A Journey of Resilience: Jackie O’Brien’s Story

At Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, every patient’s journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of compassionate care. Jackie O’Brien’s story is one such example, a journey of courage and recovery that inspires everyone she meets.

Jackie’s health challenges began in late 2022, when she experienced a stroke that went undetected at the time. However, the true extent of her health issues became evident on February 8, 2023, when she attempted to get out of bed to eat dinner. Her left leg suddenly gave way, and she collapsed, hitting her head on a doorjamb. Emergency personnel quickly arrived and transported her to the hospital, where it was determined that she had suffered a stroke prior to this event and had also broken her left femur.

Due to the severity of her injury, Jackie was transferred to Wesley Hospital for surgery, which was performed by a trauma surgeon on February 9, 2023. After two weeks in the hospital, she was moved to a nursing home and rehab center to begin a long recovery process.

But Jackie’s challenges didn’t end there. On August 4, 2023, she was found incoherent and unconscious in her nursing home bed. Once again, she was rushed to the emergency room at Wesley, where her family was informed that her condition was critical. She was in septic shock, her kidneys had stopped functioning, and doctors believed she would only survive 24 to 72 hours if taken off life support. Her family made the courageous decision to keep fighting, and Jackie defied the odds.

Over the next two weeks, she underwent continuous dialysis to jump-start her kidneys. Slowly, Jackie began to recover. After nearly two months in the hospital, she was transported to her sister’s home on October 4, 2023, unable to walk or care for herself.

Recognizing Jackie’s need for comprehensive in-home care, Reno County Hospice & HomeCare stepped in to provide nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and aides for basic care. From October 2023 through June 2024, this dedicated team helped Jackie regain her strength and mobility. Through their services, she progressed from being unable to sit up or stand to being able to transfer to a wheelchair with assistance.

Reflecting on her time with Reno County Hospice & HomeCare, Jackie shared her gratitude, “Without them, my feelings of hopelessness would have consumed me. They not only helped me physically but emotionally as well, giving me the tools and confidence to move forward.”

In July 2024, Jackie transitioned to outpatient rehabilitation at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. The physical and occupational therapy team continued to build on her progress. Under the guidance of the rehab team, Jackie achieved remarkable milestones. She regained significant mobility in her left arm, progressing from being unable to lift it above her chest to raising it above her head. She also began pivoting and standing transfers without a slide board—something that once seemed impossible.

Jackie praised the outpatient rehab team for their dedication and encouragement, “The staff at both places have made therapy fun while pushing me to achieve my maximum potential. They’ve helped me overcome my fear of falling, showing me ways to work around it and regain confidence.”

Today, Jackie continues her recovery journey with determination. While she acknowledges that there is still progress to be made, she credits the compassionate care of Reno County Hospice & HomeCare and the outpatient rehab unit at Hutchinson Regional for getting her to where she is today.

Jackie’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of skilled, compassionate healthcare. At Hutchinson Regional, we are honored to have been a part of her recovery and are inspired by her resilience. Jackie’s journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the difference a dedicated care team can make in someone’s life.If you or a loved one need in-home care or outpatient rehabilitation services, we are here to help. Learn more about our programs and how we can support you on your journey to recovery at https://www.hutchregional.com/medical-center/services/.