This week has been difficult for me. Last Thursday, October 22nd was my 5 year anniversary of my injury. I tend to get a little depressed this time of year even if I think I wont. I suppose its my subconscious mind knowing all I went through. The memory of a trauma that will always live within me. But the good news is that its only a memory, not a state of being. These past 5 years I have endured a lot but also have grown a lot. Its amazing how a struggle teaches you so much about yourself, life, patience, perseverance, and most of all God's love. I'm growing in ways unimaginable & am excited to see how much I will do in my life because of this.
Five years ago I was so weak, unable to breathe on my own, talk, move, or feel & now I am crawling, sitting up on my own, feeling again, and recently standing (with assistance) and lifting my hip high enough to clear my foot off the ground. So I remain motivated & persistent. The fight continues, because God is great & I have a lot to be thankful for!!!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
Lifted Foot
I'm very excited because today I was weight shifting in the gait trainer (a walker with harness). I lifted my left hip high enough to clear my foot off the ground on the left leg!!!!!!! That is awesome because its putting me on the way to taking my first step, wow!!!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Therapy Stages
So another week has gone by & many new things are happening. Of course I am getting stronger everyday but I'd like to briefly explain the stages of recovery at Center IMT.
When I started at IMT in January, 2009 I was classified at a stage 0. I had been doing a lot of therapy prior to that, but the muscle strength I was gaining wasn't working in synergy with the body the way it should. I couldn't hold my shoulder blades in, down, or back. So they were very unstable. If a therapist sat me up tall, I was unable to keep my arms down...the shoulders wanted to come up. However, IMT works to change the structure of the body & put things back in balance to allow the body to heal. Since I started there, I have progressed from stage 0 to 3, and I'm on my way to stage 4. So my shoulders are working much better, and when I get to stage 6, I'll be able to transfer myself in & out of my wheelchair. Stages 0-4 mean that you cant support yourself independently against gravity. Once you get past that, they work on against gravity skills.
It's a slow progression, but it can be compared to a baby. They sit & crawl before they can stand & walk. It is exciting to see that I'm progressing through these stages. Because I'm able to have support in my shoulders, I can stand in the gait trainer with only knee immobilizers on & a strap between my legs to help support the pelvis. Then i work on weight shifting & hiking my hip.
This week my left wrist is also starting to extend against gravity. I'll continue to post new improvements & put pics & videos on YouTube that you can access through my website. Thank you!
(also, to my mr faMous -u know who are- thanks for your encouragement & your amazing ability to make me smile!!!)
When I started at IMT in January, 2009 I was classified at a stage 0. I had been doing a lot of therapy prior to that, but the muscle strength I was gaining wasn't working in synergy with the body the way it should. I couldn't hold my shoulder blades in, down, or back. So they were very unstable. If a therapist sat me up tall, I was unable to keep my arms down...the shoulders wanted to come up. However, IMT works to change the structure of the body & put things back in balance to allow the body to heal. Since I started there, I have progressed from stage 0 to 3, and I'm on my way to stage 4. So my shoulders are working much better, and when I get to stage 6, I'll be able to transfer myself in & out of my wheelchair. Stages 0-4 mean that you cant support yourself independently against gravity. Once you get past that, they work on against gravity skills.
It's a slow progression, but it can be compared to a baby. They sit & crawl before they can stand & walk. It is exciting to see that I'm progressing through these stages. Because I'm able to have support in my shoulders, I can stand in the gait trainer with only knee immobilizers on & a strap between my legs to help support the pelvis. Then i work on weight shifting & hiking my hip.
This week my left wrist is also starting to extend against gravity. I'll continue to post new improvements & put pics & videos on YouTube that you can access through my website. Thank you!
(also, to my mr faMous -u know who are- thanks for your encouragement & your amazing ability to make me smile!!!)
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Welcome To My Blog
Welcome Everyone!
So i just got home & I'm excited that my website is running. There are a few kinks to be worked out that I'll be fixing this week. I'm happy to share this journey with you. I hope you like it!
Please feel free to contact me with questions or comments. Thanks... more to come!
~ natalie
So i just got home & I'm excited that my website is running. There are a few kinks to be worked out that I'll be fixing this week. I'm happy to share this journey with you. I hope you like it!
Please feel free to contact me with questions or comments. Thanks... more to come!
~ natalie
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
