Katherine’s Journey Back to Independence

Katherine has spent her life overcoming challenges and refusing to let them define her.

Born prematurely, she faced health issues from the very beginning. Later, she was diagnosed with lupus and arthritis, conditions that could have limited her independence and changed the way she lived. Instead, Katherine stayed active. She practiced karate, built a career as a dialysis technician and spent 13 years caring for patients who depended on her.

“I’ve always believed you have to keep moving,” Katherine said. “No matter what health challenges came my way, I wasn’t going to let them define me.”

Then, everything changed.

After developing severe gastroparesis, Katherine began experiencing persistent back pain that would not go away. She visited multiple hospitals, hoping someone could explain why the pain continued long after her illness had resolved.

Despite numerous visits, she still had no answers.

“I knew something wasn’t right,” Katherine said. “I kept telling people how much pain I was in, but no one knew what was going on with my back.”

When Katherine came to the Emergency Department at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, her experience was different. Her care team listened to her concerns and worked to determine the cause of her pain. Imaging revealed that she had multiple fractures in her back.

Finally having an answer was both emotional and reassuring.

“After all that time, someone found the real problem,” Katherine said. “It was such a relief to finally know there was a path to recovery.”

For Katherine, it was not only the diagnosis that made a difference. It was also the people who cared for her.

Her physician advocated for her transfer to Henry Mayo’s Acute Rehabilitation Unit, where she could receive specialized care and support throughout her recovery.

“My doctor made me feel heard,” Katherine said. “I never felt like just another patient. They truly cared about making sure I recovered, and that made me feel safe throughout the entire process.”

In the Acute Rehabilitation Unit, Katherine worked with nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists and other members of the rehabilitation team. Her treatment focused on managing her pain, rebuilding her strength, improving her balance and mobility, and helping her safely return home.

“Patients in our Acute Rehab unit work with a multidisciplinary team.  This approach helps patients make progress in all the areas where they need assistance,” said Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital’s Acute Rehab Unit Nursing Manager, Paramjit K Tung ( PK ), RN

At first, even simple movements were difficult.

“There were days when I wondered if I was ever going to feel like myself again,” Katherine said. “The team reminded me that every small improvement mattered.”

The process was not always easy, but Katherine appreciated having a team that listened to her concerns and encouraged her progress.

“They never made me feel like I was a burden,” she said. “They were patient with me, they listened and they celebrated every step forward.”

With the right diagnosis, treatment plan and rehabilitation support, Katherine slowly began to feel stronger. The pain that had once controlled her life began to fade, and she regained the confidence to move again. With the support of her care team, she was able to safely discharge home.

Today, Katherine is active once more. Whether she is dancing, playing pickleball with friends or simply enjoying an active lifestyle, she is embracing the activities she loves without the constant burden of back pain.

“I’m grateful every day,” Katherine said. “Henry Mayo gave me my life back. I can move again, have fun again and enjoy the things I thought I might never be able to do.”

After a lifetime of overcoming medical challenges, Katherine found what she had been searching for: answers, compassionate care and a team that never stopped advocating for her.