Beth’s Story

In January of 2020, 83 year-old Beth’s active lifestyle of growing a garden, canning her harvest, quilting, and spending time with her grandchildren was quickly turned upside down. On her way out of a hair salon, she fell onto her face. Fortunately for Beth, a passerby witnessed the event and stopped to help. This good Samaritan helped her into her car and drove her home. Beth insisted she was okay and did not need to go to the hospital despite her face being badly scuffed up. Later that evening, Beth’s son stopped on his way home from work. When he got there, he noticed her speech was slow and she formulated incoherent sentences. He decided to take her to the hospital.

Once she arrived at the hospital, they performed a CT scan which showed a subdural hematoma. The seriousness of her condition resulted in being life-flighted to Utah Valley Hospital for further treatment. Dr. Edwards awaited her arrival in the ER. After a neurological exam, Dr. Edwards informed Beth’s family of her situation. In the words of Beth’s daughter Tara, Dr. Edwards was “very real and honest with us about her outcome, and that things may not be the same as before.”

Dr. Edwards suggested a craniotomy as the best route to save Beth’s life. Tara talked with Beth and they agreed to do the surgery. 

Beth woke from the surgery earlier than expected and was surprisingly alert and attentive.

Today, Beth is recovering well and living with her daughter Tara. Little by little, she is regaining her active lifestyle. She looks forward to the day, not too far in the future, where she can work in her own garden once again.

#summitbrainandspine

#dredwards

#lifeisback