October 12th

Well today I got to see Andy today for my pt visit and it was fantastic. He checked out my left foot for movement as I wanted him to validate my thoughts. He was thrilled to see how much I could move the foot up and down. We talked about me seeing him a bit more often to continue working on my left leg. The strength is growing and the foot is moving up and down. What a fantastic Monday this is.

A new week

It is hard for me to believe, realize, that I had the surgery 11 1/2 weeks ago but it has been that long. I can still move my left foot and I 'think' I have more movement and more consistency at moving it. I keep moving it up and I see some down movement in it now. At least I think I do. I have my pt therapy tomorrow and will check with Andy to see what he says. If I am able to move it up and down then there will be hope that I may drive my Trans AM again, being a standard and all. : ) I have another busy week ahead of me and I need to continue to keep it at a pace and relax when I can. I was able to do a little bit of work around the house this weekend and my son Tim helped around the house last weekend. That is still hard for me to deal with. There are simple tasks to do and I need help either doing them or someone to do them for me all together. The headaches seem to stick with me still, Beth keeps telling me to 'stay ahead of them' which is hard for me when I would rather not take medication. I am trying to listen and do as I am told so I will follow that path. Either way the prayers are definitely working as I am still making improvements and my last pt had given up on my progress. Thanks to all. . .

Wednesday

Well today was a hard day, but then I knew they would come. I pushed too much yesterday, went for too long of a day, failed to do what I should have done for Phil. The result was over tired, bad headache [another weather front came through] and only four hours of sleep for the night. Today when my day ended for my commitments I ventured home and took care of myself. Taking care was to lay down and rest, I had very little energy but still a nice headache so on the couch is where I remained for the day and even to now as I update the blog. I think this learning curve on learning how to slow down and give myself permission to rest when I feel I need it. So now back to resting and then to bed. . . . . .

Monday

Well what started off as a normal regular day ended up providing some fantastic ends. My classes went well, my night was normal meaning two and 1/2 hours sleep before waking up only to repeat it again. I must say though I am getting use to the sleeping ritual and I was warned ahead of time that it would happen. At the end of my classes I had my pt with Andy and that is where my surprise came in. Andy asked me to move my left foot the best I could and normally everyone sits and stares only to see no movement. Well low and behold my left foot actually moved, only about one and a half inches but it moved again and again. Then I went to do my leg raises and I moved my left leg all straight higher than ever before for three repetitions of ten. I was so thrilled, progress is progress and without all the support of everyone I don't think I would have been able to do it. It is so encouraging to see and know that I am still going forward, making progress and getting back usage of my leg. It kind of makes me eager to want to see what new gains I can make tomorrow and the day after.....

"Sunday's never ending"

Well here it is again, a new week. I was a bit tired today and so I gave myself permission to rest and take it easy. I also have another first. When I came home from the hospital I had to use a bench in the bath tub to shower for support and stability. Well I have been practicing and testing my balance all week and today I took the bench seat out and put it away. Yes I have graduated and grown up. LOL! I absolutely love making these strides because it gives me encouragement. I am also noticing I am gaining a bit more control over my left leg and the ability to lift it up. The foot still looks a bit of a different color than the right one and it is a bit puffy but the professionals see it and are not worried. So I guess I too will not be too concerned. I am so greatful to all of those who make themselves available to drive me around. If it were not for them I would be house bound every day. I am looking forward to the week and therapy.

October 2

Hard to believe it has been over eight weeks since my surgery, but it has been. Had a somewhat busy day today as usual. Again though I felt real fatigued about 2 and had once again lay down and soon I fell asleep. I woke up after about an hour and tried as hard as I could to get myself up and going but could not. Finally I gave into the need for my body to rest. I also had it reinforced to me today that my periods of fatigue will probably last up to a year. This means that I need to be open to giving myself permission to rest and not feel like I am wasting time. This is hard for me to do because of my life in the past. I am looking forward to the weekend and some time to do a few things around the house so I am accomplishing some things.

A little help from my friends

I am so grateful today is at an end. I had my classes today to teach and during one I was observed for evaluation. A problem for me that I like to move around and be interactive with my students and learners. Well with my left leg not working I am unable to do that. It feels awkward but I think it is probably more me than anything. Still I tried my best but it made me wonder, will I reach a point when I learn to live with my condition and when is that? I don't know. While I was walking to one class, dragging my pull a-long roller bad in my left hand and my cane in my right, I felt my cane kicked out from under me. I couldn't believe it happened. Then I realized it, I had kicked out the cane myself. Luckily I caught my self and did not fall face first in front of everyone. I am still learning "be careful". Other than that the headaches remain and so does my determined desire to progress.