Julie McCraw from Spartanburg, South Carolina, is a retired teacher who lives with her husband. She’s deeply involved in her church, singing in the choir, directing music for weddings and bereavement services, and playing the bells. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family, including her son, daughter-in-law, and grandson.

Julie has had low back pain for many years. Last fall, she began noticing pressure in her lower back after long walks or periods of activity. One day, she heard a pop in her left hip, though the symptoms went away on their own. In mid-December, after lifting something heavy, she heard another pop, followed by severe sciatica pain with numbness and tingling down her leg. Her doctor determined that surgery was necessary. She underwent a spinal decompression and fusion from L4 to S1, a procedure that relieves pressure on the nerves in her lower back and stabilizes the spine.

After surgery, Julie chose to receive rehabilitation at Spartanburg Rehabilitation Institute (SRI). “My husband and I had several friends that highly recommended SRI,” she says.

When she arrived at SRI, Julie was disoriented from surgery and struggled with memory, balance, and independence. She required help with nearly all daily activities, including bathing, dressing, and walking to and from the bathroom. “Even with a walker, I felt unsteady and nervous,” she says.

Under the guidance of the hospital’s interdisciplinary healthcare team, Julie followed a personalized rehabilitation plan to rebuild her strength, mobility, and independence. Physical therapy focused on helping her safely rise from bed and relearn how to walk using a walker. Occupational therapy helped her regain independence with daily activities, including safely entering and exiting the shower, using adaptive equipment such as a Reacher to dress independently, and practicing meal preparation so she could return home safely and confidently.

“The therapists focused on safety and fall prevention, which helped me feel more secure,” she says. “I especially appreciated how they took the time to explain what was happening in my body when I experienced pain during exercises, including how my nerves were relearning and healing after major surgery.”

After 11 days at SRI, Julie returned home and is looking forward to resuming her everyday activities.

“I’m very appreciative that the nursing and therapy staff took the time to coordinate family training prior to my return home,” she says. “I have had great family support and couldn’t have done this without them.”