The Journey of a Thousand Steps

Friday: I have been feeling badly in PT/OT because I am basically the only patient with two therapists working with them at once. It was frustrating, because the other patients were so much further along as I worked to convince my arm to lift more than an inch, or my foot to raise off the ground even an inch. Yesterday was an amazing day. It still took two therapists, but I "walked" between 5 and 10 feet. Okay, so walked is an overstatement. Two therapists supported me upright, I held on to a walker, and my left foot just barely slid on the ground. But I moved!! I was upright and moving and I was able to attempt to tell my body what to do. Huge victory!! I want to be walking but it is all about baby steps and patience. I am not a patient person in most situations, so this is a huge lesson for me. I cannot expect to suddenly be back to my normal. I have to give it time, and way harder work than I ever imagined possible, but I am stubborn. And the journey of a thousand steps begins with just one.

Saturday: I have a new nemesis. It looks harmless until you try to get your non cooperative left side to join in the fun. I primarily use it with my right side while my left leg goes along for the ride. My left hand cannot grasp the handle independently so it just chills out.

I was so proud of myself for lasting 15 minutes with only a 1 minute break and making it .11 of a mile. Then an elderly man on oxygen came in, did 20 minutes, and surpassed my great achievement in under 3 minutes. Ugh!

Today was a good day in therapy though. With minor assistance I was able to extend my leg nearly straight out. I kicked a ball with my bad leg - not soccer player style, more like uncoordinated toddler in a chair style but I kicked the slow moving thing! As I was doing leg exercises and doing my best to lift the stubborn leg, the therapist told me to look at how high another patient was getting her legs doing the same exercise. I simply replied "Showoff!" The big thing today was I was able to pull my foot about 3-4 inches off of the ground to put it on a low step and put a little weight into it. I did that five times (with support but the movement was mine!). !! I needed a good day as I was getting so discouraged. The therapist today said he can really see changes since I came in on Monday and that I am making great progress. I guess from my perspective I want to get back to my life so badly that I lose sight of the small victories. I need to take the time to appreciate and celebrate those small victories!