CUERO - Jay Sudell was scared.

The left side of his body was numb. He couldn't speak clearly.

"I was in shock," said the 58-year-old from Corpus Christi. "I was walking the day before. The next day, I can't walk. I can't talk. In less than 24 hours, I was totally incapacitated."

Less than a week earlier, on June 17, he had been hospitalized for a stroke and spent two days in Corpus Christi Medical Center - Bay Area. He was sent home with medication because he was still walking on his own, he said.

On June 23, Sudell's son came by to check on him.

"I was still having symptoms which were getting worse," Sudell said. "My son called 911."

Sudell was back in the hospital after suffering a second stroke.

"I was completely paralyzed on my left side. My speech was severely distorted," he said.

Sudell had another problem - no insurance.

Enter Mission Nursing and Rehab in Cuero, a Creative Solutions in Healthcare company.

The hospital, which did not offer physical therapy without insurance coverage, sent out an inquiry looking for rehabilitation centers that might be able to accommodate Sudell, said Amanda Smalley, admissions coordinator at Mission.

"We don't turn anyone down based on their ability to pay," said Smalley.

But that wasn't the whole situation, said Lisa Robertson, hospital spokeswoman.

During the discharge process, a discharge planner works with the physician, patient and family to determine the appropriate level of care based on the needs of the patient. On Aug. 3, Corpus Christi Medical Center did not have the post acute services of inpatient rehabilitation and skilled nursing care needed, she said.

Sudell has made great strides - literally - since being admitted to Mission on Aug. 3.

"When he came here, he hadn't had any therapy. He was completely flaccid on his left side," said Chita Garcia, director of rehab. "He couldn't move anything, couldn't pick up anything. He didn't have a trace."

In less than a month, Sudell began to improve and in less than two months at Mission, Sudell is looking forward to going home.

"Of course every case is unique, but it is unusual to make so much progress in such a short period of time. Not as many patients are as motivated as Jay is," said Garcia, who has worked in the physical therapy field for 19 years.

Daily physical therapy sessions have led Sudell to regain mobility in his left arm and leg. He can stand up on his own and his speech is understandable.

His physical therapy sessions include 45 minutes on a standing frame with glider, a five-step staircase and a ball toss to improve his balance, among other treatments.

"It's easier for the therapists when we have patients that are motivated and are willing to work with us, put their lives in our hands and trust us that we are going to get them back on our feet," Garcia said.

Garcia, along with restorative nurse Arthur Ramsey and speech therapist Clay Wimberly, have worked with Sudell during his time at mission.

Smalley is proud of both Sudell and the rehab center's staff.

"Every week we have seen such great progress. Every day he does something different. Our jaws are dropping. Jay is an inspiration to the other patients who have to take physical therapy. We feel like proud parents," Smalley said. "I can't say enough good about our staff. I've seen the progress since the day he came in. It gives you the warm fuzzies."

Garcia said Sudell may be able to leave Mission before the end of September.

"We'll sit down with him and the doctor and make sure everyone is in agreement. I know he's been ready," she said.

Sudell is chomping at the bit to get back to Corpus Christi.

"I want to go home to see my family. I want to live life again," said Sudell. Two of his six children live in Corpus Christi.

Sudell, who worked as a groundskeeper at Oso Beach Municipal Golf Course, also has other specific goals.

"I want to go home with no walker and no cane. And next year, I want to take part in the Beach to Bay marathon."

The 38th annual event occurs in May.

"I am going to be there," Sudell said.

• Jay Sudell, who suffered two strokes less than a week apart in June, would do things differently. "I noticed the symptoms, but didn't do anything," Sudell said. His advice?

  "Get immediate help. Find out what's going on. The sooner you receive help, the less damage it can do," Sudell said.

  A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or bursts. Without blood and the oxygen it carries, part of the brain starts to die. The part of the body controlled by the damaged area of the brain can't work properly.

  Brain damage can begin within minutes, so it is important to know the symptoms of stroke and act fast. Quick treatment can help limit damage to the brain and increase the chance of a full recovery.

  SOURCE: WebMD