Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Things Are Looking Up

 Too much terrible news out of our nation's capitol. Too many days of dull sameness trying to rehab. Too many uncomfortable digestive system issues. Too many nights of poor sleep. I was feeling down, down, down.

Today I had a 1:00 therapy session with one of my two PT therapists. I was not looking forward to dragging myself there again.

Cathy was the first PT therapist I saw almost 15 years ago when I started dealing with physical problems, then with my back. She looked at my knee and said I needed to get that fixed. But it wasn't hurting me and there were other parts that needed attention first. 

We didn't get along well, I think becasue she was frustrated that I wasn't easy to fix, and I switched to Erica later. Both of them have seem me through two spinal fusions and two hip replacements. Cathy came to realize my complexities. I'm no easy fix.

Today I saw Cathy. She studied my charts and reports. She praised me for my progress and acknowledged my hard work and determination.  She introduced me to two new exercises that she decided I was ready for, guided me through them and praised me when I got them right. She shared that most of her patients my age would have given up by now. I told her my mother didn't raise any quitters. We talked about graduating from the walker to treking poles, and agreed that I should practice in the house before trying them outside in a week or two. My stability is still not great, but I have a goal. 


Then on the way home we stopped at the neighborhood park where there are paved walkways. The sun was shining, and the deep chill was gone. It was my first walk outside and it made me feel so much better. I only did a quarter of a mile but it felt great. 

For now at least, I am restored. 

16 comments:

  1. You are looking good, getting out and about helps a persons attitude!

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  2. So glad to hear this, Linda. Attitude makes a difference... and getting outside helps too.

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  3. Good for you making it out for a walk Linda.

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  4. Sometimes it's hard to get up and go again. I have been amazed at your progress and determination.

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  5. HOORAY! You are one of the first people I've seen using a walker correctly! So many of my patients would lean over, pushing it out forward like they're sitting on an old sting ray bicycle with raised handlebars. So, their shoulders hurt, and they stared at the ground, and fell sideways cuz the walker wasn't close to their tummy to help them be steady side-to=side. Hang in there. Yep, sunny days are nicer. Linda in Kansas

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  6. Good for you! I am impressed with your perseverance.

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  7. You impress us all! Your attitude and determination are so admirable. I love this post!

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  8. You are an amazing woman, tenacious as you progress through this journey. Wishing you continued success towards your goals.

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  9. I'm glad that things look a bit more hopeful. I'm sure it's not easy.

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  10. You are definitely making progress! As am I. Today I will walk to the bus, spend time at the coffee shop, and walk to the Senior Center before coming home. First since the fall.

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  11. We always knew you are not a quitter. Glad you got a quick walk outside, that always makes such a difference. But where's your snow? We have more than our share this year - about 5 or 6 feet right across the front yard.!

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  12. Glad you could go out a little. The recovery is not easy but I’m sure you’ll make it! The garden is waiting for you and Spring is soon arriving!

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  13. Tomorrow I will show you how to do the Apple roses.

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  14. I hear you. Same, same. But trekking poles are wonderful!

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  15. Getting older isn't for the faint of heart for sure! I love seeing your determination and willingness to work hard to get better. You're inspiring! Hang in there!

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  16. I'm so glad you can work with Cathy now. She sounds like she is a good, encouraging "teacher."

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