In case you can't tell, the title is the music that plays when Dorothy's "wicked witch" neighbor rides by on her bicycle in the Wizard of Oz. We got some pedals that sit on the floor and I used them for the first time today. It has been hard to get them away from the girls. Ayden in particular gets quite a kick out of them.
I discovered that I can stand up from the edge of my bed without using the walker. That has been difficult in the past. I already knew that once I was standing I could keep my balance without needing the walker, but standing up without using it is a different story. Once you start standing your hands leave the bed and you have to push the rest of the way up with your legs. My legs haven't been strong enough in the past to do that so it was exciting to find that they could. I discovered it by accident. I tried to throw my empty yogurt cup into the garbage and missed so I was going to stand up to see if I could bend over and get it. Without even thinking I stood up the way a normal person would, without the walker, and it worked. Once I realized what I had done I was shocked. I did get the yogurt cup by the way too.
This morning I got myself ready while Wendy went running. It was a dress rehearsal of sorts. I wanted to see how long it would take me to get ready and when I would need to wake up to make it to my 10:00 class when school starts in two weeks. I was ready by about 9:45 but I didn't wake up until 8:00 so I think I should be in good shape.
Since I can keep my balance and climb stairs I decided it was time to climb onto the scale. I weighed in at a hefty 214 this morning, with my shell on. That means I am probably around 210 as the blue jay stands. Although it embarrasses me to say it, when I started dieting way back when I weighed in at just over 260 so I have lost around 45-50 pounds. The hospital has certainly accelerated my diet plan. My appetite has come back strong in the last week or so but I seem to be maintaining still. I guess something good has come out of all of this!
If there are any typos or silly statements in this post it is because I didn't get to proof-read it. Wendy was too anxious to watch the Olympics!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Farewell to the Ramp of Doom
In therapy today I did some gym exercises to strengthen my right leg and then did some more stairs and walked about 70 feet. It was encouraging to cover almost twice the distance, especially since I didn't fall down this time and I did the walking at the end of therapy when I was already tired. Shane, my therapist, told me that my technique on the stairs is good enough that I can safely go in and out of the house through the front door from now on. That means no more crazy rides on the steep ramp in the back. Just to explain, there isn't enough room in the patio area outside the back door for a good ramp. We put one in out of necessity but it is way too steep. I can't get up or down it by myself. When coming down, Wendy lowers me backwards and I brake the chair with my hands so that I don't come down too fast. When going up Wendy is just able to keep me from sliding back down and then I have to push with my hands to make any progress. With my superhero suit on I can't lean forward at all so I feel like I am going to tip over the whole way up. Because I feel like I am going to die every time we go up or down the ramp, I have taken to calling it the Ramp of Doom. I won't miss my trips on it in the slightest!
We played the sensitivity game again and I think there are some slight improvements in some spots. I am amazed that I can feel all the way up my thigh since for the longest time I had no sensation there. However, the front and sides of my shin and knee on the right leg still have practically no sensation. If you tap hard I can feel the vibration in the bones. If you just touch lightly on the skin I can't even tell someone is touching me. I hope I don't have any spiders on my leg when I am napping. They'll make it right onto my shorts and up into my mouth before I know it!
We played the sensitivity game again and I think there are some slight improvements in some spots. I am amazed that I can feel all the way up my thigh since for the longest time I had no sensation there. However, the front and sides of my shin and knee on the right leg still have practically no sensation. If you tap hard I can feel the vibration in the bones. If you just touch lightly on the skin I can't even tell someone is touching me. I hope I don't have any spiders on my leg when I am napping. They'll make it right onto my shorts and up into my mouth before I know it!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Stairway to Heaven
Today was a nice relaxing day at home. Since I wasn't exhausted from therapy I was pretty active during the day. We played what we called the sensitivity game. I closed my eyes and Wendy, Ayden, and Claire took turns touching places on my right leg and I would see if I could feel it and how well. Hopefully over time I will be able to see more and more improvement.
