The Hard Work Has Started
August 3, 2018, 8:15 pm
I survived my first day of physical therapy. And I plan on surviving day 2 also. That starts at 8:00 tomorrow morning, so this will be a short blog because I am tired.
Physical therapy is HARD work. I walked up some steps. I took a shower. I washed my own hair – things I took for granted last week. I still need a good stylist though.
I got to wear my own clothes today, which felt pretty good. Susan managed to rummage through all my drawers and find my one and only pair of work-out pants. Good job, Sue.
And I had some great visitors today, that always cheers me up. Thank you for visiting me. And I got more printed emails that come almost every hour. I love reading them.
I made the world’s ugliest plastic mosaic today in therapeutic art class. Some lucky family member will be getting it in their Christmas stocking. Who will it be?? I think my family may fight over it.
They are watching my blood pressure closely because it keeps going up.
Walking sounds like an easy task, but just imagine your leg being asleep for 2 weeks, and then trying to walk on it. That is what it feels like. It is an awful feeling. It feels like it weighs 100 lbs, and they are asking me to walk up steps. “Don’t forget lefty!” he kept saying. “You are gonna roll over lefty!” It is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Who ever thought I would forget lefty?? Learning to walk again and forgetting I have a left foot…
They keep telling me it is ok to cry. I hope they are right, because my tears are flowing.
I CAN’T:
1. Let this stop me.
2. Forget lefty – he has been a part of me for 57 years and I can’t leave him behind now. Come on Lefty, join in the PT, it is fine. We can make plastic mosaics together to share with family members.
I CAN:
1. Make it through this.
2. Wash my own hair.
3. Let people know when I am afraid. It is ok to let people know when I am afraid, and I am afraid.
Comments (13)
You bet it's OK to cry. This IS THE HARDEST THING YOU'VE EVER HAD TO DO. Nobody knows what it's like.... except you. We all feel compassion but we have not walked in your shoes (or should I say tried to get lefty to cooperate without thinking about it). Keep it up my friend. This is your time to focus solely on YOU and getting well. I love you. Maybe a visit tomorrow? I sent you some pictures.
Keep going Annette. Family I love have had to do physical therapy and it was grueling, but they got results. Your attitude is amazing and inspiring. Smile through those tears, just knowing better days are ahead. Your passion for life and for your family is stronger than any obstacle. I look forward to reading about all of your progress!
Thank you so much for keeping us updated even when you are sleepy 💤. Go ahead and cry and get mad too! I’m pretty sure no one will mind. 💕 washing your own hair is one more step to normalcy! You go Girl! 💕 I’ll be up soon, my little dog has been sick but finally starting to feeling better! See you soon! 😃
You got this Nettie...think of all those littles you taught to walk. You are a pro. The Fehringer’s are praying for you and cheering you on from Hastings!!!!
It was so good to see you today! You are surrounded by so much love! Keep the faith.... you will find you are stronger than you ever imagined!! Big hugs and kick some mass tomorrow at PT!!❤️
Crying is like a river...it keeps you moving forward! So, cry like a river.
It can be therapeutic to write down all you are going through, and it is so great to get your updates out to all who care about you (many more people than you realize). I love your smile and great nature and am so happy you are choosing to use a positive attitude (mostly) to keep moving your progress forward. It's an emotional journey but know you are loved and admired by so many! Much love and many prayers for you to continue to see progress and to remain your amazing self! Carol
I’m still praying for you! You’ve got this my friend!
Nettie, I love your attitude ~ Keep on keeping on! You are so strong, and you are getting stronger.
Your positive attitude is remarkable. Go ahead and cry...sometimes we HAVE to do that. Wrap yourself in the knowledge of how many people love and care for you... you are on my hero list!!
It's ok to cry, it actually makes me feel better some days to just let it out. Washing your hair is huge !! Nothing feels better than having a clean head, wash away the negative thoughts out of your head. The styling ..who needs that just look at Rob he has had the same style since the 80's and I think he looks pretty good. Maybe do the hokie pokie and only do the left side of everything ?? IDK what I'd do if I kept forgetting that darn left foot. We are cheering for you Team Nettie all the way. Sending lot's of LOVE & HUGS <3
Just keep going Annette. Even when you're tired, just keep going. You can do this! Now it's literally "one foot in front of the other." And tell Lefty to play nice!
You have to just take one day at a time. Fluffy, Wide Load and the rest of the gang are rooting for you!!!!