Phyllis Sylvester, along with her husband, George, visited Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital-Westborough recently to update us on the progress she has made since her physical recovery from a Pituitary Apoplexy in late 2024. She also wanted to share her story and thank the therapists and CNAs who helped her during her nearly two-month stay at Whittier.
In September 2024, Phyllis experienced a pituitary gland bleed with significant brain function complications including encephalopathy, resulting in a month-long stay in the ICU before she was transferred to Whittier. She began a month-long rehabilitation at Whittier’s LTAC unit and progressed to the IRF unit to continue her recovery. After 25 days in intensive physical, occupational, and speech rehabilitation, she achieved her goal of returning home at the end of October 2024.
In recalling her recovery, Phyllis said that one of the moments that stood out most was her first speech therapy session with Erica Thayer, MS, CCC-SLP. Erica showed her pictures of animals, but at the time, Phyllis was unable to recognize or name them. Through patience, determination, and plenty of homework, she gradually relearned each one.
As her confidence grew, so did her ability to communicate as she had before her hospitalization. In her speech therapy sessions, she also improved to a point where she was working on high-level cognition, rather than just language. Looking back, Phyllis recognizes just how far she has come and is grateful for the guidance and encouragement she received throughout her recovery.
With the unwavering support of Ashley Clarke, Physical Therapist, and Jillian Yamartino, Occupational Therapist, Phyllis transformed her mindset from, “I can’t do it,” to “Yes, I can!” She remembers asking Ashley from her wheelchair, “Will I ever walk again?” Step by step, beginning with her first attempts at walking, climbing stairs and using the parallel bars in the therapy gym, Phyllis gained strength, confidence, and independence. She credits the encouragement she received from everyone at Whittier for keeping her motivated and determined to keep pushing forward. That support gave her the confidence to believe in herself and the drive to reach her ultimate goal—returning home
Phyllis also wanted to express her heartfelt gratitude to the CNAs who cared for her during the most challenging moments of her recovery. When she was unable to feed herself, they were there with patience, kindness, and encouragement. She fondly remembers the day she took her first bites of cereal on her own with the support of her CNA, Moses Addai. Although she laughed about spilling cornflakes all over her shirt and feeling “like a baby,” she knew that moment marked an important turning point in her recovery. It reminded her that she was getting stronger and that she could overcome each new challenge. On the day of her discharge, Phyllis was especially touched when Moses—whom she affectionately calls “her angel”—gave her a hug goodbye, a gesture she says she’ll never forget.
Phyllis told us that after her discharge home, she refused to let her husband move their bedroom to the first floor, and she walked the 18 stairs to be able to sleep in her own bed! Now Phyllis spends her days working at the Senior Center in her hometown. From coordinating the Senior Center’s newsletter, to playing opposing senior centers at WI Bowling, she is one busy, and grateful, woman!
Staff who were pivotal in Phyllis’ recovery were pleased to see how well their former patient was doing, and shared their own recollections.
Erica Thayer said: “We will always remember Phyllis with her determination and dedication to her recovery. Her husband’s faith in her and unwavering support was remarkable. His presence (and his eccentric shirts) encouraged Phyllis every single day!”
Jillian Yamartino, OTR/L added: “Getting to work with a patient as motivated and optimistic as Phyllis was a true honor. Phyllis put in more than 100% every session. She always had a smile on her face and had an unwavering eagerness to try anything we recommended to the best of her ability. After hours of intensive therapy a day, Phyllis still pushed through all the pain and fatigue to give it her all whether it was walking to the bathroom instead of being wheeled. All her hard work and commitment to recovery paid off! She deserves every bit of her success!”