For dinner we went to Costco. We needed to do some shopping as well. I took the wheelchair to get around and I was able to keep up and navigate just fine without getting tired. I made it into the bathroom all by myself. When we got home I asked my neighbor, Kyle Brothersen, if he could help spot me while I went in the house through the front door. I practiced stairs in rehab yesterday so I wanted to try the house. To get in the front there are about four steps going up to the front door and then a flight of steps (about 12 or so) going down into the house. I was a little unstable on some of them but I made it up and then down.
For dinner we went to Costco. We needed to do some shopping as well. I took the wheelchair to get around and I was able to keep up and navigate just fine without getting tired. I made it into the bathroom all by myself. When we got home I asked my neighbor, Kyle Brothersen, if he could help spot me while I went in the house through the front door. I practiced stairs in rehab yesterday so I wanted to try the house. To get in the front there are about four steps going up to the front door and then a flight of steps (about 12 or so) going down into the house. I was a little unstable on some of them but I made it up and then down.
Monday, August 11, 2008
The Bigger They Are, The Harder They Fall
Don't panic Mom, it's not as bad as it sounds...
Before justifying today's title, let me make up for lost ground. Wendy pointed out that I have not mentioned two significant items. If she wants something done right, she is learning she'll have to do it herself :).
First, many of you know that due to an exception on page 24 under the miscellaneous section of the student health program handbook, DMBA (my health insurance provider) has decided not to pay a penny of my medical expenses. As a mathematician I am pretty sure there isn't a number large enough to describe how much we owe in medical bills. However, on Saturday we got notice that our Medicaid application has been approved. We still have to pay part of the bill, but not too much. We are breathing a sigh of relief. Thanks to all you faithful tax payers!
Next, our generous neighbors have given me a recliner that has revolutionized my invalid life. It is an electric recliner that lays all the way back and also sits you all the way up into almost a standing position. It is very easy to get in and out of and is very comfortable. I have missed having a bed that can sit up or lay down so the recliner has been very nice. Thanks Todd!
Now, on to today's news. As I mentioned on Saturday's entry, I walked a few steps. Today I had therapy again and I was anxious to show off my new skills. I asked them to provide a couple of people for spotters and then positioned myself a few feet away from the practice steps. I figured I would walk my 5 feet and be done. However, the therapists were all so impressed they wanted more. So we turned around and headed out toward the hall. I made it about 35 feet to a chair and sat down. After a break they were asking for more, however this time I had only one spotter, Alan, and I was pretty tired. I made it another 5 feet and my legs gave out. Alan let me down pretty softly onto my left knee but he wasn't able to support my weight. So I found myself just outside the gym on my hands and knees trying to figure out how to stand up. It took a couple of people to get me back up, but we managed. The exciting part was walking a total of 45 feet without ANY assistance devices! It's not pretty or graceful and I move pretty slowly, but I can do it.
The last time I worked with Alan was the Saturday I went home for my overnight pass and I wore myself out so much working on the walker that I threw up in a bucket from the practice kitchen. After today's experience I think Alan is afraid to work with me!
After my walking adventure I worked out on the total gym, practiced climbing stairs (which I did quite well) and then worked on fall recovery. Fall recovery was really hard, even with furniture. My legs aren't strong enough to pick me up when my knees are really bent. I think Alan could tell I was working hard because at one point he said: "Remember, the floor isn't so bad either. You can always put some pillows and blankets down there and take a break until you have enough energy or someone can help you up." I did manage to get myself back up for the record.
Before justifying today's title, let me make up for lost ground. Wendy pointed out that I have not mentioned two significant items. If she wants something done right, she is learning she'll have to do it herself :).
First, many of you know that due to an exception on page 24 under the miscellaneous section of the student health program handbook, DMBA (my health insurance provider) has decided not to pay a penny of my medical expenses. As a mathematician I am pretty sure there isn't a number large enough to describe how much we owe in medical bills. However, on Saturday we got notice that our Medicaid application has been approved. We still have to pay part of the bill, but not too much. We are breathing a sigh of relief. Thanks to all you faithful tax payers!
