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Healthy Balance

Patient Stories (Page 12)

A cancer survivor. A heart attack victim. Pediatric patients. Be inspired by medical stories from ordinary people who’ve had extraordinary challenges. Hear about the health problems and transformations of our patients.

Grayson survived a traumatic brain injury and crushed lungs.
A Car Crash Survivor’s Story
Patient Stories 10/1/2015

When Grayson Kirby arrived at the UVA emergency room in a medical helicopter, doctors gave him less than a 10 percent chance of survival. The 31-year-old had been in a car crash and had multiple broken bones, including bones in his neck and back, internal bleeding, crushed lungs and a lacerated…

Patty Grimm working with a UVA Culpeper Hospital physical therapist
Jillian Michaels and Simple Weight Loss Tips: Fall Vim & Vigor
Patient Stories 8/10/2015

Most of us associate Jillian Michaels with her “The Biggest Loser” tough-trainer persona. [caption id="attachment_10450" align="alignright" width="350"] After a car accident, Patty Grimm (left) learned to walk again with the help of UVA Culpeper Hospital physical therapist Jennifer Norrod.[/caption] But she’s struggled with her weight, body image and self-esteem. Check…

Michael needed a liver transplant. A living donor saved his life.
Living Liver Donation: A Father and Daughter’s Story
Patient Stories, Videos 7/30/2015

When Michael Cox was diagnosed with cryptogenic liver failure in the fall of 2010, his family was told he needed to be put on the waiting list — without a transplant, his life expectancy was less than five years. His daughter, Shana, was immediately tested to become a living liver…

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A Swift Save: A Patient’s Stroke Story
Patient Stories 5/8/2015

Our interventional neuroradiologists and endovascular neurosurgeons also offer expertise in blood-clot removal during a stroke. This minimally invasive procedure, or thrombectomy, gives us a game-changing strategy for ending stroke as soon as possible. Read Bill's story about surviving a stroke.

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Summer Vim & Vigor: Mental Illnesses & Your Overall Well-Being
Patient Stories 5/6/2015

The summer issue of our family health magazine, Vim & Vigor, focuses on the commonality of mental illness. [caption id="attachment_10109" align="alignright" width="300"] Frances and Charlie Berry were diagnosed with lung cancer just months apart.[/caption] Read about: Soccer star David Beckham opens up about dealing with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). A list…

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A Journey Without a Map: Facing Frontotemporal Dementia
Patient Stories 4/17/2015

Popular ideas about the symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer’s conjure up images of forgetfulness, a person lost in a familiar place or unable to recognize loved ones. [caption id="attachment_10009" align="alignright" width="225"] Chris initially responded to the FTD and ALS diagnosis by jumping into light weights and swimming.[/caption] This is not…

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Chiari Malformation: Getting Back on the Horse
Patient Stories 2/12/2015

In May 2014, Heather — a 20-year-old biological systems engineering student at Virginia Tech — broke her foot while walking in a field. A dedicated horse rider, Heather found the incident unsettling. “I’ve never been the most graceful person but to break it just walking? That was a little weird.”…

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Winter Vim & Vigor: Sanjay Gupta, Stopping Seizures
Patient Stories 11/21/2014

Are your stomachaches acid reflux or could they be symptoms of celiac disease or gluten sensitivity? This winter's issue of our family health magazine, Vim & Vigor, is all about food and nutrition. Sanjay Gupta shares five reasons why food is the best medicine. [caption id="attachment_9184" align="alignright" width="350"] Health System…

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