Gunder woman recovers from stroke with help of friends, family and care team

Gunder woman recovers from stroke with help of friends, family and care team

Susie Thorson was living her best life. The resident of tiny Gunder, east of West Union, was dancing and having a great time with friends at the town's annual Cheese Fest on a summer Friday night. She retired to her camper on the fest grounds that evening, but she never really fell asleep. It was a long night. So, early the next morning, she went home.

That was the stepping off point to a serious health scare - one that almost cost the 71-year-old the independence she enjoyed up until that point.

No signs of problems ahead

After her fitful night of rest, and despite not feeling well, Thorson had duties the next morning at Cheese Fest. While the more adventurous took part in a 4K race, others stayed back for Bloody Marys, which she helped prepare. But at some point, she couldn't continue; she just felt off.

So, Susie told her friend Clete that she was going home to rest and wash up. While at home, though, her condition continued to deteriorate. She had a difficult time reaching Clete because she couldn't remember his phone number. But eventually, she did, and he immediately sensed something wasn't right, so he asked their friends who had just completed the 5K race - and are EMTs in nearby Elgin - to go check on Susie.

When they arrived, they knew exactly what was happening, so they called an ambulance. Susie was taken to Emplify Health by Gundersen West Union Hospital, and then her memory went blank for a while. The next thing she recalled was getting off a helicopter at Emplify Health by Gundersen in La Crosse.

Susie suffered a stroke.

She was going to fight

After Susie arrived in La Crosse, she was met by her daughter Sheena Bouzek, who was the first person to see her. Clete arrived soon after.

"She told me afterward that 'I saw you and I thought you were gone,'" she said of her daughter's first reaction. "She was so emotional."

That day commenced a month-long stay in the hospital, and from the start, the outlook wasn't promising. In fact, it was suggested to Clete that he might begin looking for assisted living facilities that could care for Susie long term.

"Clete told them no. He knew that I'm a determined lady and will fight to get better," she said.

And that's what she did. A week after her stroke, Susie began speech and physical therapy, and eventually, she improved enough that she was transferred back to West Union for Swing Bed care.

"I still couldn't walk or move my arm, but I could talk," Susie said.

She spent four weeks in the hospital in West Union and worked that entire time with physical therapists - one of whom is her daughter-in-law, and another, a good friend.

"They were terrific. They really made me do it," Susie said. "Then all of a sudden one night, I woke up and my foot was moving, and I kept moving it."

Soon after, she was walking up steps in the Rehab Department and pedaling a bike.

"I made a goal at physical therapy to do jumping jacks at our family Christmas that year," Susie said. "When Christmas came, Jamie asked if I was ready to show the family. I got up and with Jamie's encouragement, I did it." Susie said.

Once she left the hospital in West Union, Susie continued rehab in Elkader, which was closer to her home and less of a drive for her neighbors who took her.

Susie still struggles with her right hand and arm somewhat, which leaves her unable to write. It's also difficult to make food on her own because she isn't as strong with her left hand. It's a condition she doesn't believe will ever correct itself fully, though physical therapy is always an option.

"I do stuff at home; I get along. I'm able to continue my love of sewing. Making quilts and other small projects for family and friends," she said. "I have some limitations. I found products to help with cutting my material due to my right hand not working. I was so proud that two years after my stroke, I sewed 13 quilt tops for my family, and with the help from a great friend, they were done in time for Christmas."

Though she's not 100%, considering where she started her recovery journey, she's happy with where she's at, and the work she put in to improve was worth it.

"Pastor Hahn was also part of my recovery. When he greets me, he refers to me as the miracle lady," Susie said.

Susie said her care in La Crosse was wonderful, but there was just something about being close to home in West Union - near Clete and her friends and family - that was a comfort to her.

"I think it was just my emotions, I just didn't eat a lot up there," she said of her time in La Crosse. "When I got here, I ate everything off my plate. I think it was just a relief to be in a surrounding area where you knew everybody. It just felt good."

During this Stroke Awareness Month, you can become more aware of possible stroke symptoms by remembering the simple acronym BE FAST:

B: balance loss

E: eyesight changes

F: face drooping

A: arm weakness

S: speech difficulty

T: time to call 911

Emplify Health by Gundersen is a Certified Primary Stroke Center, which means it's a specialized facility that meets rigorous standards set by the Joint Commission to provide comprehensive care for stroke patients. To learn more about Emplify Health by Gundersen's Primary Stroke Center and the services offered, please visit our stroke page or call (608) 775-9000.

Susie has some simple advice for people who have or may eventually experience a stroke.

"If you have history in your family, get checked and take care of yourself," she said.

And if it does happen?

"Don't give up. You can do it," she said. "You can do the impossible, because I did."