Next, our generous neighbors have given me a recliner that has revolutionized my invalid life. It is an electric recliner that lays all the way back and also sits you all the way up into almost a standing position. It is very easy to get in and out of and is very comfortable. I have missed having a bed that can sit up or lay down so the recliner has been very nice. Thanks Todd!
Now, on to today's news. As I mentioned on Saturday's entry, I walked a few steps. Today I had therapy again and I was anxious to show off my new skills. I asked them to provide a couple of people for spotters and then positioned myself a few feet away from the practice steps. I figured I would walk my 5 feet and be done. However, the therapists were all so impressed they wanted more. So we turned around and headed out toward the hall. I made it about 35 feet to a chair and sat down. After a break they were asking for more, however this time I had only one spotter, Alan, and I was pretty tired. I made it another 5 feet and my legs gave out. Alan let me down pretty softly onto my left knee but he wasn't able to support my weight. So I found myself just outside the gym on my hands and knees trying to figure out how to stand up. It took a couple of people to get me back up, but we managed. The exciting part was walking a total of 45 feet without ANY assistance devices! It's not pretty or graceful and I move pretty slowly, but I can do it.
The last time I worked with Alan was the Saturday I went home for my overnight pass and I wore myself out so much working on the walker that I threw up in a bucket from the practice kitchen. After today's experience I think Alan is afraid to work with me!
After my walking adventure I worked out on the total gym, practiced climbing stairs (which I did quite well) and then worked on fall recovery. Fall recovery was really hard, even with furniture. My legs aren't strong enough to pick me up when my knees are really bent. I think Alan could tell I was working hard because at one point he said: "Remember, the floor isn't so bad either. You can always put some pillows and blankets down there and take a break until you have enough energy or someone can help you up." I did manage to get myself back up for the record.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
A Three Hour Tour
The big news of the day is that I made it through all three hours of church. What's more, I didn't take my wheelchair. I decided I would just use the walker and that went well. I did bring my really nice air cushion from the wheelchair to sit on. I made sure I had plenty of painkiller on board so that my back wouldn't bother me too much and I brought extra doses with me to take when my pain killer ran out.
What I think may be even more exciting happened before church. Wendy helped me get into the shower but I was able to get myself out, brush my teeth, comb my hair, get dried off, get my shell off, get completely dressed (except shoes and socks, that is still pretty tough with my shell on) and get my shell back on. I even got my tie out of the closet and hung up my towels for good measure. It is pretty satisfying to get some measure of independence back and hopefully it will give Wendy more time to spend on herself and the girls. I always feel a little guilty that she has to spend so much time taking care of me.
What I think may be even more exciting happened before church. Wendy helped me get into the shower but I was able to get myself out, brush my teeth, comb my hair, get dried off, get my shell off, get completely dressed (except shoes and socks, that is still pretty tough with my shell on) and get my shell back on. I even got my tie out of the closet and hung up my towels for good measure. It is pretty satisfying to get some measure of independence back and hopefully it will give Wendy more time to spend on herself and the girls. I always feel a little guilty that she has to spend so much time taking care of me.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Walk This Way (which movie, Jenne?)
Some of you are under the impression that I have already gotten behind on the blog. I am not sure what gave you that idea. Here is Saturday's post and you can clearly see that Sunday's post is up as well (oops, I guess that gives away the fact that I am writing this on Sunday).
Ayden apparently is quite fascinated with my ability to stand up without any support because first thing this morning she asked me to do it again. As soon as I stood up she said, "Oh! Now you can walk." Well, I didn't want to disappoint my little girl so I pushed the walker out in front of me a little and took four full steps to it. They weren't pretty but I was able to keep my balance. Wendy wasn't there at the time and she thinks I am getting a little reckless but I was excited about the progress. I am hoping to get a video of my mad skills but we will have to do it sometime when people can spot me because Wendy refuses to take a video while I am walking unassisted.
