November 8, 2009

Good Morning Everyone,

Just a quick note.

I am still doing therapy 3 times a week and it has been extended until the end of this month.

Paul and I will be leaving for Indy on the 30th as I have an MRI and have to see the neurologist on Dec. 3rd. We will be taking our time heading to Florida from there - where I will soak in the sun and work on getting into tip top form.

I am doing 100% better than when I left the rehab hospital but still have a few issues that I can see. The numbness (tingling) sensation still seems to be with me but it is strange as sometimes it seems like it goes away but then it's back.

The stiffness that I was feeling seems to be lessening every day but I am still not able to walk fast or take the steps by two. Am sure it will happen - just have to keep taking it one day at a time and know that it will happen again.

Every day when I wake up and am able to see the sunrise and touch the floor - I thank God for another glorious day to be able to do my best in what he has in store for me.

Your loving support and prayers for me have touched my heart - it is inmeasurable!

Well, I have to go for now as I have an early therapy session today. May you all have a beautiful day and know that you are Blessed!!!

Delia

October 24th, 2009

Hello everyone.

Thought I would give you a progress report on my recovery. Therapy is coming along. I still go 3 times a week and am still working on getting my muscle tone back in the legs, but, also exercising my upper body as well to keep strong.

Have been working on a core board (similar to what you would use for Pilates) to help with balance and stretching exercises.

I am still quite weak at the ankles and trying to walk sideways is still a bit of a challenge.

My therapist Barb says that I am almost at what they would consider 100% even thou - I know there are still a few things that I would like to be able to do better.

I can tell you that I haven't been using the AFO's for quite some time and the walker - well I still have it and if I am going to be doing a lot of walking - I put it in the truck so I have something to sit on if I feel the need to relax.

Around the house - I am getting along a lot better. Walking up and down the stairs doesn't seem like quite a chore now. I still can't take them two at a time but - Hey - Life is Good!!

When I don't have therapy - I try to do different exercises at home to keep up my strength and help myself get to where I want to be.

I still have the numbness, tingling sensation and every now and again a nerve surge but I don't let it keep me down. I pray that it will go away and I hope that it will in good time.

I did finally start driving last week with Paul in the truck and took the truck on my own this week. Boy - did it feel good to be independent again. It was a little scary since I had not driven since I became ill but like riding a bike - I didn't forget what to do.

Again, I thank you for continuing to keep me in your prayers as I forge ahead to complete recovery.

Have a great day and May God Bless You Always.

Delia

Friday - September 18th

I started Physical Therapy last Friday at Mercy FitTrac in town. It's about 10 minutes from home.

My therapist Barb and I are working on getting my strength back in my legs. We work on different muscles each session and try to do varying exercises so that it doesn't get boring or repetitious.

It is going to be quite a process, but, I am up to the challenge.

At home - I am getting better at standing up in the shower instead of having to sit down to wash. I have the rails if I need them and I do use them when I have to wash my legs since that is the area that is the weakest.

I practice going up and down the stairs in the house and also the steps outside and can do it as long as I hold onto the railing. Would be stupid of me at this time to let go and go it alone. I also walk in my backyard several times back and forth and the therapist says that is the best exercise of all because I am walking on different type of terrain and since it is not level it is good for balance control.

Time to go for now. Therapy in 15 minutes and I have to leave the house to get there.

Have a Great Weekend and May God Bless.

Delia

Good Afternoon Everyone - Today is Thursday, September 10th.

I have been doing arm exercises with the bands they gave me at the Rehab Hospital and also doing a little weight lifting with the 3lb. weights I have here at home. Don't sound like much but for now they seem heavy enough. I did the exercises while standing - without falling I might add. Seems like my balance is getting better every day.

Am waiting for Paul to get home so we can do leg exercises and stretches so I can keep limber. As I was sitting watching my Soaps (yes - I said it and I enjoy them too) - I decided to try something that I was not able to do at the Rehab Hospital. My therapist had me get on my hands and knees and then just balance on my knees with my body as straight as possible. After that - she wanted me to try and bring my left leg up so my foot was flat but I was still on my right knee. Well - I couldn't do it BUT ---I just tried it by myself and YOU GUESSED IT --I was able to do it!

I was so excited that I did it that I had to rush to the computer and get on my blog so I could share this moment with all of you. Am waiting for Paul to get home so I can show him - I know he will be just as excited as I was.

Tomorrow morning starts my physical therapy and I will keep posting my progress for those that are interested in following along. I am sure it will take longer than I thought to get back to 100% but I am up for the challenge.

With the Lord and all of you with me - how can I not keep getting better.

Take care of yourselves. Be Safe and Know That You are Loved!!!

Delia

Today is Sept. 9, 2009.

Hi Everyone! Sorry I am just getting to the blog.

Paul and I arrived back home on Saturday after nearly 6 weeks in Indianapolis where I got ill and started my recovery process.

It is great being home. We had some renovations done while we were gone to accommodate me. The painting should be done by the end of the week and our new bedroom outfit will be delivered on Friday afternoon. Then the fun begins - putting everything back.

I will be starting my Physical Therapy on Friday morning with Barb. I have gotten all the formalities out of the way (paperwork). Still a little weaker on the right side after the initial evaluation was done but to be expected. We will continue to work on things that I was doing at the Rehab Hospital and also do some new things to keep me going and improving.

At home - Paul and I will continue to walk, do stretches and other exercises to keep me limber so that I can continue to get stronger and stronger.

The healing process is going to take some time but I will stay at it until I am at the top of my game.

I still have what I call nerve surges ( I think that is a good thing) that are trying to communicate with the rest of my body; I also still have the numbness and tingling but I am getting around pretty good in the house with the walker.

Well - that is all I have to say for now. I appreciate everyone keeping me in their prayers as I continue to do my rehab.

I thank God every day for everything in my life - without him - we wouldn't be!

Take Care. God Bless. Good Night!

Delia

Well everyone - Today was my last day of therapy as they are releasing me tomorrow. Yippee!!

I met my goal as far as walking on my own to ring the bell - my PT had to keep a slight hand on the safety belt they have us wear. But I still did it! It was exciting - WOW - over a month ago I was flat on my back and not able to move hardly a muscle in my legs and now - I have steadily improved daily.

As I leave here tomorrow - I want to thank everyone who was kind to Paul and I - the therapists, the nurses, doctors, aides and the rest of the staff at both Methodist Hospital and Rehabilitation Hospital of Indianapolis. It is because of people like you that keep us going and reaching our goals. I am truly grateful for all the help you gave me. I always knew that I could do it - I am no quitter. But it was wonderful having so much encouragement from my family and friends and the new friends I met during my stay at the hospitals.

I will keep up with my therapy so that before you know it - I will be back to my old self (not that I am not now) but , able to get around on my own with no need for assistance.

From the bottom of my heart - I thank each of you. No one can ask for better family and friends than what I have. And a special thank you to the man upstairs - With You All Things Are Possible - ALWAYS!!!

Good Night and God Bless!

Delia

Erin

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

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

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

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