Fiercely Independent Pam

Tag: rehab

  • Independence at Last, Well, Sort Of.

    I am truly enjoying my independence to be able to stand and even walk some. I am growing more confident and have given up the transfer board completely at this point. I even have been experimenting with the toilet and standing long enough to undress and not lose my balance.

    I need to keep in mind that I still have a lot of work to do. Balance is a major concern, as is standing tolerance. I am still super wobbly when standing and usually have to hold on to something to keep my balance.

    Without completely oversharing, I am also going to begin the transition out of disposable briefs and into reusable “leak proof” underwear. I am trying a brand call “Everdries” and will hopefully meet my needs and be a whole lot more comfortable, than disposable briefs.

    My last major task is being able to get in and out of a car. I want to practice this before I need to use this skill to get to MUSC. I have a couple of weeks so I am thinking there will definitely be enough time and it might even be a “non-issue” if I get strong enough by then. PT has also offered to help me achieve this goal.

    As far as the Zeen goes, I set the goal that I will complete the 1/4 mile loop around my building by Easter. I think I am going to go outside today with the Zeen and see how I do on the sidewalk. I am excited to meet this goal.

    I also want to get back to using the NuStep, even though I am using the Zeen, I think adding the Nustep back in will be a great plan. I have to figure out how I am going to transfer to the NuStep as well as getting up from it because it is kinda low.

    Rehab is still my first priority in all things right now. I still need to grow stronger, gain better balance, and be able to get up from lower seats. I truly appreciate all of your good thoughts and prayers to make this happen for me.

  • The Hard Work Begins Today: A First Day of Inpatient Rehab!

    So it begins.. I arrived at inpatient rehab yesterday after a few delays mostly because of the weather (crazy snow storm!) I ended up paying for transportation and it was a good decision since I am still having problems standing up and transferring.

    I was beyond welcomed by the staff here for rehab and they have been wonderful! I am confident that I forgot a few things, but hopefully I can have some help from my family. I am super excited to start working hard- I will receive at least 3 hours of pt/ot each day, which is exactly what I need. Right now I am finishing my Bible in a Year Podcast, which is nice to be able to stay up on.

    I am looking forward to unpacking my stuff and setting up for rehab, as I packed up pretty decently including lots of pants and t-shirts, but missing catheters and a watch charger! All in good time! For my first night I am wearing my special Buckee’s pjs that I picked up when I was there for my interview. It was a fun nod to what I have accomplished already.

    I think I have said this before, but wanted to update people about the progress of the service dog. In addition to the service dog, I am continuing with rehab. The next steps is to have a site visit here at my apartment and they will also be bringing a dog to help me demonstrate some skills, hopefully at the grocery store. This should be taking place after the committee meets- around late March/ Early April. I am thankful that they are willing to come here. From there, the next steps would be to be accepted as a formal client and begin fundraising for team training and similar. Then begins the “Fun” part!- Something special PAALS calls “Speed Dating” where we make sure the right connection is made between a dog and the “handler.” Eventually, team training will take place, but this is a far way off. All of this is super exciting!

    In the meantime, I will be working hard at standing and completing rehab goals. I am not sure exactly what it means to finish my antibiotics and future doctor’s appointments, but I moved as many appointments as possible. Time to track down what I am missing!

  • I am Finally Getting Somewhere, But Is It Fast Enough and Brings Me More Confidence?

    So, I am slowly making progress in gaining strength , but my confidence is very much laking and I am terrified that I am going to fall. I am able to stand with the help of either PT or OT being right by my side and even then I hesitate to be able to stand or take a few steps. So, I have decided to enter and intensive inpatient rehab program. If I am accepted, I will start on Saturday after my IVIG infusion on Friday.

    I think this might be the best thing for me as, I need to gain some confidence to be able to stand and walk short distances. I am hoping it is for 5-10 days and then I can return to be Fiercely Independent Pam World.

    The jury is still out to see if I will be accepted. my track record isn’t the best in being accepted, but I am working with some incredible people that seem to want to make it happen.

    In the meantime, I am working hard to build my own confidence and hopefully some standing and even a little walking on my own. I’d love to be able to get scale reading, but that is big deal and not the easiest to get when you are barely standing on your own.

    I have a sneaky idea that I am going to be on the cusp of being able to things on my own when it comes time to enter rehab. I guess I’m just going to have to trust my gut about what is the best decision for my progress. I also have to remember that I have important doctor visits, especially down at MUSC. No matter what, I need to be able to stand and move in order to get in a car and use either my walker or Zeen to be able to get around.