33 Meters, or How I Learned to Walk Again

On Thursday, I walked approximately 33 meters in PT. The route started at the parallel bars, went all the way down the length of the gym, turned at the front entrance and concluded at the parallel bars. 33 meters -- despite a switch from floor tiles to carpet and back, and the one wheel on the rolling walker that just didn't understand it was supposed to roll in unison with the other one.

My therapists are truly great at what they do and have managed to challenge me while at the same time respecting my limitations. That balance of work and rest is not an easy one to find. My condition has been frustrating in many ways, but currently the biggest obstacle I'm facing is fatigue. I can feel really great one day and totally just-ran-a-marathon drained the next. Sometimes it's because I've pushed myself too hard, but other times there's really no way to account for why I don't have any energy.

My therapists understood from the beginning that while total independence was my personal goal, strength and flexibility had to come before I could try to stand or even take my first (wobbly) step. To get me where I wanted to be, my therapists started me out with tiny leg movements where they did most of the work. This gradually led to complex tasks that involved more than one muscle group where I had to do all the work.

I'd like to think that from this experience I know more than the average person about physical rehabilitation and therapy. But in all honesty, I probably don't know that much. What I do know is that if I hadn't had such caring and compassionate therapists working with me, I wouldn't have been able to make it this far this fast.

And speaking of how far I've come, my doctor has given me clearance to start working part-time on Sept. 21. I don't know if the 21st will be my official first day -- I still have to work out all the details. However, the date that my doctor randomly picked just happens to be exactly six months from when I went to the ER at Duke. Ain't that somethin' else?

21 Feet

Emily here -- with some good news. Today in physical therapy, I walked for 21 feet using a walker and with the aid of my therapist. About 10 steps into my walk, I asked if they could get Jim so he could see. Once I finished, everyone in the gym clapped and I felt like a conquering hero.

When I can go 50 feet on my own without collapsing unexpectedly or being overly tired, I can graduate to the walker. It'll be nice to have a little bit more freedom, although I will most likely have to continue to use the wheelchair for longer distances.

I haven't walked any real distance since being admitted to the hospital in March, so 21 feet is a small, but thrilling triumph.

Stay tuned for more updates!

Emily's First Self-Authored Post

Today Jim asked me to take over writing the blog. When I expressed concerns about writing as well as he has, Jim encouraged me by quoting Hemmingway: “All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence you know.”

My true sentence is that things are going well – really well. After days and weeks of what seemed like tiny improvements, I feel that now I’m getting better by leaps and bounds. I can flex both ankles and wiggle my toes. My legs move a little better each day, and I’m now standing (with assistance) for short periods of time.

I can’t wait to get back to work and to the co-workers who have been so supportive through this. I’m also looking forward to getting involved again in church and youth activities. But before that can happen, I still have a ways to go in terms of recovery.

The nerves in my hands haven’t quite regenerated, so I’m continuing to work with my occupational therapist on my fine motor skills. I’m also working intensely with my physical therapist on strengthening my legs with the goal of being able to take a few unassisted steps very soon!

I’ve started writing thank you notes, but it’s taking me a while to work through the list due to my limitations and the seemingly infinite list of people to thank! Whether it was a card or casserole, your prayers or presence, each of you has made it possible for Jim and me to make it through the most difficult time of our lives together.

Take care everyone and I look forward to sharing more good news with you in the days and weeks ahead!