NORTH LIMA Physical therapy works wonders for woman

The elderly are at higher risk for debilitating infections.
By SEAN BARRON
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NORTH LIMA -- Last February, it appeared Lodie Mae Valantine was going to die. She was bedridden, unaware of her surroundings, unable to communicate or take care of herself.
She also didn't recognize those familiar to her.
Eight months later, the 74-year-old Caprice Health Care Center resident is preparing to go home.
"Now she's in rehab, she went to the mall and has cooked her own meal," said Diane Herman, an occupational therapy aide who works with Valantine daily.
"She's gone from being dependent to totally independent."
Thursday, Valantine will be moving to a new Canfield apartment with her husband, Doug, a retired General Motors supervisor.
What happened: Valantine had an ulcer on her foot that became infected and the infection quickly turned to gangrene, explained her nurse, Becky Shingleton.
Shingleton added Valantine's condition deteriorated when she became septic, meaning the infection spread through Valantine's bloodstream, affecting her physically and mentally.
The elderly are at higher risk for such rapid changes, partly because their immune system is less able to fight off infections and other ailments, Shingleton explained.
Valantine had her right leg amputated above the knee and for several weeks has worn a prosthesis. The device functions much like a regular limb, enabling her to walk with a walker.
The amputation, along with medication, helped remove the infection. However, it took about another four months for Valantine to get back to normal, Shingleton added.
"We thought she'd be here for long-term care," Shingleton said.
Physical therapy: Dave Salamon, a physical therapy aide, said Valantine's artificial leg contains a flexible knee joint for better control. Salamon and Herman have helped Valantine adjust to the new device by assisting her with walking and transferring to and from her wheelchair to promote further independence.
Valantine receives both types of therapy six days a week for 60- to 90-minute sessions, Herman said.
Caring workers: In addition to her therapy, Valantine credits workers' caring attitude for her improvements. She also said she was determined to do whatever it took to recover.
"I'm not the only person to have all this happen. I figured I had to do for myself," she said.
Valantine said she is looking forward to moving into her new home. The apartment is on the ground floor, which means getting around will be easier.
Valantine added that after she gets settled in, she hopes to resume some of her favorite activities, including fishing and traveling. A trip to Florida to visit her daughter, as well as one to Lake Chautauqua, is in her plans, Valantine said.