spirit of rehab. She had a devastating illness and through prayer, hard work and the support of her family, she’s regaining her health. It’s our privilege to guide her on this journey.”
CHRISTUS employs a variety of advanced techniques designed to restore normal strength, motion and flexibility, and reduce pain as quickly and safely as possible. With more than 150 years of licensed clinical experience, CHRISTUS’ rehab professionals are well versed in the treatment of musculoskeletal and neurological disorders.
“Rehab therapy can positively improve and enhance how you function day to day,” Henderson said “Our therapists and staff have the skills and experience for motivating, challenging and moving you in ways you never thought possible, while providing you with the care, concern and service you deserve.”
At CHRISTUS, patients present with various concerns including stroke and other neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and Guillain Barré syndrome, non-traumatic brain or spinal cord injury, neuromuscular disorders, cancer rehabilitation, orthopedic conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fractures or complicated joint replacements, amputation, and medical trauma.
The inpatient rehabilitation team consists of physicians, the patient, the family, physical therapists, speech and language pathologists, respiratory therapists, occupational therapists, psychologist, social worker, chaplains, case managers, clinical dietitian and 24-hour nursing services. The PM&R physician collaborates with the patient’s other physicians as well and builds a customized plan of care for each patient.
Program Director Pam Miller said, “Our mission at CHRISTUS is to extend the healing hands of Jesus Christ. We do that every day in rehab. It’s about restoring peoples’ hope and life and health.”
CHRISTUS accepts referrals from patients, physicians, employers, community agencies, hospital discharge planners and insurance companies. All patients receive a pre-admission evaluation at no charge by calling (318) 681-4431.
