Monday - August 31st.
Family and friends - I have been told that I will be leaving the Rehab Hospital on Wednesday - should be out of here by noon at the latest. Yippee!!! I do have to see the Neurologist on Thursday morning however - Boy is he going to be surprised to see how much I have improved since being in the hospital.
Paul and I are going to take a few days and do some sight seeing since we want to make sure all the renovations are complete at the house before we get there.
This morning started the same with breakfast and then OT with Jen. I used the hemi walker and stripped the bed - put it in the washing machine and made the bed - you get the picture. And I did it without falling! Actually - my balance is pretty good and we haven't had any issues - thank God!
My second session with Jen consisted of us playing the game Trouble while I stood without leaning against the table. Needless to say I lost the game - I think Jen cheats(just kidding) but I stood for almost 15 minutes without getting tired.
The first session of PT we did some leg stretches and exercises and then Abe(the guy that measures for the AFOs) came in with my order. So - he adjusted the AFOs to fit my feet and then Jen and I took off with the Claw walker for a few steps to see how the AFOs would work. They seem to help quite a bit and my knees don't seem to be locking up/or hyperextending like they were. I was finding the right one a little bothersome so Paul ran out and bought me a bigger size tennis shoe to accomodate the AFOs that would be more comfortable for me to be able to walk in. And they are velcro!
My last session with Erin - I asked her if I could practice walking on my own in between the parallel bars and she said yes. It doesn't look pretty - but I DID IT! - and then she took me outside of the parallel bars and I walked twice around the gym (one trip at a time). Of course - they put a safety belt around you just in case you start to lose your balance or fall. I did pretty good for the length I walked.
Tomorrow is my last day of therapy and when I am done at the end of the day - I will walk without any walker or cane and grab a hold of the bell and give it a good RING!!! My goal was to be able to walk out on my own and I will be.
I will be having to go to rehab and keep working on getting my legs stronger and my body working like it should but I know that I am on the right track.
Your continued support, encouragement and prayers help keep me going along with my faith that I know that God is with me all the way.
So we will see you guys back in Michigan by Saturday. Have to be home to celebrate the Labor Day Weekend with our family and friends and also Hoop and Holla that the kids go back to school!!! They will have no reason to be bored!
Take care. Will see everyone soon. God Bless!
Delia
Monday, August 31, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Saturday - August 29th.
Not to much to report today as the weekend provides us with a little down time.
My day started with Paul arriving with donuts for my roomie and me from Long's which is one of the best places to buy donuts in the area. The shop has been featured on the Food Network. The best part was that Paul was on time - 8am which usually means before noon to me but he made it.
I had PT at 8am so the donuts had to wait until I got back. I walked around the gym twice with the walker and then walked up and down the stairs a few times on my own. Paul was quite impressed given that a week ago I couldn't even stand up or balance myself while sitting up.
OT was at 3pm and I played Solitaire while standing. I played 3 games and lost each one. The cards were not in my favor this afternoon.
I did some stretches and exercises while in bed to help keep me limber.
The rest of the day will consist of me relaxing in bed - reading, watching tv and maybe watching a dvd on the computer - something like Something Got To Give with Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson. I think it is a funny movie and just reminds me sometimes of how you need to look through the forest to find the tree!
Have a Great Saturday afternoon and evening.
Love and Laughter to all. That is what we have the most of to share and give.
Peace Out and God Bless.
Delia
Not to much to report today as the weekend provides us with a little down time.
My day started with Paul arriving with donuts for my roomie and me from Long's which is one of the best places to buy donuts in the area. The shop has been featured on the Food Network. The best part was that Paul was on time - 8am which usually means before noon to me but he made it.
I had PT at 8am so the donuts had to wait until I got back. I walked around the gym twice with the walker and then walked up and down the stairs a few times on my own. Paul was quite impressed given that a week ago I couldn't even stand up or balance myself while sitting up.
OT was at 3pm and I played Solitaire while standing. I played 3 games and lost each one. The cards were not in my favor this afternoon.
I did some stretches and exercises while in bed to help keep me limber.
The rest of the day will consist of me relaxing in bed - reading, watching tv and maybe watching a dvd on the computer - something like Something Got To Give with Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson. I think it is a funny movie and just reminds me sometimes of how you need to look through the forest to find the tree!
Have a Great Saturday afternoon and evening.
Love and Laughter to all. That is what we have the most of to share and give.
Peace Out and God Bless.
Delia
Friday, August 28, 2009
Friday - August 28th.
