Centra Acute Rehabilitation Center

Pam's story

On September 3, 2012   at the age of 52, Pam experienced a ruptured brain aneurysm. She was transferred to UVA Hospital for surgery to repair the hemorrhage.  Over the course of the next two months, Pam had multiple surgeries including surgery to insert a permanent shunt into her brain. Statistically, 50% of patients with a PCOM aneurysm die immediately.  Of the remaining 50%, 25% live the rest of their lives in a facility that takes care of all daily living needs since they are unable to do anything for themselves. The final 25% of survivors can regain a life of independence.

Pam entered Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital Acute Rehabilitation Center on November 1, 2012. She was 100% non- weight bearing, unable to dress or feed herself and unable to communicate.  She participated in physical, occupational and speech therapy each day.  Upon discharge, she was able to propel her wheelchair with some guidance, dress herself with items obtainable at wheelchair level, gait short distances with the aid of a rolling walker, feed herself and communicate basic needs with few prompts from trained staff and family members. 

She was discharged on December 7, 2012 at 50% weight bearing and in a wheelchair. She continued with physical, occupational and speech therapy in the outpatient rehabilitation clinic at Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital from December through May 2013.

Currently, Pam is a volunteer at the Acute Rehabilitation Center assisting with transporting patients from their room to and from therapy, sanitizing and putting equipment away, obtaining beverages and snacks for patients during therapy sessions, and sharing her story to encourage patients.

Pamela Barile, Lynchburg, VA