When a Phone Call Leads to Family: Tina’s Success Story

By, Allison R. Weder

Tina Swartz is used to living an active life. She and her husband have horses, live on a pond, and they take care of their property together. But in 2017 she learned she had a rare condition. A doctor told her she had septic arthritis in both her knees. Septic arthritis is a painful infection in a joint or bone that can come from germs that travel through the bloodstream from another part of the body. The infection cleared in both her knees but just over six months later, it came back in the bone of her leg. This time, it meant Tina would require an above the knee amputation of her left leg.

Tina had surgery in May of 2018. The recovery was difficult, but her husband, Gary, was there for her. He helped her with everything from toileting to bathing to preparing food. Eventually, it was time for Tina to begin physical therapy and learn how to properly use her prosthetic device. In August of 2018, Tina began searching for a physical therapy clinic. She called two. One phone call led her to a recording. The other, a person answered, so she scheduled an appointment with them.

Tina entered Advanced Physical Therapy Center, part of the Phoenix Physical Therapy family, in Goodrich, Michigan with some unrealistic expectations. Tina remembers that day. “I figured in two weeks I’d be walking. I thought I’d go in and slap the thing on and I’d walk. But I was at rock bottom. I could barely move. I was 70 pounds, and I was skin and bones.” Tina met Clinic Director, Amy James, PTA. She helped Tina understand she had a long road ahead of her. But she also let her know she and the entire Goodrich team would be by her side with an individualized plan, encouraging words, and the expert knowledge she needed to reach her goals.

The hard work began right away. Tina needed to learn how to balance again and regain her strength. She also needed to learn more about her prosthesis. Amy contacted the prosthesis manufacturer to expand her knowledge of Tina’s device. She learned how to help Tina independently don and doff her leg, and suggested ways to improve comfortability. Then, the duo worked together to make the prosthesis work for Tina. “The way I was, I had to start slowly. I was bed bound for a while after the amputation. Everything goes. You have to balance first. I started with standing and then walking along the rail with support. Then, I started really slow with the walker. I would walk for two minutes. It was hard work. Now I do five minutes, then I rest and do five minutes again. I’ve come very far.”

There were a few bumps in Tina’s road to recovery. She had to pause therapy at the Advanced PT-Goodrich clinic to have fusion surgery on her left wrist. She also needed several knuckles replaced in her right hand. Advanced Physical Therapy Center offers occupational therapy at many of its nine locations. Tina spent several weeks at the Grand Blanc clinic with Renae DeShaw, OTRL and Keira Boggs, COTAL rehabilitating her hands. Tina also broke the femur in her right left leg. The break needed to be held together with a plate and screws. Then, doctors needed to replace the plate with a rod after the screws malfunctioned, slowing Tina’s progress even further.

These obstacles did not stop Tina. She has been part of the Advanced family for over five years and is motivated to keep progressing now, more than ever. “I knew I was in the right place by the second visit, so I just kept scheduling. There were times when I said – uh, I don’t want to go to therapy. But I made myself go. I still do that. I make myself go. You get up and do it. I never regretted it. I was lucky. I had no pain. Other than the phantom pain of my limb, I have no pain. The only thing I cannot do is ride the bike. But, if that’s the only thing I cannot do, that’s great!” Gary understands where she finds her positivity. “I think she is looking further down the road at what she needs to do and what she wants to do. And if you don’t come that’s not going to happen.”

Tina is back doing many of the things she did before the amputation. She strongly believes, without physical therapy, her life would be very different. “I’m walking! I couldn’t do that before I started. I had to go to the wheelchair and use the wheelchair for everything. I’m gaining my independence. I’m capable because of what I’ve done here. I’m driving (my husband) up the wall, but you know.” Gary weighs in, “She’s had 52 years of practice.”

Tina is grateful for the therapists at Advanced PT, and how they find ways to drive her to keep going. “Amy pushes you gently. It’s the mom voice and that’s what I need. She also knows if she challenges me, I’m up for it. She knows exactly what I need. It feels awesome. I know she is making it happen. She knows what I can do before I do.” Tina has two more goals on her list of things she would like to accomplish. “Amy has to teach me how to get back up when I fall. And I’m going to walk unassisted, without help.” Tina works hard at home too, to help make those goals a reality. “I have a counter and an island in my kitchen, and I’ll walk around it five times. I keep my feet moving. Anything where I can walk I will.”

Gary knows Tina will not let anything stop her. After seeing her progress over the years, he is also grateful for the time she spends at therapy. “It’s like family. You improve when you see other people going through what you are. It’s like PT comradery.” Tina agrees. “All the people here are super nice, and they know what they’re doing. To have someone you feel is like family is even better. It makes me want to come every day. They are a gift. I’m glad I have someone like that in my life. I’m so glad they answered the phone.”