The day stated as usual - get up - breakfast and seeing Jen (OT) at 8:30am. She can get you going. We started by me throwing bean bags into a bb hoop and then I had to go pick them up and put them back into the plastic container. Actually - I didn't do bad at all for bending from the knees and holding onto the hemi-walker for the first time. Balance wasn't bad.
Next with Jen I had to take the little circle things that you use to hang a shower curtain with while standing on my own and unhinge them and put them on this round rod and refasten them. After I did that I had to undo what I just had done. And to beat all - she was shaking me from the waist and I kept my balance. Try to take me down - NEVER!
PT - I did some walking with the walker and with the stainless steel cane that has claw feet(that's the only way I can explain it). I did squats without holding onto anything and worked on trying to balance.
My afternoon session - my son Paul came up for the weekend (moto gp races at Indy this weekend). He got to see me walk some more and then he watched me do some stretching exercises. My PT tried something new towards the end of the session which was me trying to balance on my knees trying to sit up straight and Lil Paul and I played catch with a plastic ball. That didn't go too bad. Then she wanted me to try to do the same thing but bring up one leg and try to balance myself. Well - you guessed it - NO CAN DO! I couldn't keep my balance no matter how badly I tried. But - I will try again next week and hopefully I will come out victorious.
I am suppose to be let go from the rehab hospital on Sept 2nd. I do have a dr. appt. on the 3rd. Our house has been having a few renovations being done to accomodate me when I get home. We are hoping it will be done by then if not - Paul and I will linger on the way home and catch a few museums we keep passing by when we come down for the Indy race.
That's all for today. Every day is a new challenge not only for me but for all of us. The situations might be slightly different but the outcome is what we choose it to be. So keep on trucking -
I try to keep positive and every night I thank God for all the blessings in my life. And when I wake up every morning - I say - TODAY COULD BE THE DAY!
Have a Great Weekend!
Take Care and God Bless.
Delia
The day stated as usual - get up - breakfast and seeing Jen (OT) at 8:30am. She can get you going. We started by me throwing bean bags into a bb hoop and then I had to go pick them up and put them back into the plastic container. Actually - I didn't do bad at all for bending from the knees and holding onto the hemi-walker for the first time. Balance wasn't bad.
Next with Jen I had to take the little circle things that you use to hang a shower curtain with while standing on my own and unhinge them and put them on this round rod and refasten them. After I did that I had to undo what I just had done. And to beat all - she was shaking me from the waist and I kept my balance. Try to take me down - NEVER!
PT - I did some walking with the walker and with the stainless steel cane that has claw feet(that's the only way I can explain it). I did squats without holding onto anything and worked on trying to balance.
My afternoon session - my son Paul came up for the weekend (moto gp races at Indy this weekend). He got to see me walk some more and then he watched me do some stretching exercises. My PT tried something new towards the end of the session which was me trying to balance on my knees trying to sit up straight and Lil Paul and I played catch with a plastic ball. That didn't go too bad. Then she wanted me to try to do the same thing but bring up one leg and try to balance myself. Well - you guessed it - NO CAN DO! I couldn't keep my balance no matter how badly I tried. But - I will try again next week and hopefully I will come out victorious.
I am suppose to be let go from the rehab hospital on Sept 2nd. I do have a dr. appt. on the 3rd. Our house has been having a few renovations being done to accomodate me when I get home. We are hoping it will be done by then if not - Paul and I will linger on the way home and catch a few museums we keep passing by when we come down for the Indy race.
That's all for today. Every day is a new challenge not only for me but for all of us. The situations might be slightly different but the outcome is what we choose it to be. So keep on trucking -
I try to keep positive and every night I thank God for all the blessings in my life. And when I wake up every morning - I say - TODAY COULD BE THE DAY!
Have a Great Weekend!
Take Care and God Bless.
Delia
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Here goes! Today is Thursday, August 27th. I decided to start this blog because everytime I had something to say I didn't have enough space on FB to finish my thoughts.
As of last Wednesday, they had me standing and using a walker. It was kind of scary because even though it is something we do for the most part by the time we are a year old - when you get an illness that takes your abilities away - you have to start from scratch much like a baby learning to take their first steps.
I am doing much better as each day passes. I can feel the nerves and the tingling but I still feel like I am carrying lead weights when I stand and take steps. It is hard to explain.
Yesterday, with OT we went out to our Yukon and I was able to hoist myself into the passenger side. That was a feat in itself because a few days prior I couldn't do it. I also have learned the correct way to use a walker as it pertains to getting into a vehicle, getting ready for bed, going to the restroom and the like.
