Re: [TMIC] Recovery Bootcamp

Errol White (eamjwhite(AT)bigpond.com)
Thu, 22 Apr 1999 19:32:12 -0700

Hello Karen & Gunny,
Glad to hear that Karen is on the walker, gee I hope it goes real well, and
Gunny is just the person to get you on the move also. Good to see it is
starting. I have found that since my surgery and that I am now walking
more erect, I am having a slight balance problem, previously I walked
leaning forward and my left hip used to swing out, but that seems to be
correcting now. Also Karen, I obtained a flex band from Gunny last year
and have found it very valuable, even more so now that I have to get the
right foot and ankle moving after being in the plaster cast for just over
six weeks. The only other hassle I have at present is the huge fluid
collection in my right ankle, my local medico does not want to put me on
fluid tablets and I can understand that and I think when I get more movement
and muscles working it should abate, but from tomorrow, I will be wearing a
pressure stocking (knee length) to help, sure hope it works, as it cost
$65.00 Australian. Keep working at it Karen and I hope you can overcome
the migraines.
Kind regards from Errol, Narangba, Queensland Australia. (who no longer need
the right leg brace).
-----Original Message-----
From: Karen E Casey <mushroo(AT)juno.com>
To: Gunny0011(AT)aol.com <Gunny0011(AT)aol.com>
Cc: tmic-list(AT)eskimo.com <tmic-list(AT)eskimo.com>
Date: Wednesday, 21 April, 1999 5:52 AM
Subject: [TMIC] Recovery Bootcamp

>Hey,Gunny
>I want you to know that the "magical" walker is working! I actually made
>it across the room with the walker- never before yesterday have I been
>able to do more than three or four steps!!!
>The hardest obstacle is balance,. If I stand up tall as you say, my body
>wants to fly backwards. My head is unsteady even sitting , mostly because
>of balance as well as being weak. Doctors report me as having trunkal and
>appendicular ataxia.That's why the PT would not try a walker at
>all.Yesterday my balance was better than it has been, so that's why I
>made it.
> I have another terrible problem. if I do any activity like yesterday,
>I get terrible migraines. I took medication for them yesterday but
>actually woke up at four am jolted my the worse headache ever. Migraine
>medication took a whole hour to work- and now I'm ok but it was awful!
>Has anyone out there experienced that?
> The wrist still hurts but it's because I suddenly will lean on it after
>losing balance.
>Noone said boot camp is easy- we all know that it takes grit and hard
>work,even when nothing seems to be happening- to get progress. But,
>Gunny, one thing you said really is true and really helps me think right.
>Basically, you said:
>"If you don't try, it's guaranteed you won't get better or stronger. It's
>impossible. However,If you work hard, anything is possible. "
> So anyone else out there that might be discouraged with your symptoms,
>may God give you the courage and strength to do whatever it is you need
>to do today, and may His peace rule in your hearts and get you through
>the challenge, I'm counting on that for us today. Love you all,,,Karen
>(Mushroo)
>
>Thanks to all who remembered me and my family in your prayers last week
>in the death of my father. You all are real family and I appreciate you
>more than I could possibly say!!!
>