Rehab - day 4

Hello,

It was brought to my attention that more than 3 people read this.  So I’ll post another update!  It helps me remember what “progress” is here, so it’s a healthy exercise.  

They had a wheelchair made for me that is way smaller than the others I’ve seen.  When I asked, they said it’s because it’s ideal for me since I am decent at transferring in and out of the chair already since I came in with reasonable upper body strength.  It’s also really fast!  So while I’m still feeling a little sick, it feels good to glide around in it.  I gambled and worked with my parents on transfers (moving from wheelchair to a mat or the bed), too, which were successful.  So good progress there.  They are already talking about me being able to get in the chair without a plank, which would be nice.  I’m a little unsure how I’d do that alone right now.  We shall see.  

Another cool exercise I did yesterday - which was passing a ball around my back to my other hand.  Extremely tricky as sitting up without leg muscles is way harder than it sounds.  But I had fun with it and the OT seemed to be really entertained by my insistence at getting several in a row without falling.

I was able to eat more today, too, which was nice.  I’ve also learned to have a protein shake if I’m not able to down the food they give me.  

Also, I’m weaning myself off the pain killers.  Before I was taking them every 4 hours.  Tonight I just asked for a Tylenol.  I’m hoping this will increase my appetite and leave me less groggy in general.  I experimented this morning before PT by taking Valium instead of the painkiller, which only led to me falling asleep for a couple hours.  Not very productive.

I have to say that I’m absolutely overwhelmed, to the point of tears, by the amount of love and support I have been receiving through this ordeal.  I feel extremely blessed to be part of a such a strong network of people.  

Rebecca and my parents have been incredible.  Tonight was Rebecca’s last night before flying back to Mozambique for a few weeks so she curled up next to me in bed and we watched a show of Castle on Huluplus on my laptop.  She wanted to watch some show called “Girls” but I don’t have HBO login stuff yet.  Sorry if that’s sappy to say but it was by far the best part of my day.  

We got a day pass for me to go outside tomorrow for a bit to check out a new coffee shop.  Considering the only time I’ve been outside since the accident on Easter was for transfers in and out of ambulances, I’m really looking forward to it.  I don’t care if it sleets but sunny warmth would be nice (in case you’re reading this, God).  

Thanks again, everyone.  Thanks for the cards, emails, texts, prayers, everything.  I love it and it really helps.  Having moments of sadness or frustration is inevitable here so I  need all the help I can get.  

Good night!

PS - No more iTunes gift cards, please.  Seriously I have like $325 worth now or something ridiculous.  Enough for lots and lots of books, games, movies, and music!  Thank you but no more!

PPS - On a related topic, whoever sent me the anonymous $100 iTunes card, let me know so I can say thanks!