One Year Goal Attempt...

My goal for a long time - maybe since last May or so - has been to walk with just one crutch or cane at the one year anniversary of my injury, March 31, 2014.  Walter and Tiffany have been in on that with me.  It’s my official goal in their logs of my therapy sessions.  About 7-8 months ago I added a quantifiable aspect to the goal: walk with one crutch or cane for 50 feet.  

The last few sessions in therapy I’ve made good progress towards that goal.  Last week, specifically, I had a good moment where I tried leaning more to the left to swing my right leg through.  Suddenly it made moving my right leg much easier.  I attribute this to my back getting stronger (although still very atrophied) and better overall balance.  Using just my left crutch, I walked about 16 feet or so without a ton of trouble.  At the end of the session I told Walter let Tiffany know that in my next session I wanted to go ahead and attempt my 50 foot goal, even though it’s 1.5 months early.

That brings me to today.  I had therapy this morning with Tiffany.  As I was putting my crutches together and getting ready: 

Tiffany: “When we do the 50 foot, one crutch attempt do you want to use the harness and track system or just have me hold onto your belt a little?” 

Chip: “No harness or anything.  I don’t want there to be a doubt of whether or not I had a little assistance.”

Tiffany (with slightly nervous look): “Well okay!”  

I warmed up same as usual by doing a quick lap around the floor.  Then Tiffany said, “Okay let’s try it!” And I kind of freaked out.  Already?  Don’t I need to stretch or maybe do another exercise first?  I chickened out and went to the parallel bars.  I used one crutch in that much safer setting for a bit, building my confidence up.  Then I headed back out to the main hallway.  

On my right side was the wall, in case I tipped over.  Tiffany held onto the safety belt that went around my upper waist.  I said a prayer as she explained something (I wasn’t paying attention since I was nervous and praying).  I started going, using the new technique I figured out last week with Walter.  It was tough and I was sweating quickly but I happily made it!  50 ft with one crutch!  I didn’t rely on Tiffany or the wall once.  And the best part is that it took me just 2 minutes!  So I’m psyched!

Happy Valentine’s Day!
Chip