Wayne's Story
A retired railroad employee, Wayne Becnel devotes his days to leatherworking and enjoying life at home in Carriere, Mississippi with his wife, Beverly, and their dog. But those days were interrupted by weakness in Wayne’s his hands, arms and legs. When it progressed to him relying on a walker, Wayne underwent his seventh back surgery. Following the successful surgery, his medical team recommended Northshore Rehabilitation Hospital for his recovery.
The physician-led care team at Northshore Rehabilitation Hospital evaluated Wayne and put together a treatment plan that would allow him to walk independently and manage his own personal needs.
Physical therapy (PT) got to work using leg weights and resistance bands to strengthen Wayne’s leg muscles and prime them for walking. After a few days, Wayne could stand with assistance in the parallel bars and his confidence was bolstered. He worked in the bars daily and added exercises in the stair stepper machine to improve leg his strength and stamina.
One moment stood out for Wayne. While standing in the parallel bars, his PT asked him to walk without holding the bars. He was amazed not only when he took a few steps but when he turned and walked back.
Wayne worked equally hard in occupational therapy (OT), eager to improve his ability to bathe, dress and groom independently. Therapists focused on eye-hand coordination using fun games such as Connect Four and Perfection, as well as hitting balloons and working with therapy putty to improve grip strength and coordination in his hands. They also built up his larger arm muscles using resistance band exercises and the arm bicycle.
In addition to therapy, Wayne learned new, safe ways to shower and dress with adaptive tools such as a dressing stick, and sock and shoe aid.
Wayne expressed amazement at both his progress and the support and care he received from the hospital team.
“All the staff are amazing,” he said. “I can’t find the words to adequately express what is in my heart… it was more than I ever expected.”
Wayne’s family was a tremendous motivator during his rehabilitation. They cheered him on during treatment and participated in the hospital’s Care Partner Program which educated them on how to best support Wayne when he returned home.
It was a step Wayne was ready to take. After three weeks of inpatient rehabilitation, he was able to walk 400 feet and climb stairs with someone standing by, in case he needed assistance. He was also nearly independent in all aspects of self-care and confident he was ready to return home to his family and dog. Once home, he planned to continue building his strength and refining his skills through outpatient therapy.
In parting, Wayne said, “I encourage anyone who needs therapy to come to Northshore Rehabilitation Hospital. The compassion they have for their patients is impeccable.”