My right leg is getting a lot better. The toes are moving better and I am getting some sensation back. I am also able to lock my knee a lot better which means that my quad is getting stronger.
Ayden apparently is quite fascinated with my ability to stand up without any support because first thing this morning she asked me to do it again. As soon as I stood up she said, "Oh! Now you can walk." Well, I didn't want to disappoint my little girl so I pushed the walker out in front of me a little and took four full steps to it. They weren't pretty but I was able to keep my balance. Wendy wasn't there at the time and she thinks I am getting a little reckless but I was excited about the progress. I am hoping to get a video of my mad skills but we will have to do it sometime when people can spot me because Wendy refuses to take a video while I am walking unassisted.
My right leg is getting a lot better. The toes are moving better and I am getting some sensation back. I am also able to lock my knee a lot better which means that my quad is getting stronger.
Under New Management
Now that I am home, Wendy has decided that to earn my keep I am responsible for posting my progress on the blog. I can't guarantee that I will be as eloquent and articulate as she is, but at least you are getting the real story now.
Today I had the distinct privilege of going nowhere. I get pretty tired when I go out so I didn't mind just staying home. I did get my exercise around the house. In addition to my trips to the bathroom and the kitchen table, Wendy suggested that we eat dinner outside on the patio. The trip from my bedroom to the patio is a little ridiculous. After getting my super suit on, putting on my sandals and my ankle brace, and getting up into the walker, I walked all the way down the hall to the living room where I transferred to the wheel chair. Once in the wheel chair I wheeled outside and then had Wendy push me up the ramp of doom. After climbing the ramp it was back to the walker to cross the grass over to the patio. Then I needed a comfortable seat to eat dinner in, so I got back in the wheelchair. That seems like way too many transfers just to eat dinner on the patio, but it was nice to be outside.
My reluctant bowel came back to haunt today and Wendy got some first-hand experience with some of the less pleasant aspects of nursing. However, due to her superb care I am clean and clear again and feeling fine. I think we are both hoping that things wake up and normalize down there soon.
On a brighter note, I discovered that my right leg will now support enough of my weight for me to stand without having to hold on to anything. Now that I am wearing my shell more often I put this ability to use right away. I got up and got my own laptop off the dresser and turned on the air conditioning myself. I am getting much more independent in general, although I think it makes Wendy nervous. While she was at the store I got on to our home computer to fix some things and got back into bed before she got home (don't tell her!). I also finally managed to put on a pair of shorts by myself. I don't think Wendy minded that at all.
Today I had the distinct privilege of going nowhere. I get pretty tired when I go out so I didn't mind just staying home. I did get my exercise around the house. In addition to my trips to the bathroom and the kitchen table, Wendy suggested that we eat dinner outside on the patio. The trip from my bedroom to the patio is a little ridiculous. After getting my super suit on, putting on my sandals and my ankle brace, and getting up into the walker, I walked all the way down the hall to the living room where I transferred to the wheel chair. Once in the wheel chair I wheeled outside and then had Wendy push me up the ramp of doom. After climbing the ramp it was back to the walker to cross the grass over to the patio. Then I needed a comfortable seat to eat dinner in, so I got back in the wheelchair. That seems like way too many transfers just to eat dinner on the patio, but it was nice to be outside.
My reluctant bowel came back to haunt today and Wendy got some first-hand experience with some of the less pleasant aspects of nursing. However, due to her superb care I am clean and clear again and feeling fine. I think we are both hoping that things wake up and normalize down there soon.
On a brighter note, I discovered that my right leg will now support enough of my weight for me to stand without having to hold on to anything. Now that I am wearing my shell more often I put this ability to use right away. I got up and got my own laptop off the dresser and turned on the air conditioning myself. I am getting much more independent in general, although I think it makes Wendy nervous. While she was at the store I got on to our home computer to fix some things and got back into bed before she got home (don't tell her!). I also finally managed to put on a pair of shorts by myself. I don't think Wendy minded that at all.
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