So much of my time line is fuzzy for the next period so I’ll try not using that method to write this next part.
So I had physical and occupational therapy. They had a machine that had me able to stand up, however it kept triggering panic attacks and I even passed out at one point, so I was kind of scared of using it. They actually had me stand up with three people’s help, but I was standing. Talk about exhausting, I was wiped for the next day when I did that (I think I was able to do it twice all together). I learned some exercises for upper and lower body strength, some adaptive things (like they gave me a grabber to help reach things while in bed, I’ve actually used it a couple times last night).
One thing is that over time my upper body strength is improving, which helps me to be able to do a lot more things in bed. Like my laptop, which I am on now. It’s only recently that I could really use it as it was too heavy (and it’s a fairly light laptop, a 15″ MacbookPro). Also just maneuvering my various things on the bedside table (the kind that can go over the bed, I think we need a 2nd one, it’s a pain having to change things around constantly.
A friend from Z.’s school has just helped us out tremendously. She used to be a physical therapist, plus her dad spent some of his later time in a wheelchair, so she let us borrow her ramps for the wheelchair. This is tremendous because they cost a fortune! So A. is outside now trying to find the best way to place them to get me in and out of the house. She also has given me some great advice on both exercise and things to do that will help strengthen the right muscles to help get me walking eventually or bearing weight or just moving in bed. SOOOOOOOOOOO much appreciated. I will be getting some in home physical therapy but we just don’t know when it will start yet.So meanwhile I have some things to add to my exercises.
Yay for knowledgeable friends!