AW: Progress UPDATED (updated again in last post)

[abcdefu]

You guyssss!

Last week I had a PT appointment and I actually did AMAZING!
This will not seem like much, but for me, 3 months post ankle surgery and almost 2 years post spinal cord surgery, I was able to:

walk a 1/2 mile on the treadmill on a slight incline

Stand on an uneven surface with my eyes closed for 1 minute

Stand on one foot (left then right) for one minute each without falling

My overall range of motion has tremendously improved! While I'm not losing as much weight as I would like, the exercises I have been doing have paid off so much as to my physical therapy goals!

While I still have bad days filled with spasms and pain, it helps to celebrate the small victories!

I want to thank all of the ladies here for helping me get through all of this the last few years! I just wanted to share the positive!

UPDATE! I had another great PT session today! YOU GUYS! I stood on a cushioned square for WITH MY EYES CLOSED...TURNING MY HEAD UP AND DOWN AND SIDE TO SIDE ....FOR 5 WHOLE MINUTES!!! I was, and still am, so proud of myself. I almost ugly cried on the floor in front of all the old people who are there. I have been in rehab on 3 occasions inpatient, 2 occasions home bound, and 3 occasions outpatient, and I have never graduated from any of the programs. It looks like I will "graduate" this time. I have been working so hard physically, mentally, and emotionally. My long term goal is no more wheelchair (after being cleared by a doctor obviously).

Thanks again to all of you who encouraged me, listened to my vents, and have helped me off the board!

[nextbigthing]

That's great!!! :-)

[cuddlyevil]

I am so glad! This is awesome

[Mrs.Rad888]

Awesome!
Is it still the cute physical therapist? Maybe that's part of your inspiration, LOL.

[abcdefu]

Thanks ladies!

Mrs.Rad888 ,lol! He is my substitute therapist. If he was my permanent one, I may not have made so much progress so quickly! He's the one that has the sister with SB and TC like me!

[thedutchgirl]

That's great progress!

[Linie]

What a great update!

[Deleted]

Woohoo!!!!! I have no doubt that your positive attitude is a key force in helping you make such amazing improvements. You are an inspiration!

[calle28]

This is great!!

[redshoejune]

Great work

[itsmyparty]

WTG! My aunt had spine issues and partial paralysis most of her life, so I know how hard even simple everyday tasks many of us take for granted can be. You're very strong!

[jenstar]

Yay! That's awesome abcdefu!

[abcdefu]

Update in OP

[Deleted]

abcdefu, I'm so happy for you and proud of you.  Girl, you have come a LONG way!!!! You're awesome.

[abcdefu]

Nov 2, 2016 20:39:24 GMT -5 @blueyes623 said:

abcdefu , I'm so happy for you and proud of you.  Girl, you have come a LONG way!!!! You're awesome.

I have always hoped that one day I would learn how certain muscles and extremities and their usages. There is definitely a neurological disconnect between my extremities and brain. However, I am learning what to use and how to use it to keep balance while performing certain tasks. It is seriously one of the most difficult things for me.  It is definitely an odd, but amazing feeling!

[Deleted]

Nov 2, 2016 21:33:36 GMT -5 abcdefu said:

Nov 2, 2016 20:39:24 GMT -5 @blueyes623 said:

abcdefu , I'm so happy for you and proud of you.  Girl, you have come a LONG way!!!! You're awesome.

I have always hoped that one day I would learn how certain muscles and extremities and their usages. There is definitely a neurological disconnect between my extremities and brain. However, I am learning what to use and how to use it to keep balance while performing certain tasks. It is seriously one of the most difficult things for me.  It is definitely an odd, but amazing feeling!

It sounds like you've made tremendous progress despite many setbacks.  Keep up the good work! 

[hungrycaterpillar]

As a DPT, I know what a huge accomplishment this is! Congratulations!!!!!

[abcdefu]

UPDATE!!!

I EFFING GRADUATED FROM PT YESTERDAY!!!!! I still cannot believe it! While I am not exactly where I want to be,(ie running) at least I know now that I can manage with this quality of life. I'm just going to keep pushing myself within my neurosurgeon's limits of course. I have also reduced and weened (with doctor supervision) off most of my medications. I'm down to 5 medications (no narcotics) once per day instead of 10-12 2-3 times. This is a major accomplishment for someone suffering from chronic pain. I have learned natural ways to manage it by using rest, stretching, exercising, heat, and ice.

Again, thank you ladies for all your support over the years. It has been a major roller coaster ride. I can finally begin to move on with my life and try to focus on other aspects.

For once, I am actually proud of myself!