Well, the new year is off and running. I have not made any resolutions to do anything profound or even ordinary. I continue to focus on my recovery. The day that I walk again, without assistance from people or equipment, is getting closer and closer. I daydream about doing simple things like walking to my mailbox or walking into the backyard to sit on the patio. I am so excited. At times I get anxious because I tend to put time lines on when I should be walking or when I will be completely restored. I will stop creating deadlines and begin to document my milestones.
The past several months have been full of milestones both great and small.
Core Strength – I am considerably stronger in my core. I can bend completely over in the wheelchair and touch the ground and/or pick up something heavy and not fall out of the chair. (It’s ok… you can laugh!)
Balance – I can stand for longer periods of time without teetering to the left or the right. I don’t have to use my arms so much (keeping them out like a wire-walker uses a pole) to keep my balance.
Sittting/Squats – I have much more control when going from a standing to sitting position. I no longer just flop into the chair but am gaining increased strength in my glutes and quads which allows me greater control. I have much more work to do on these muscle groups but I’m getting there. I told my therapist that he’ll be able to bounce a quarter off my butt by the time this is all over and done!
Walking with Quad Cane – When I first began to use the quad cane months ago, I was thrilled that I walked 5 feet with assistance. Last week at therapy, I walked 25 feet with the quad cane. Yesterday, I walked 35 feet. I did lose my balance several times but that is perfectly ok with me. Darlene was shadowing me closely so that I would not fall. Today, while my Auntie and Victor were here, I walked 33 feet with their assistance.
There are other markers that I notice daily as I go through my daily routine. Simple tasks that previously zapped me of so much energy are becoming less strenuous. As an example it takes me less time to cook my meals or wash the dishes. So, needless to say, I continue to be on the mend and I am so grateful for all the help of my friends and family that continue to encourage me daily.
