Dinner at the local Turkish restaurant
Last week was a big week and although it left me feeling very weak., it was great to have Mum arrive and smash all my personal bests.
It was great meeting Mum at the airport. I wanted to be just on my crutches when she first met me, so I wouldn’t upset her, but after parking in a disabled spot and heading towards the front of the terminal, it was clear the distance was too much and Damo had to get me an airport wheelchair. However, Mum could see I was able to move my legs, stand and use the crutches for some of the way back to the car. So I think that set her mind at rest.
I am currently concentrating on endurance. Getting further on the crutches and relying less on the wheelchair.
When I was first told I was going on the treadmill, it freaked me out a little. The idea of walking on a machine that dictated how fast and far I walk, was a little scary.
But off I went, covering 400 metres in 15 minutes.
On Friday, I managed 600 metres in 15 minutes.
**smiles smugly**
Insert: 19.05.09 - I managed 1km today in 19 minutes
**furious clappimg, only stops when I make a "cut" motion with my hands**
This afternoon I decided I would use the crutches to get to the Post Office outside of the hospital– thankfully Mum was the bright spark who said she would follow with the wheelchair – she wheeled me more than I walked!
The fatigue I am experiencing isn’t cardio vascular and it isn’t a deep muscle burn like you would expect when you are exercising. The muscles are just not there, or built up yet. It feels very strange.
Still it’s all going in the right direction.
This should mean, due to my successes last week, even though I feel weak, this will be my last week in hospital.
Currently, my discharge date is 22nd May (this Friday) and although I don’t feel overwhelmed at the idea of going home, like I did a couple of weeks ago, I do feel a little uncertain.
The health farm has become my safe haven. I have mastered the breezeway (the 120 metre corridor that runs through the rehab centre).
I have a sense of purpose when I wake up as I know I have 2 physio sessions,
I can easily measure and track my progression in the safe, controlled environment that is the physio gym…..And I still haven’t finished my cheeseboard!!
oh maaaaate. Daunting as it is.... the safety haven of the hotel will soon be distant memory and you have new chapter to write and definitely new personal bests to continue smashing++. The good news of farewelling CGMC is that you will have Yvonne there to help suport you (and make you a boiled egg and toast soldiers!) and be the bright spark when your mind and positive thoughts might be slightly bigger than your muscles!!
ReplyDeleteYou are doing such a brilliant job which continue even when the hotel is but an outpt appt base!! Some more hard yards this week before you go home and then onwards and upwards++
x nat
Dear Rach, so much has happened in the past ?6 weeks...no wonder you're feeling uncertain, a little daunted by leaving the security of Club Caulfield. You have friends, ya Mum here for you...we love you and are here for ya xxx Maria UCF
ReplyDeleteGo Rachelle Thrilled to hear of your progress and I am sure your "crutches" will do all they can to keep you on the right track. It is full steam ahead from now on and we look forward to seeing you in June. Liz W
ReplyDeleteThere has been nothing "ridiculous" in any of your process thus far Rache - you are just amazing, so brave and positive, not to mention kickin ass in the gym. I know it sounds corny, but with your great attitude, the (as Yazz so rightly put it) only way is up!!!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the transition - be kind and patient with your good self xxx
Sarah B