Brain Bleed, Paralysis, Recovery and Now a Motivator for Others

• Hugo Flores shows his occupational therapist with The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) at Silver Cross, Cheryl Tindall, how his range of motion has improved two years after suffering a stroke. Hugo spent four weeks recovering in RIC’s inpatient unit at Silver Cross Hospital in 2013.

Hugo Flores had a big day ahead of him as he planned to go shopping in Chicago. Waking up, he felt a tingling sensation in his fingers to his toes on the left side of his body. The 57-year old stumbled to the bathroom where he noticed his lower lip was numb. Flores suspected he was having a stroke and called 911. Fortunately, he learned the warning signs through an educational program put on by a previous employer.

On Nov. 1, 2013, paramedics took the Joliet man to the closest hospital where was diagnosed with a bleed on the right side of his brain that affected the left side of his body. Once his condition was stabilized and he was ready forrehabilitation, Flores was transferred to Silver Cross Hospital where he recovered on The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago’s (RIC) inpatient unit.

“When Hugo arrived, most of his left side was paralyzed,” said Jennifer Zolp, RN and manager of RIC’s inpatient unit at Silver Cross. “Our team of specially trained rehabilitation physicians, therapists and nurses collaborated with Hugo and his neurologist Dr. Nitin Nadkarni to develop a personalized plan of care so he could regain his mobility and independence.”

“All the people that took care of me were great,” said Flores. “They knew what my goal was – to recover 100%, and challenged me every day.”

Over the next four weeks, Flores worked with physical, occupational and speech therapists three hours each day in RIC’s Ability Achievement Center at Silver Cross Hospital. Through intense therapy, he relearned to walk and perform daily activities like showering and cooking. On Dec. 6, 2013, Flores went home to continue improving under the supervision of Silver Cross Home Health’s nurses and therapists for six more weeks. He also started attending a support group for stroke patients and their families at Silver Cross Hospital twice a month.

More Silver Cross on Patch

• Routine Colonoscopy Finds Cancer, Robotic Surgery Speeds Recovery
• 281-Pound Woman Had 5 Years Left to Live
• Silver Cross Earns 'A' Grade for Patient Safety in Spring 2016 Hospital Safety Score

“Having a stroke is a life-changing situation,” said Flores. I want to share my experience to motivate others; especially the new comers.”

“Hugo is one of the most inspirational people I have ever met. His optimism is infectious,” said Jennifer. “In fact, Hugo and another member of our stroke support group regularly visit a woman in an assisted living facility in Huntleywho is also a Silver Cross stroke survivor. ”

Today, Flores walks with just a slight limp and has regained almost full use of his left hand. He continues to advance his ability by working out at a local gym five days a week; first on a stationary bike until he progressed enough to walk on a treadmill and then stair climber. He also lifts weights.

“I’ll keep working hard to achieve full recovery. That is my goal,” added Flores. “Perseverance is the key to recovery.”

For more information about inpatient care with RIC at Silver Cross, call (815) 300-5971. To request a free stroke awareness kit, which includes the warning signs of stroke, visit www.silvercross.org/neuro or call 1-888-660-HEAL.