The pool is like, 5 degrees cooler than I'd love, but, that's normal. Not looking forward to the spring when the world thinks it's warm but it is NOT warm yet. What this means is that by the time my hour is over, I'm very cold. Then I walk, dripping, soaking wet, outside the pool dome--OUTSIDE outside into the frozen wind--and back inside the other building. My teeth are chattering so badly I can't speak. I go straight to the hot tub and exercise the utmost restraint to get into the tub in a decent, lady-like manner. Last week I didn't stay long because someone else got in that I just could NOT share the hot tub with. If you want the story, it's best told in real life. <commence puking>
While most of my therapy is helping my balance and endurance, some of the exercises make the spasticity in my hand worse. My therapist said there is nothing to be done for it except do more hand stretching. Okay.
The pool is like, 5 degrees cooler than I'd love, but, that's normal. Not looking forward to the spring when the world thinks it's warm but it is NOT warm yet. What this means is that by the time my hour is over, I'm very cold. Then I walk, dripping, soaking wet, outside the pool dome--OUTSIDE outside into the frozen wind--and back inside the other building. My teeth are chattering so badly I can't speak. I go straight to the hot tub and exercise the utmost restraint to get into the tub in a decent, lady-like manner. Last week I didn't stay long because someone else got in that I just could NOT share the hot tub with. If you want the story, it's best told in real life. <commence puking>
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Today's post focuses on how good God is. He watches out for me so well!
On Wednesday, as my therapist (L) was leaving, she was going over my schedule and to clarify, I said, "So I'll see you in two days?" And she answered, "Yes, see you Friday." I showed up today a little early, but she wasn't there, which didn't make me too nervous because she had said she may do the treadmill while waiting for me. So I got in the pool and started my stretches and etc. Fifteen minutes before my appointment, a different therapist (D) showed up. She looked shocked to see me (never a good sign! ). She asked me why I was there when I had canceled. Therapy is going smashingly well! Although if you ask me tomorrow, I may swear it off forever because she worked me really hard today and I am *SORE*! But here are some changes I've already noticed:
-spasticity in hand immensely reduced -balance increased Okay, that's not a lot, but both of those have been HUGE problems since about October of 2020, and now they are just problems. I had my neuropsych evaluation yesterday. (I took a selfie at the end of the day, then decided I should smile. This is me mustering the biggest smile I could. ) It was loooong and exhausting, and I can definitely understand why it might discourage some people. (Several people I asked for advice about getting this eval said it made them feel stupid and terrible about themselves, but it is an eval to see where the brain is at in recovery!)
The testing was 9am-6pm (the lady doing the testing was so encouraging and kind to me, which made the time pass more smoothly), then I spoke to a psychologist for an hour. His advice and counseling was invaluable to me! I've never been to counseling before (other than premarital, and that doesn't exactly count, I think ), so I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was good. Many, many years ago, we bought these books called "Lists to Live By." In unpacking the other day, I found them! Here is the very first list: three secrets to success (by astronaut Sally Ride). Obviously this isn't referring to Biblical success, but when I read this list, I realized it can easily apply to my new therapy. Which, by the way, is brutal y'all!
My therapist keeps thinking I've been doing this for weeks and weeks already. Every new exercise she asked me to do Monday and today, she'd say the name of it and then say, "do ten of those." And then just look at me waiting. I kept having to tell her I don't know what "toe races" or "flutter kicks" were. First day of therapy is in the bag! Since there was paperwork and some confusion about which building I needed to go to first, the actual therapy was a bit shorter than it will be going forward, but that is fine with me, since it wore me slap dab out. My stamina needs a lot of work (but I already knew that), and so my therapist said we will work up to the full hour.
I did a lot of exercises, including using fins on my hands. The therapist said I have flexor spasticity in my arm/hand and extensor spasticity in my leg/foot. She said the aquatic exercises will help both. She also gave me a few exercises to do at home and encouraged me to ask my insurance if they give discounts for Y memberships, so I can access a pool more often. Yesterday, for the first time in *years*, my side did NOT go numb! Today, I felt my arm and leg start to sparkle and then...it stopped.
I think the medicine is working! And the side effects (tiredness and headache) have lessened, as well, because for the past three days I haven't felt the need for a nap, and every time I get a headache, I drink a cup of water and it goes away (so it's a dehydration headache, not a side effect headache). My leg feels heavy (and my foot likes to turn in when I walk) most of the time, and my hand is spazzy more times than not. So these things haven't changed. My first therapy is Jan 7, and I will be asking about a brace for my foot and my hand. I will also ask about botox for my hand (I have researched the pros and cons and the cons seem to be concentrated on children). Praises and prayer requests all around! Tomorrow was supposed to be my first therapy appointment, but we found out today that our deductible will start over in January, so we've decided to reschedule for next year. The nurse didn't have access to the doctor's calendar, so we'll have to call back in January for a date.
My neuropsych evaluation has been scheduled for January 13! It starts at 8.30 am and goes ALL DAY. Bill may drop me off and come pick me up so he doesn't have to take off a full day of work, but I'll for sure be ready for bed when I get home! It is tempting to bury myself in the cocoon of twinkle lights and red bows. To block out the world for one month. I need the rest. I need the escape and comfort the Christmas season lends.
But that is not what Christmas is for. It's not for my own peace of mind, snuggled under my blanket in front of the fireplace, away from the heartaches and troubles that abound in my life. It is for God to reach down his Peace, wrapping me in his care, comforting me. Christmas isn't to escape the pain. It is a reminder that God walks with me through it. Yesterday, I didn't take a nap! I didn't even realize it until Bill came home and asked how my nap went, and I was like, "Wait, I was supposed to take a nap?!" This might be a fluke, though, because I'm already feeling like I'm about to take a nose dive into my pillow.
My side went numb only once Sunday, but 5 times yesterday, so...I'm not saying this problem is getting resolved just yet! Yesterday, the pain was more in my extremeties' nerve endings rather than my brain. It's weird how the pain migrates around and makes me feel on the inside. I have a therapy appointment for the 23rd. They should focus on my hand (possibly discussing botox shots for the spasticity) and my leg (sometimes I have to drag it because it's so heavy to pick up). The neuropsych people called saying that in order for insurance to cover the visit, the referral needs to come from my PCP, not the neurologist. I've never in my life fought so hard to get decent treatment by medical professionals! Praises: -still no terrible side effects from the medicine -lots of down time this month to get used to the medicine and also just to relax and refresh -no nap yesterday! Prayer requests: -the therapy place to not have an issue with no mask -the referral for neuropsych to go smoothly -the neuropsych people to not have an issue with no mask -the nerve pain and numbness to subside |
Who am I, you ask?
In 2006 I had a stroke, and every day my husband encourages me to use my remaining brain cells to the best of my ability. I love to organize, make crafts, and go on adventures (safe ones). I hope that through my blog posts, you will be encouraged to accept and make the best of challenges God throws at your life. Categories
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