Houston nurse turns temporary paralysis into encouragement for patients

Houston nurse turns temporary paralysis to purpose

Rachel Stewart, a nursing student, faced temporary paralysis due to a benign spinal nerve tumor. She's now working at TIRR Memorial Hermann in Houston and Melissa Wilson spoke with Stewart about how she uses her story to connect with patients.

HOUSTON - Rachel Stewart was a nursing student when she became temporarily paralyzed due to a benign spinal nerve tumor.

This experience led her to focus her career on helping others with similar challenges.

Rachel becomes paralyzed

During nursing school, Rachel underwent a procedure that inadvertently affected her spinal cord, resulting in paralysis. She took a year off for physical therapy and surgery before returning to complete her studies.

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The backstory:

Rachel's journey involved relearning basic skills, such as sitting up and driving, and initially relying on a wheelchair. Her personal experience with spinal cord injury allows her to connect deeply with her patients.

What they're saying:

"I wasn't able to move anything from my chest down. I came back and took finals a couple months later, but I had taken an entire year gap," explains Rachel. "I still use a cane; it's a little bit of added stability. I still don't have the best sensation from here or down."

Why you should care:

Rachel's story is a powerful example of resilience and the impact of personal experience in healthcare, offering hope and understanding to patients facing life-changing injuries.

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At TIRR Memorial Hermann, Rachel's presence offers patients hope and understanding, as she shares her journey and encourages them to embrace their new reality.

Dig deeper:

For more information on spinal cord injury recovery, visit https://memorialhermann.org/services/specialties/tirr