Pain and Progress

On Tuesday of this week I graduated from my in-home physical therapy program and on Wednesday I had my first outpatient physical therapy appointment.  When the PT saw me walk in her first words were, “At four weeks out I was expecting you to come in with a walker.”  That was enough to encourage me to show off a little during that appointment.  I walked without the assistance of a cane all around the indoor track.  Then I pushed really hard at each exercise she wanted me to do.  She thought I was doing great.  I felt pretty good when I left there.  By the evening I was in major pain.  I think every muscle in my body was aching not to mention the joints themselves.  My knees were even screaming at me.  I finally got to sleep that night with the assistance of a pain pill.

 On Thursday I woke up feeling pretty good and even did the exercises that the PT provided for me.  By the end of the day I was feeling VERY adventuresome so Dave and I went to Hy-vee.  I walked around most of the aisles in the store pushing the cart.  I can not tell you the last time I went to the grocery store without driving around in one of the electrical carts.  It has been at least two years.  By the time we got to the check-out counter I was a little tired but not exhausted.  I sat on a bench while Dave finished checking out, then I walked with him to the car.  You can not imagine how excited I was to be able to do that.  All evening long I kept saying to Dave, “ I walked all around Hy-Vee!”

 When I got home I still had enough energy to make dinner and then make cookies. I know I still have to build up my strength and my hips do not feel “natural” yet.  I often feel like there is a tight band around my hip and many times when I sit down I feel like I am sitting on something.  However, words can not explain how happy I am to be able to do these simple things that I have not been able to do and to know it is only going to get better in the future.

 Crystal– I will soon be ready for the pool ……