Hello, friends. I'm back to finish up my story. I don't have much power left, so hopefully I can do this.
Every day (except weekends) I went to Physical Therapy. I worked really hard on everything they gave me because I wanted to get out of there. In a few days I was walking with a walker even though I was still dizzy. One day I asked them to give me a cane which the therapist did. I couldn't do it. I said I was glad I had tried even though I wasn't ready. The therapist said he knew I wasn't ready but wanted me to try for myself. I knew it would be just a few weeks until I would be able to do it. (It actually took me another 6 weeks, but I can do it now.) They had me learn to go to the bathroom by myself, brush my teeth, pour myself a cup of water, wash my hands and face by myself, put things into and take things out of a microwave, walk with a walker and finally to climb up and down stairs. They taught me how to get into and out of a bed, use the bathtub, and get into and out of a car without falling. As bad as the place was, the therapists were that good.
Finally the day before Easter I was released. The doctor that came to sign the paperwork said I was very determined and he had never seen anyone work as hard as I had. He was right. I was determined. I had cried myself to sleep every night I was there.
Joe came to get me and a nurse (a nice one that I really liked) wheeled me down to the driveway. It had been three weeks since I had been outside. The fresh air felt so good! I got into the car (a little clumsy I will admit) and Joe started for home. I was so HAPPY! I will admit that the motion of the car increased my dizziness and I spent a great deal of the ride with my hands over my eyes.
Joe had to use a wheelchair to get me to the house and then I used the stair lift to get to the front door. It was a bit hard to get into the house, through the enclosed porch and up the step and through the doorway to the living room. But I did it. I sat down on the sofa and thought about how good it was to be home. How blessed I was to have a home to come to. I thought about Edwina (my roommate) having to live there permanently and never having a chance to have a homecoming. How truly good God was to me.
Joe took care of me for weeks, cooking all the meals and serving them to me. Bathing me. Getting me to the bathroom. Helping me change my clothes. He is a gem of a husband.
So that is the story of where I've been. Hopefully I will soon be giving you better stories. Thank you all for being my friends. I cherish each of you.
Kathy
Kathy ~
ReplyDeleteI know where you are coming from, except that I spent 8 months at a Rehab/SNF place; I was NEVER so glad to get home!! Much PT/OT there, then with home health. Now doing out-patient PT & many Dr. appoints.
Keep on pushing, and know my thoughts are with you!!
bobbie
Applause from the Heartland, Bobbie, for all your recovery and achievements! We're in the midst of such a time,, as well, and Praise for all the Progress.
DeleteBobbie, I can only imagine what you went through. Many prayers for your complete recovery.
DeleteGlad you are better. Brenda
ReplyDeleteHi Kathy! I am so glad that you are back. I saw that you posted another Youtube today so I will listen to that when we get back home. I hope that you are continuing to heal and get your strength back. Sending you prayers and virtual hugs. Take care, my friend!
ReplyDeleteWhat you've gone through is absolutely overwhelming, Kathy. So glad that you stuck with the rehab and that Joe has been your rock. Keep getting better!
ReplyDeleteKathy you have been through such a battle. Our health is so important and many of us take something as simple as brushing our teeth for granted. I am so very proud of you. Never give up. It is reaping huge benefits. I’m glad you can now appreciate the peace and quiet of your home. Thank you for sharing this remarkable journey with us.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, you have been through it! God bless Joe for being such a blessing to you, and good for you, being so determined! I'm glad you're home now, you behave and stay well!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sojourn you've had, through Darkness and Light, with your Joe as you Soft Rock to lean on! All of those people, their own circumstances and lives, right there every day to look after us and knit up our bodies and make them strong and mobile again---God Bless them ALL---the Angels and the Squinches.
ReplyDeleteIt's a blessing to hear of all your progress, though knowing the depth of your condition is dismaying, all those little steps we take for granted are renewed and healed and strengthened---all are miracles to me. Much knowledge of the days of INSIDE, with each small effort giving more and more light to the room---Caro is this minute in for hospital and therapy care, and all the BROWN of those days and furniture and floors is imprinted in my mind, though the month five years ago when I was not allowed IN, to see or speak, but to drop off her laundry and a few treats in a sterile, stark room of metal and glass---those were the Hard Times. At least today, we're given such a hopeful path after all this worry and tears---such joy in the hearing of the possibilities.
Hallelujah for all your achievements, and God continue to bless each movement and action and need for all your days. Love from the Heartland, rachel
Joe is the man...what a jewel! I'm keeping you both in my prayers sweet friend. Hugs, Diane
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy that you are now able to be home.
ReplyDeleteOh Kathy, what a remarkable journey! What an accomplishment! Congratulations on all your hard work and having that moment of sitting down in your own living room! I'm so happy for you!
ReplyDeleteKathy, so glad to know that you are back at home and continuing to recover! What an ordeal you have been through! Thank God for Joe who has helped you much . . . and praise our Great Physician who has brought you thus far!
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