Day 56: Crutches

Days til brace off: Maybe 23

Days til move: 8

I have been at RIC 8 weeks now.  I had surgery a week before that.  That’s a lot of hospital time.  I am ready to leave.  

Today was interesting.  After I woke up too early (again) to the sunlight pouring into my room…

9am - PT with Amy and Sara.  They took me up to the 9th floor where they have a track system going around the floor.  That means I get into a harness that attaches to a moving clip on the ceiling.  I was in my KAFOs again, but this time instead of a walker I tried crutches.  I previously tried standing with them a few weeks ago.  It’s crazy that was so recent.  Here they are: 

Let me tell you - they were no way near as “easy” as the walker.  I thought the walker was hard work.  I can go on the walker for a while now with the KAFOs.  After expending tons of energy going nowhere with the crutches, I made it about 140 ft.  Not so hot in my opinion but the girls were happy.  I think it works more muscle groups and apparently ranks me as more “independent,” whatever that means here.  It was interesting, if nothing else!

11am - Group therapy.  It got a little rowdy bouncing giant balls to each other in unknown directions.  Jimmy got hit in the head and almost broke his glasses.  To clarify, Jimmy is probably 55 or so.  

Towards the end of group, Tony headed out.  It was sad to see him go.  I have a nice large room to myself for the moment, but they are efficient here so I’m sure it won’t last.  

Just after Tony left, my old roommate Amanda and her dog Chase showed up on a surprise visit.  I hadn’t seen her forever so that was cool.  She saw the beginning of my next therapy, which was…

1pm - Group leg exercise with Svetlana.  She thinks I’ve graduated from the sling workouts so gave me a massively harder leg lifting and extension workout on the mat.  I’ll post a video Amanda captured in a sec showing how far I’ve come with my hamstring and right leg in general.  

That’s really about it.  Some group psych later in the day followed by dinner outside with Rebecca.  No chinese checkers.  It was too cold.

Dear Lord, thank You for the life You have given me.  Thank You for saving me from myself.  Thank You for continually showing me how much real power there is in love and hope.  Individually they are great but together they are unstoppable.  Thank You for giving me plenty of both.  Please give the same to everyone here at RIC, everyone in pain and suffering, and really just everyone.  Dear Lord, only You know the potential results of the paths we choose in life.  Help me to glorify You in all I do and all I am. Help me to find the paths that please You most.   Dear Lord thank You.  Please don’t let me forget these things.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

G’night! (drops the mic and walks off stage)

Chip