After a month, Kim regained much of her strength, and the Neuro Rehabilitation Therapy Care team helped her shift from inpatient to outpatient status.
When Kim Pena was 21, she began having persistent nasal discharge. After her first doctor’s appointment, it was suspected that Kim’s nasal discharge was due to allergies, however, when antihistamines provided no relief she was admitted to the Emergency Department for additional testing. Doctors ultimately determined Kim had a cerebral spinal fluid leak. Through a number of tests including a CT scan and MRI, they identified a hole in the membrane surrounding her spinal cord allowing fluid to escape causing nasal discharge, headaches, and back pain. Doctors also discovered Kim’s pituitary gland was flattened and diagnosed her with Empty Sella Syndrome.
Kim’s condition was critical, and she underwent five brain surgeries to repair cerebral spinal fluid leak and subsequent complications that followed her initial surgery.
Because Kim needed specialized therapy to regain muscle control, learn to walk and talk again, she was transferred to the experts at Children’s Specialized Hospital in September 2020 where she received intensive neurological, physical and occupational therapy to help her heal. She received occupational therapy to help with day-to-day living, and she received speech therapy work in both English and Spanish. Kim’s therapy was intense, but she powered through it all. An avid writer, Kim journaled daily. Her writing was therapeutic and helped keep her positive & confident throughout the demanding healing process.
After a month, Kim regained much of her strength, and the Neuro Rehabilitation Therapy Care team helped her shift from inpatient to outpatient status.
Today Kim is doing great. She has completed her physical and occupational therapy and hopes to complete her neuro rehabilitation and speech therapy in June. She may have to have a shunt procedure to aid with some residual fluid, but her doctors are monitoring her closely.
Kim is completing her bachelor’s degree in Sport Management and is a senior at William Paterson University. Thanks in part to her therapy teams, Kim is planning to walk in the May commencement ceremony and will receive her degree in August. Go K!
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