So it has been 2 weeks since I left Chicago and returned back home. I feel like a lot has already changed for the better. These past couple of days I have begun walking around the house and using the walker. It feels great to be up and around and not stuck in the wheelchair. I have my high and low points throughout the day and I have realized it's not about just getting from point A to point B on my feet- it's about getting there the correct way, by using the correct muscles and coordination. Obviously from my video pre-HiCy, I had not been walking the proper way. Now, post-HiCy, is the time for my body to rebuild the connections and get muscles that had not been doing their part to begin working again. During physical therapy we have incorporated several techniques to aid in this process. We are using ultrasound to loosen my heel cords so my feet and ankles are not so tight. This has already proven very effective since we started last week, and my therapist is very encouraged. Also, tomorrow we are going to begin using electrical stimulation to get my leg muscles to act the way we want them to, and hopefully assist in the process of retraining them to do those movements on their own. So basically what I'm trying to say is- physical therapy has been great!!
That's about all for now. I will post again next week :)
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
1 week back home!
So it is definitely great to be home! I love the Christmas season, and I can finally take time to enjoy it. Today was my 1st official physical therapy appointment. There was alot of stretching and testing of the different leg muscles. I can remember being there a couple of years back doing PT and it blows my mind to see what a different place I am in now. I am confident I will feel that exact way in a few months when my body begins to heal itself and I get stronger. I know I will look back at the things I struggled to do, and be glad to have overcome those obstacles.
As you can see, I posted a slideshow of pictures from the hospital, as well as a video of myself "walking" just a few days before treatment began. Obviously, it doesn't look like the safest way to get around, but even getting back to that point will be a challenge, and I look forward to posting new videos as my walking improves over the next several months!
There is another website of a man, Chris, who went through this treatment and kept a blog as well. If you follow the link below you will be able to see videos of him walking before HiCy and at 1 and 3 months after treatment. Those videos are my inspiration and the reason I pursued this treatment in the first place. Take a look and keep your fingers crossed I will have the same success :)
These are the videos to check out once on his webpage:
2/29/08- the second video
4/14/08
6/12/08
http://chrishasms.com/photosnvideos.html
As you can see, I posted a slideshow of pictures from the hospital, as well as a video of myself "walking" just a few days before treatment began. Obviously, it doesn't look like the safest way to get around, but even getting back to that point will be a challenge, and I look forward to posting new videos as my walking improves over the next several months!
There is another website of a man, Chris, who went through this treatment and kept a blog as well. If you follow the link below you will be able to see videos of him walking before HiCy and at 1 and 3 months after treatment. Those videos are my inspiration and the reason I pursued this treatment in the first place. Take a look and keep your fingers crossed I will have the same success :)
These are the videos to check out once on his webpage:
2/29/08- the second video
4/14/08
6/12/08
http://chrishasms.com/photosnvideos.html
Monday, December 8, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
Last post in Rush :)
So tomorrow we are off!!!! We have told everyone here we need to be out by 10 am. They seem to think that will be no problem. We packed just about everything, except the morning essentials. I also booked a cab to pick us up tomorrow at 10:15. So it's official. I am definitely going home tomorrow and I can't wait!
Today my WBC count continued to shoot up to 11.65. That is much higher than what I came in with, and much higher than most people. I am still advised to wear a mask and gloves on the plane because of obvious air quality issues.
I scheduled a physical therapy appointment back home for Friday. I can't wait to start and see the improvements I can make. Again, it won't be easy... but I know it will be worth it.
Mom and I had a mini celebration tonight and ordered out. We had found this great pizza place so we decided on that. I haven't had much of an appetitie lately, but I mustered some up for a couple of slices of that pizza! :)
Being that this is my last post in the hospital I will probably only post on occasion when things change at home. I will definitely be adding a slide show of pictures and a video of me walking pre- Hicy ASAP.
I hope this blog was helpful for future HiCy-ers and I know it was a great way to keep in touch with family and friends. As always, thanks for your love and support. I know that will carry me through my recovery process. I can't wait to post all the good things that come from this treatment!
Goodnight everyone!
Today my WBC count continued to shoot up to 11.65. That is much higher than what I came in with, and much higher than most people. I am still advised to wear a mask and gloves on the plane because of obvious air quality issues.
I scheduled a physical therapy appointment back home for Friday. I can't wait to start and see the improvements I can make. Again, it won't be easy... but I know it will be worth it.
Mom and I had a mini celebration tonight and ordered out. We had found this great pizza place so we decided on that. I haven't had much of an appetitie lately, but I mustered some up for a couple of slices of that pizza! :)
Being that this is my last post in the hospital I will probably only post on occasion when things change at home. I will definitely be adding a slide show of pictures and a video of me walking pre- Hicy ASAP.
I hope this blog was helpful for future HiCy-ers and I know it was a great way to keep in touch with family and friends. As always, thanks for your love and support. I know that will carry me through my recovery process. I can't wait to post all the good things that come from this treatment!
Goodnight everyone!
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