This testimonial reflects the experience and outcome of this patient. Actual results will vary.

“My therapy team never took ‘no’ for an answer.” - Latinya

The COVID-19 pandemic was devastating for many and Latinya Massey of Detroit was no exception.

“In January of 2020, I had COVID. That’s before it was even really out there. It caused my heart to stop three times, affecting circulation in my lower limbs and putting me in a coma for 20 days. When I woke up from the coma, I was scheduled to have below-the-knee amputations in both legs.”

Latinya spent 108 days at DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital before being strong enough to transfer to DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan’s (RIM) inpatient program. “I am so thankful I went to RIM. Having physical and occupational therapy every day, my goal was to transfer between my bed and a wheelchair and eventually do my daily living tasks,” says Latinya. She made great progress at RIM and by the time her prosthetic limbs arrived in August, she was strong enough to walk in them.

2020 would deal Latinya another blow. On New Year's Eve she had a stroke. “I made dinner and afterwards, I felt my blood pressure go up and I was completely paralyzed on my left side.” Her seven-week RIM inpatient stay was like starting over again. She relearned transfers, how to care for herself, and eventually how to stand.

“Both times at RIM, my therapy team never took ‘no’ for an answer. They encouraged and pushed me so that I would get the most out of my recovery,” adds Latinya. She continues with outpatient rehab at RIM three times a week. She’s able to take a few steps on her own, she’s getting movement back in her left hand, can cook, drive and care for herself.

Latinya has tried two other rehab facilities and always comes back to RIM. She says their therapies, equipment and compassion have helped her through this difficult journey. Because of them, she’ll never stop trying to get better.