A healing journey at Ascension St. Vincent’s Southside Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility

When Donald learned he would need surgery on his left knee, he knew the road ahead wouldn’t be easy. His wife was recently recovering from an arm injury, and he realized that relying on help at home wouldn’t be the best or safest option for his recovery. His previous experience with inpatient rehab following his right knee surgery had been a positive one, and he didn’t hesitate to return, this time choosing Ascension St. Vincent Southside’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility in Jacksonville, Florida.

“I thought between my age and my wife’s condition that she wouldn’t be able to help me a lot,” Donald shared. “But I had a good experience going to rehab after my right knee, and I knew this was the best way to heal. If there is a complication, they take care of it. The people here are very good and know what they’re doing to facilitate your healing.”

Donald was confident that rehab was the right path, but even so, he didn’t expect the level of care and compassion he received at Ascension St. Vincent’s. “My stay here was excellent, beyond my expectations,” he said. “The people are wonderful, the therapy was great, and I feel really confident that I can go home and continue my life.” 

This confidence marked a significant change from how he felt when he was first admitted. “I didn’t feel so sure of myself when I came in,” he said. “But now, I know I’m ready.”

He credits much of his progress to the dedicated rehabilitation staff, especially Liz and Katie, two team members who worked closely with him during therapy sessions. “I really enjoyed working with them,” he said.

He was grateful for many of the staff members he encountered during his stay. Their support, along with the structure of the inpatient program, gave Donald the tools and encouragement he needed to rebuild strength and mobility with confidence.

One of the most impactful takeaways for Donald was realizing just how essential rehabilitation is for anyone recovering from a major surgery. “I wish more doctors would realize that rehabilitation increases a patient’s healing by like ten times,” he emphasized. “Without it, you go home and suffer, and you don’t heal properly. Most relatives don’t know what to do to help you heal the right way. But here, you get the proper therapy, the support, and if something goes wrong, they’re right there to take care of it.”

Donald’s experience at Ascension St. Vincent Southside Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility stood out to him as being even better than the inpatient rehab facility he had visited after his first knee surgery. The level of attention, the kindness of the staff, and the personalized care plan made a clear difference in his recovery. He is already planning to return to Ascension after his next knee operation, knowing that he will once again be in the hands of a team that truly cares about his healing.

“I would absolutely recommend this rehab to anyone who’s going through a major surgery,” he said. “It’s not just about getting stronger, it’s about getting your life back. And here, that’s exactly what they help you do.”

Visit our website to learn about the services offered at the award-winning St. Vincent’s Southside Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility. 

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