Eddie Arbisfeld, 68, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1985, not long after experiencing blurred vision that his eye doctor said was optic neuritis. Optic neuritis is caused by inflammation of the optic nerve, and can be an early sign of MS, a diagnosis that an MRI confirmed. But for the past 10 years, Eddie has been under the care of neurologist Dr. Mary Ann Picone, the Medical Director of the MS Center at Holy Name Medical Center, to help him manage his symptoms. Currently, he gets infusions and has follow-up appointments with Dr. Picone twice a year.
MS can cause muscle weakness and difficulties with coordination. Dr. Selwyn Levine, Eddie’s pulmonologist, recommended that he start Vestibular therapy to work on his dizziness, balance, strength, and gait stability to prevent falls and improve safety awareness. Eddie has now been going to physical therapy for over 20 years. His appointments are at Holy Name’s Teaneck Physical Therapy location, which is conveniently located near his home. He goes to therapy twice a week.
Eddie has worked with many physical therapists over the years, but no one has made an impression quite like Susan Philip, the outpatient physical therapy coordinator, who has been with Holy Name for 26 years. Susan doesn’t let her supervisory responsibilities detract from the attention and care she provides every patient.
“[My appointments] are an hour long, but it doesn’t feel like an hour when I leave,” Eddie said. Susan teaches him exercises that help improve his balance and strength and encourages him to practice them at home. It was Susan who first suggested to Eddie that he start using a rollator, which is a walker with wheels, instead of a cane. Eddie finds the rollator much more convenient. Susan stresses the importance of safety such as when Eddie is using the walker or sitting down, in order to help prevent falls.
And beyond Susan, Eddie appreciates the care and concern from everyone he’s met at Holy Name.
“They always ask me if I'm tired, or if I need a drink [of water] while I’m at therapy, and there’s always someone to walk me out to the car,” he said. “They always demonstrate concern for my well-being and safety.”
To learn more about the Center for Physical Rehabilitation at Holy Name, please visit https://www.holyname.org/PhysicalTherapy.
