From a difficult birth to meeting goals: A MercyOne rehabilitation journey

Learn more about MercyOne Physical Therapy

Trisha Kempton had a normal pregnancy with her daughter, Camryn, but her delivery at MercyOne Des Moines Birth Center ended in an emergency cesarean section after many hours of labor. A few days after delivery, a lactation consultant noticed that Camryn was knocking her fist slightly. After testing, it was determined that Camryn had suffered a seizure.

Instead of going home, Camryn went to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) where she stayed for a week until doctors determined she had a stroke, most likely during the difficult delivery. The stroke affected the left side of her brain, creating weakness on her right side.

Trisha and her husband, Michael, of Des Moines, Iowa, were scared about the diagnosis, but followed what the doctors told them to do. “We saw a MercyOne neurologist who was unsure if Camryn would be able to walk or talk, which is something we didn’t want to hear. Later we were discharged from his care, and he referred Camryn to physical therapy.”

Part of our family

At six months of age, Camryn began physical therapy (PT) with Kelsey Scavo, C/NDT, at MercyOne Des Moines Riverside Rehabilitation to build muscle strength. Now at 10 years old, Kelsey's still Camryn’s PT. “Kelsey’s been with us since the very beginning, and she’s part of our family. Over the years, she's gotten to know Camryn and her personality very well and always knows how to make her smile,” said Trisha.

Kelsey’s proud of Camryn’s work over the years. “She often comes to therapy with something she wants to learn, such as roller skating, and then works hard until she can do it. She’s a great example of showing how hard work can lead to reaching your goals.”

Camryn began occupational therapy (OT) at the same MercyOne location when she turned 1 year old and currently works with Melissa Hart, OTR/L. At her OT sessions, they focus on improving Camryn’s right-side weakness, particularly in her hand and arm, so she can reach for things and take care of her own needs. Camryn said, “Melissa helps me with cooking, reaching for things and other daily tasks.”

Trisha said, “The therapy that Camryn continues to receive at MercyOne is life changing. As first-time parents, we had no idea where to start, and they taught us to know what to do to help Camryn. It’s so encouraging to see her build strength and meet goals.”

Reaching her goals

Camryn reaches many goals she sets for herself. She’s learned how to roller skate, jump rope, wash her own hair, pour her own cereal, and most recently, ride a bike with the help of OT and PT.

“I want to be able to ride my bike to school next year, so the next goal will be balancing the bike with the weight of my backpack on my back,” said Camryn. Trisha said that turning corners on a bike with that weight on her back can be challenging, so that’s what Kelsey will focus on over the summer months.

Trisha holds the MercyOne therapists in high regard, “Even when Camryn has an ‘off day’ where she is tired, they push her to do her best, because they know she can. She’s come so far.” Trisha notes that unless you were really looking for it, you probably wouldn’t notice that Camryn has weakness on her right side. “You can see it slightly in her gait, but you may not notice. She's built up so much strength and confidence through therapy.”

Now, as a soon-to-be fifth grader, Camryn continues to set goals for herself and is a confident, smart and happy young lady. She’s also a great big sister to her three younger siblings. “We are so thankful for her therapists at MercyOne,” Trisha said.