One Step At A Time A team effort in recovery from COVID.
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t was December 2022 when Donna Becker tested positive for COVID-19. At a time when many look forward to Christmas lights and gingerbread cookies, Donna was dealing with symptoms from COVID. Around 4 days after she recovered from her COVID symptoms, Donna developed polymyositis - an uncommon inflammatory disease that causes significant muscle weakness following a COVID infection. Donna’s muscle weakness occurred in her mid-section from her waist to her ankles, affecting both sides of her body, making it impossible for her to walk or climb stairs. Donna and her husband Stu lived in a condominium at the Lake of the Ozarks. Their home had a staggering 24 steps up and 24 steps down anytime they wanted to go anywhere. Not being able to walk, Donna had to be carried up and down the steps, and that was not a safe or easy way for her to get around. A close friend reached out and told Donna to get to Boone Hospital Center. “It’s the best hospital we offer in the Midwest,” they said. So, Donna and Stu packed their bags and made the trip to Columbia, Mo. Donna received a full Boone experience while she was here. Her total hospital
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BOONE HEALTH
Fall 2023
time ended up being around 27 days before she transferred to the Therapy Floor for 6 weeks. When Donna first arrived at Boone Hospital in December 2022, she was being monitored in a regular room for a few days before a doctor noticed her oxygen level declining. She was moved to the ICU until her oxygen levels stabilized and was then moved back to a regular room before she transitioned to the Therapy Floor.
“The hospital staff was so accommodating to Stu,” Donna said. “There was a couch that changed into a bed, and he stayed there 24 hours a day with me for weeks. I was a little scared, so just having him there made me more comfortable.” Once Donna arrived on the Therapy Floor, she stayed there for 6 weeks to work on her strength, with a goal of getting her walking again. “The rehab therapists were just wonderful,” Donna said with a smile. “I just loved them. They were very professional but also extremely fun. I had to have 3 hours a day with them, and I looked forward to spending that time with them every day.” Though Donna’s muscle function did not return to normal use before she left the
