Progress

Lots has been happening over the past couple weeks--so much so that I just haven't had a chance to post an update until now. About 2 weeks ago I began outpatient physical therapy at a new location, Lutheran General which is closer to my house. While things are going well with my new therapist and he is trying some new treatments with me, I do miss the infectious personalities of my day rehab therapists at the Rehab Institute. And since I am now only going twice a week for an hour each, the pressure is now on me to keep exercising on my own in-between times.

My new therapist also recommended that because of my progress I get a new set of leg braces made of graphite instead of plastic. They are lighter and more flexible than my prior ones which is great. I'll also be able to wear them with any of my own shoes rather than the larger athletic shoes I had to use with the plastic braces. I'm going through a break-in period with them now, but I know how much more flexible they will be once I make the transition, especially when I tell you my next big news.

I had an appointment last week with an occupational therapist who specializes in adaptive driving systems. After some pencil and paper exercises and a vision test, she had me drive with an adaptive driving instructor for an hour and a half. Side streets, main streets, and finally the HIGHWAY! What a surprise to me! And all in my plastic braces with no adaptations! And guess what? I passed! I haven't been driving since, but I hope to practice in Michigan where the traffic is less. We'll see how it goes.

While all of this is good news the fact still remains that the neuropathy in my feet and legs has not changed much. Hopefully it will improve in the months ahead. I do need to practice patience and remind myself that just 5 months ago I was critically ill in the ICU. Thanks to the prayers and hard work of so many I have come this far. Hallelujah!