I just finsihed reading through most of the messages for the last week.
You have all been through a lot! I was relieved (to say the least) that
Bill was able to have surgery...I know you were all praying :-)
My pt went well today. I was actually using a walker. I am still not
putting any weight on my legs, but I can swing them better and better
each day. My therapist is amazing - very aggressive, but also very
sweet and caring. It is a great environment in the gym; all of the
therapists congratulate me at each step. I was exhausted after today
sessions, so that they had to lift me onto the x-ray table (abdominal
x-ray...nothing new). Of course, my arms hurt a lot and I thought they
were going to give way toward the end...but all that is okay. It feels
so incredible to stand even if I am "walking with my arms."
I have yet another fun bladder question. I had minor urinary retention
until October, which was when I had to start cathing and lost the
ability to void at all. I was wondering if there is any hope of the
voiding ability to come back, being that my legs are so involved. Does
anyone have an opinion? I am wondering if the "final straw" regarding
the retention was a medication they put me on, Reglan. Reglan does
nasty things to be and I read that retention is one of the side
effects. I don't know why this is so important to me...but I was just
wondering if any of you think it is possible.
I also drove again and did very well (if I do say so myself). I was
feeling very comfortable on a 45 mph road in light traffic. Friday we
move on to heavy traffic, then highway next week. My hands even stopped
shaking today LOL.
I have a practical question. We are going to go the 2-door car route,
rather than a van (is just out of our price range). I have good upper
body strength and am working in ot to learn to lead my chair into the
car. I sit in the passenger seat and roll the chair in behind the
seat. Therefore, we are looking for a mid to full size 2-door car. I
was wondering if any of you have any suggestions. We are looking at
Oldmobile, Chevy, Ford...that price range. We would appreciate any
input...whether it be about accessibility, or just good cars. We have
an old Explorer right now. It is on its last legs so that works out
well, ironically.
Well, I must go. I thank you all for listening. Hang in there, all of
you. You are an incredible group of survivors
love, Mykella