Heart attack leads to amputation, rehabilitation

Joan Bunton was driving along a country highway to Beatrice, Neb. in November 2006 when she felt a heavy pressure in her chest. She made the 20-mile drive back to her home in Western, where she called 911 and was taken to the nearest hospital. Joan's condition was more serious than she realized and paramedics had to resuscitate her twice when transporting her to BryanLGH Medical Center in Lincoln, Neb.

A cardiac team quickly operated to clear the blockages around Joan's heart, saving her life, but Joans condition was so fragile, she was put into a coma for her recovery.

Even in a coma, Joan still had health battles to fight. Plaque had settled in Joan's right leg, cutting off circulation. After visiting with Joan's surgeon, her daughter, son-in-law and son made the difficult decision to follow the surgeon's recommendation to amputate Joan's leg.

After several weeks stabilizing in a coma, Joan was transferred to Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital. "We wanted mom to get the best care and get back as much strength as she could," Lisa explained.

Joan's therapists and nurses quickly worked to get Joan weaned off of her ventilator and get moving. "My therapists would push and push," said Joan. "But they were so good to me and my daughter kept me going. Her husband, Scott, always took time off of work to drive me to my appointments. My son Rob called me every day."

With self determination and the strong support of her Madonna team and her family, Joan has regained much of her abilities.

"You never know what may happen to you in life. I never expected to need this kind of care. It was humbling. But, now I'm just determined to make the most of my life. Im rebuilding our old house in Western with my family and will do some of the painting myself. I have a great family and I want to be here for them," said Joan.

Joan is glad to be back teaching her Sunday school class for children and volunteers in Madonna's Peer to Peer program, helping others with amputations learn that it's "how much you can do, not what you can't," explained Joan.

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Tags:

• heart attack
• amputation
• rehabilitation
• physical
• ventilator rehab
• prosthetic
• trach
• PT
• OT
• wheelchair
• scooter
• physical therapy
• aqua therapy