Vivian's Story of Hope - Chapter 3
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After 10 days in intensive care, Vivian was transferred to a room on the rehab floor. "I ended up hospitalized for a total of 32 days," Vivian recalled, "I was told I had a blood clot on the left side of my brain, which was over the part of my brain that manages your speech. That means I could not talk, which lasted for about three and a half weeks."
She was no longer in that dark, quiet place but was still trapped with thoughts that she could not communicate. To be left voiceless when your voice was your most powerful tool was devastating, however, Vivian strongly believes her mind protected her through this crazy, unexpected adventure.
"If I had clearly known that all of this was happening, it frankly would have freaked me out. After all, I am a former broadcaster who worked in television for 18 years, and I never could have expected or prepared for something like this to happen to me," Vivian explained.
Vivian gained comfort because she knew she was in the hospital and that there were good doctors taking care of her.
The care Vivian received was critical to her recovery. She was never alone, always with staff or family. Soon, there became no distinction between the two because the staff cared for her as if she were family. Vivian always felt confident and comfortable with the treatment she received. She knew she was in good hands. Along with her care team, her mother and friends surrounded her with positivity. Vivian had always given back to those around her and now it was her turn to be lifted up by others.
“My visitors were limited, but my mother ended up letting a few people in. Even though I could not talk, I enjoyed their visits,” remembered Vivian. “I could understand what people were saying. I just could not adequately respond. I even watched one of my favorite shows, Scandal, every Thursday night. As fast-paced as it is, I understood everything.” As her friend Beverly reflects back on these nights watching Scandal, she talks about how Vivian would verbally show expression through her eyes since she couldn’t speak. Beverly recalls, “One time I removed the tomatoes from a salad for her because I thought she didn’t like them. The look she gave me said it all – ‘what the heck are you doing with my tomatoes??’ It was then I laughed and remembered that it was a different friend that didn’t like tomatoes. Our Vivian was coming back.”
When Vivian finally regained her speech, "It was as if God flipped on a switch and I could talk again. I was talking slower than normal but I could form sentences," she said. A week later she was discharged from the hospital, nine days ahead of schedule. She would never forget all the staff did to save her life and get her better.
Vivian began outpatient therapy at Aurora West Allis Memorial Hospital. Aurora's integrated health care system had seen her through the dark, and it was only natural that it lead her back to the light. She strengthened her speech, got back to exercising and learned to drive again. It only took another month for her to return to work, more determined than ever to help others get the amazing care she received.
“After Vivian was released from the hospital, she came and stayed at my house for Thanksgiving. Watching Vivian’s progress firsthand, I was amazed to see the recovery that can happen with rehabilitation. The caregivers at Aurora were so supportive and caring. They included Vivian’s family and friends in the process, which made a difference,” recalls Vivian’s friend, June.
The vibrant Vivian was back and better than ever.
This unexpected journey had given her a stronger hunger for life, just maybe not sausage.
When it comes to getting world-class health care from caregivers who treat you as a person and not just a patient, it doesn't get much better than Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center. In fact, in 2017, U.S. News & World Report ranked it the #1 hospital in Southeastern Wisconsin.
Aurora St. Luke’s, one of Aurora’s hospitals where Vivian received care, is the only hospital in Wisconsin with a 24/7 on-site heart-care team, you can expect to receive premiere cardiac services.
Watch this short video to learn more about Aurora St. Luke's world-class heart and vascular services.
Thank you for reading the third chapter of a four chapter email series sharing Vivian’s Story of Hope. The future of medicine is happening here at Aurora Health Care, and you’re at the center. No matter what your need – common surgery or pioneering treatment – you can count on our experienced and specialty physicians to provide expert care and excellent outcomes.
While your passion may differ, your involvement is vital. Whether it’s neonatal, cardiac, cancer, or end-of-life care, we invite you to share your story and make a gift to the program of your choice today.
We offer special thanks to Vivian King for allowing Aurora Health Care Foundation to share her story.
Please be sure to check your email next week to learn more about Vivian’s Story of Hope.