Hopeful Healing at Chelsea Inpatient Rehabilitation: Josh Spear's Recovery Journey
August 28, 2024
On May 9, 2023, Josh Spears faced a totally unexpected challenge. Working as an educational speaker, Josh was preparing for a virtual presentation at home when he experienced a sudden aortic dissection. This critical condition, marked by a tear in the inner layer of the aorta, dangerously extended to his carotid artery, putting him on the brink of death.
Miraculously, Josh managed to dial 911, though he has no memory of making the call. An ambulance rushed him to Trinity Health Livonia Hospital, where the doctors worked to diagnose his condition. Josh’s carotid artery was severely restricting blood flow to his brain, leading to a massive stroke. 
Once diagnosed, Josh was airlifted to the University of Michigan for emergency surgery. He received prompt treatment from the U-M Stroke Team. This high-risk procedure had a low survival rate, but Josh became one of the one percent of patients to survive and make it to the operating room. After eight hours of intense surgery, with the high-quality care from the U-M team, Josh defied the odds once again. However, the lack of blood flow to his brain left him paralyzed on the left side of his body.
Following over 30 days in the ICU, Josh was transferred to Inpatient Rehabilitation at Chelsea Hospital. Despite his initial inability to sit up on his own and reliance on a Hoyer lift for movement, Josh's determination remained unshaken. His team helped him through rigorous therapy sessions each day, a mental and physical challenge for Josh. “Coming to Chelsea Hospital rehab was a blessing. It is a place where the entire team made my recovery a priority. Everyone was positive and gave me hope that I would recover,” Josh said.
His therapists’ consistent smiles and encouragement helped him through each session. Whenever he felt ready to give up, they were there to support him. Josh recalls, "The entire team set me up for success by treating me as a person, as “Josh.” They customized my treatments and care plan with things that were important to me. They even played my favorite music during therapy. There is a special place in heaven for every one of them," said Josh.
Josh is openly grateful to the Chelsea Hospital Inpatient Rehab team. His team of therapists, physicians and nurses changed his life. His persistent spirit, combined with the support of his Inpatient Rehab care team, helped him regain his strength.
A month of strenuous workouts and long evenings in a hospital bed led to small victories. He no longer needed the Hoyer lift, could lift his left leg and even took his first steps. Each day brought pain and challenges, but perseverance paid off. The day finally arrived – Josh walked out of the hospital on his own - a moment Josh, his family and his care team will never forget.
Josh returned to Chelsea Hospital recently to visit his former care team with his family by his side. This visit gave Josh a chance to catch up with the team that changed his life and thank them again for all they had done for their family. Josh is now walking, driving and is sharing his health care journey to inspire and motivate others.
Learn more about Inpatient Rehabilitation at Chelsea Hospital.
