Road to recovery traveled together From Spotlight on Health - Summer 2011
Mike and Alice Lehnen
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Stubbornness may have saved Mike Lehnen. Humor is what made the road to recovery more bearable, especially for Alice, Mike’s wife of 43 years. She has been by his side every step of the way supporting Mike following his sudden cardiac arrest while vacationing in Estes Park, Colo., in September 2007.
“Looking back, I think it was our turn for a life change,” Alice said. “No one gets to skate through life unscathed. This is our new normal.”
The changes included many weeks in the hospital and intense rehabilitation. Because Mike was without a heartbeat for nearly 20 minutes, his brain was deprived of oxygen, resulting in a severe brain injury. As a result of the brain injury, Mike struggles with balance.
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Under the direction of Physical Therapist John Sipe with the St. Cloud Hospital Balance & Dizziness Program, Mike was the 1,000th patient to be helped to improve balance and decrease falls.
“John is very caring and knowledgeable at what he does,” Alice said. “Each time Mike is here, we accomplish our goals. The program helps Mike walk and step better.”
Sipe was able to target specific areas for treatment with a special machine, developed by NASA to test astronauts. This machine is able to determine where in the body the balance problem is located, making treatment more effective.
“Mike’s story is incredible,” Sipe said. “The fact that he is so mobile is a testament to his and Alice’s dedication. This machine, because of its ability to determine precisely where the balance issues are, has been instrumental in Mike’s ability to walk.”
To stay active, Mike and Alice also do strength training together and take daily walks.
Learn more about the Balance & Dizziness Program |
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