Lamar County Detention Captain Mike Hines returned to work today after suffering a stroke in November 2018 that left him in a wheelchair.
“The doctors in Dallas told my family in the days after the stroke to start looking for assisted care because they weren’t sure I’d recover,” said Hines. “It is only through the power of prayer and help from many people that I was able to walk back into the Lamar County Jail again this morning.”
On November 24th, 2018, Hines was at home watching a movie when his entire life changed.
“All I remember was that I didn’t feel good, I felt kind of weird,” said Hines. “I had gotten up to get a drink, fell out and when I woke up my son was standing over me.”
While Hines had noticed in the months leading up to the stroke he was noticing minor issues and was having trouble keeping up, never did he think he’d end up in hospital being told he’d be on disability for the rest of his life.
“I spent a month in the hospital between Medical City Plano and UT Dallas. My whole left-side was affected and I couldn’t walk or talk, I stuttered and couldn’t recall words.”
However, when the doctors mentioned “disability” to him, Hines fought harder than ever to get back to where he was.
“When they mentioned disability I shut them down straight away and told them I was going to fight this and that just wasn’t me.”
After some physical therapy in Dallas and an acupuncture technique called “dry-needling”, Hines started to regain some movement and control in his leg.
“The team at UT were amazing and I was able to come home soon after but was still in a wheelchair.”
Hines was referred to Paris Regional Medical Center Outpatient Rehabilitation Center and immediately began intense therapy.
“I didn’t want to be treated like a baby and they didn’t do that. They were absolutely amazing and I followed every one of their recommendations.”
Hines said that taking his first steps after the stroke was a determining factor in regaining his independence and ultimately, returning to work.
“I felt like I was becoming myself again and those smalls steps were a huge boost for me,” said Hines. “I even went through driving therapy and when I was able to drive again it was the most liberating feeling in the world.”
After accomplishing all he had set out to do, Hines decided at the start of the year he wanted to go back to work and pushed harder than ever to make it happen.
The therapy team got a job description of everything he does at work and together, with UT Dallas, they worked to make it happen.
At the end of February 2019, Hines defied all odds when doctors at UT Dallas signed off on him returning to work.
“It’s hard to describe what it felt like to walk back into work this morning. None of this would have been possible without my family, friends, co-workers and the power of prayer.”
Hines praised his parents, son, and brother for never leaving his side or letting him give up.
“My parents were amazing in caring for me but my brother, Gerry and my son, Keegan wouldn’t let me give up and kept my spirits up,” Hines said. “Sheriff Cass has also been amazing through all of this. He visited me multiple times while in the hospital and encouraged me every step of the way.”
Cass said he gives all the glory to God for the answered prayers that so many were sending up for Hines every day.
“I can’t thank everyone at the Sheriff’s Office enough for taking on extra tasks and doing whatever it takes to keep things going. Also our community for the prayers and encouragement to Mike as he went through this life-changing ordeal,” said Cass. “God is good and there is power in prayer.”
Welcome back Mike Hines and THANK YOU for your service and all you do for our community.