Physical Therapy is where I get the walking in. Yesterday I walked about 700 ft in total with the longest length being 240 ft before I needed to take a break. I guess you really don't realize how heavy your legs are until you are walking and don't feel them. I find myself looking done at my feet so I can make sure I am placing them properly so I don't get all tangled up in them.
Paul and I played catch with a rubber ball and then hit a balloon to each other as I stood without holding on in between the parallel bars to help me with my balance. I did pretty good as long as he didn't try to throw the ball or hit the balloon way out of my reach.
Today I started with OT and we played the game Jenga. I stood for approximately 20 minutes while playing the game. In my later session of OT I used a hemi-walker and learned again how to get in and out of a car, carry folded laundry, walk to a recliner and sit and other such things that we would normally do on a daily basis.
Physical Therapy started with walking with the walker and then I moved to the hemi-walker and then I used the can that has the 4 prongs on the bottom(don't know what you call it). Walked with each one about 50 feet. It is strange trying to balance yourself and walk at the same time. After that, we went to the parallel bars where I practice squating without holding on and then I asked if I could try to take a few steps on my own. My PT let me and I didn't do bad but believe me when I say it wasn't easy.
Later this afternoon - we went for a walk outside with the walker and it is different walking on different surfaces - cement, brick, tile and watching for cracks and the like so you are careful to set the walker down properly so you don't land on your face.
I was also fitted for AFOs which are a molded plastic device that fits in your shoe and helps you from not hyperextending your knees. It is hard not to do when you are trying to walk and not fall. The first thing that happens is you lock your knees.
Again, before I sign off for today - I would like to thank everyone for all the well wishes, prayers and the comments you have made to me on FB and the like.
I am working hard every day so that I can walk out of here on my own steam. Tomorrow is another day and as always full of endless possibilities.
I hope each of you have had a wonderful day and have a great evening. Take care of yourselves and be greatful to the Lord above for all the wonders in our lives.
God Bless,
Delia
As of last Wednesday, they had me standing and using a walker. It was kind of scary because even though it is something we do for the most part by the time we are a year old - when you get an illness that takes your abilities away - you have to start from scratch much like a baby learning to take their first steps.
I am doing much better as each day passes. I can feel the nerves and the tingling but I still feel like I am carrying lead weights when I stand and take steps. It is hard to explain.
Yesterday, with OT we went out to our Yukon and I was able to hoist myself into the passenger side. That was a feat in itself because a few days prior I couldn't do it. I also have learned the correct way to use a walker as it pertains to getting into a vehicle, getting ready for bed, going to the restroom and the like.
Physical Therapy is where I get the walking in. Yesterday I walked about 700 ft in total with the longest length being 240 ft before I needed to take a break. I guess you really don't realize how heavy your legs are until you are walking and don't feel them. I find myself looking done at my feet so I can make sure I am placing them properly so I don't get all tangled up in them.
Paul and I played catch with a rubber ball and then hit a balloon to each other as I stood without holding on in between the parallel bars to help me with my balance. I did pretty good as long as he didn't try to throw the ball or hit the balloon way out of my reach.
Today I started with OT and we played the game Jenga. I stood for approximately 20 minutes while playing the game. In my later session of OT I used a hemi-walker and learned again how to get in and out of a car, carry folded laundry, walk to a recliner and sit and other such things that we would normally do on a daily basis.
Physical Therapy started with walking with the walker and then I moved to the hemi-walker and then I used the can that has the 4 prongs on the bottom(don't know what you call it). Walked with each one about 50 feet. It is strange trying to balance yourself and walk at the same time. After that, we went to the parallel bars where I practice squating without holding on and then I asked if I could try to take a few steps on my own. My PT let me and I didn't do bad but believe me when I say it wasn't easy.
Later this afternoon - we went for a walk outside with the walker and it is different walking on different surfaces - cement, brick, tile and watching for cracks and the like so you are careful to set the walker down properly so you don't land on your face.
I was also fitted for AFOs which are a molded plastic device that fits in your shoe and helps you from not hyperextending your knees. It is hard not to do when you are trying to walk and not fall. The first thing that happens is you lock your knees.
Again, before I sign off for today - I would like to thank everyone for all the well wishes, prayers and the comments you have made to me on FB and the like.
I am working hard every day so that I can walk out of here on my own steam. Tomorrow is another day and as always full of endless possibilities.
I hope each of you have had a wonderful day and have a great evening. Take care of yourselves and be greatful to the Lord above for all the wonders in our lives.
God Bless,
Delia
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)