Exhaustion
I'm often asked if I'm tired, and my standard response is yes - I'm tired all the time. There's often a follow up if I slept well which I usually do, and I have to explain my body is in a perpetual state of exhaustion for good reason. Yesterday and today I have again good reason to be exhausted (I always do, but I was particularly excited by yesterday and today's reasons).
First of all, I started the morning with twenty minutes on the walking machine, and my tired legs were not able to take a minute more. Andy stretched them out, and I did my best to save some energy for my afternoon physio session with Alex. I stayed in bed until the last minute and then a couple more, so I missed getting help to stand up before my lesson with Alex. Instead, I found Jo in the physiohalle, and talked to him while he did his therapy. I'm really grateful to have Jo a couple months ahead of me; he encourages me by describing his own recovery and transitions to life after a serious spinal injury.
Our stories are different; every spinal injury is. However, there's an empathy we share for each other as we recover that's unique. He's like the big brother I always wanted, and he makes a fantastic cheerleader. I was so excited when Alex had me start walking with the sticks from the opposite end of the physiohalle to where Jo was that I could make it to him. He saw me about two thirds of the way towards him, and cheered me on the final steps. I was really grateful to share my excitement with Jo and Alex; they've both seen me from the start and know what an accomplishment that was.
After pointing out that was the farthest I've walked yet, Alex turned me around and gave me a tall walker with high armrests and helped me walk back with another physio. Mara kept pace behind me in case of emergency, and Alex walked backwards in front of me to keep the walker from falling forward while also keeping me moving at a steady pace rather than pausing every step.
Yesterday evening I was beyond wiped after all that exertion, but I was so excited at what I'd done. This morning I woke up tired and ready for more as Andy strapped my feet back into the machine and got me walking another fifteen minutes. Alex came upstairs not an hour later with the same walker from yesterday to have me walk from my room to the table with her next to me. She said next week we can try doing it with a nurse so I can walk to the dinner table and sit in a real chair. Before lunch, I made my way downstairs to practice using my hands while standing and made myself a delicious glass of fresh squeezed orange juice with the help of the occupational therapist. So far the OTs have taken it easy on me with little tasks using my hands while standing because I've not been allowed to twist or bend my torso. However, the corset begins to come off next week, and Isabelle told me to get ready for a whole new world of exhaustion as I learn to do more things without the corset.
Comments (22)
I love you my precious Laura.... Jesus truly is your life .... thanks for showing that to all of us especially me and Mom
I love you, girl!!! You are an inspiration and a witness to so many people. Can't wait for you to be home at some point...I am going to squeeze you tight!
CHEERS!!! :)
Way to go girl!
Doing the happy dance for you Laura... I am thinking you should download that video and get ready (do you have any idea what I am referring to?) .. in time, I see you able! For today, lets do the clapping part!
I am so extatic when you post. I am so excited with your progress. Yeah for getting the corset off. What did the surgeon have to say about your progress? Glad you can see the progress in your friend. Will be waiting to see your excitement in sitting in a real chair!!!
Happy tears again for you, my friend! Every new accomplishment is a day to rejoice!
So excited for you Laura and so proud of you!! Look how far you have come! :)
Laura, I love reading about your progress. Hugs!
I love your progress! You are going from baby steps to giant steps! Remember when it was an accomplishment to go 2 meters?!?
You are such a blessing and encouragement. Keep up the good work
All that I could think about with the first part of this was how you will be cheering someone else on in the future! Meanwhile, it sounds like you'll soon be opening another new chapter in the process.
Love reading your updates about your progress and all that you're learning and experiencing! Thanks for sharing it with us. May the Lord continue to be your joy and your strength!
I am praising the Lord that insurance continues to pay for you to have some of the best care in the world. I am truly amazed, and so thankful that the Great Physician continues to provide for your care here! No wonder you're tired! Love & prayers!
Thankful to hear of this kind of exhaustion, Laura. You go girl!
Your an over comer with God walking next to you. May He continue to give you strength emotionally, spiritually and physically.
Keep pushing on! I believe in you and I love you! :)
Hey Laura. Glad I'm like the big brother you always wanted. :-) I already have a little sister but I'd happily have another! I also very much enjoyed my cheerleader debut on Thursday last week. You're doing just great so keep up the good work. As Clarisse said to me so often during my time at rehab, your time in that place is temporary. You'll be out before you know it.
WOW- Hard work with a great attitude! Great job Laura. I can't wait to hear how dinner in a regular chair, after walking all the way there, feels! love you! So very proud of you.
Way to keep at it Laura! A fatigue worth fighting for. Still praying for you and the needed daily strength to push hard each day. May the Spirit's prompting and encouragement from within be your strength when the PT's are pushing you to go just a little bit further!
With everything else you've endured, You won't stop now! I pray for your strength & courage. Keep pushing on. Hugs!
So awesome to read all this progress--so MUCH progress. Wow. We need a pic of you sitting at dinner when that happy day comes! Bravo also to Joe for his great attitude and encouragement of you. You're da bomb, girlfriend!