Retirement did not go as planned for Jodi Anastasakis of Waterdown. In February 2020, she had been retired for only a month when she slipped and fell on her icy driveway.

“I landed on my bottom and I found myself chuckling,” recalls Anastasakis. “Then I realized how seriously I was hurt when I saw my left foot twisted in the wrong direction.”

In the Emergency Department at Hamilton General Hospital, it was discovered that she had broken and dislocated her ankle. She underwent surgery, which became complicated when dangerous blood clots formed in her ankle and travelled to her lungs.

“An endovascular procedure was needed to remove the clots,” says Anastasakis. “Then I spent the next two weeks recovering in the Intensive Care Unit. I’m very grateful for the care I received at The General.”

But her patient journey was just beginning.

Losing independence

“About ten days after surgery, they discovered an aggressive infection eating the muscle tissue in my ankle,” explains Anastasakis. “Despite numerous antibiotics, the infection kept getting worse and it spread into my bones.”

Another surgery involved the removal of infected bone and soft tissue. Skin and muscle grafts from her back and leg were used to help reconstruct her ankle. She then stayed in the Burn Trauma Unit for four months, where her wounds were treated to prevent the spread of infection.

Anastasakis was transferred to the Medically Complex Program at St. Peter’s Hospital in June 2020.

“She was non-weight bearing on her left leg, so the goal was to maintain the strength, range of motion and function in her right leg so she had the independence to transfer between her bed and wheelchair,” explains physiotherapist Nicholas Persadie. “As she progressed, our focus shifted to preparing her to stand, bear weight on her left leg and ultimately take a step.”

By the end of August, Anastasakis was able to walk with assistance and she was discharged home.

Multiple surgeries

“Unfortunately, the infection never went away,” she explains. “I was admitted to The General in October for surgery to remove infected bone and tissue, then I was transferred back to St. Peter’s Hospital.”

Further stress was added by the possibility that amputation might be needed – a fear that she lived with for more than a year. Luckily, that never became a reality, and an antibiotic was finally identified that eliminated the infection.

“I ended up having eight surgeries on my ankle at The General,” says Anastasakis. “Because of the infection, and the removal of infected bone and tissue, that leg ended up being much shorter than the other.”

An adjustable metal framework, called an external fixator, was screwed into her bones to help the shorter leg grow longer. Anastasakis was happy to have the fixator removed in June 2021, which enabled her to begin a regimen of intensive physiotherapy.

Taking steps forward

“Recently, Jodi walked for the first time in 13 months,” says Persadie. “We started by taking one step, which was followed by many more on the parallel bars. There is such a sense of excitement whenever Jodi reaches a new checkpoint in her rehabilitation. She’s such an amazing person who is highly motivated and determined.”

Anastasakis will continue working with Persadie to increase her endurance and strength. She hopes to return home before the end of November.

“I’m determined to regain my independence,” says Anastasakis. “This is such a positive environment and I’m inspired by the compassion I see here every day. St. Peter’s Hospital is a very special place.”