Posted 2018-10-22T01:36:10Z

Home Stretch

I realize now that it's been two weeks since my last entry, so I feel obligated to post an update even if there haven't been a lot of milestones in the interim. I continue to work on improving my strength and endurance along with my transfer skills, and find myself fairly whipped by the end of each afternoon. One activity I've been getting to do a bit more often is bringing my body into an upright position with the aid of a standing frame. This allows me to get as close to standing as possible without falling, and gives the bones of my lower body the opportunity to do a bit of weight bearing, in addition to adjusting to the hemodynamic challenges of standing. The main obstacle to mastering this until just recently had been the pull of gravity on the contents of my lower GI tract, but my last attempt was finally accomplished without a Code Brown having to be called. Hey, you gotta cherish even the smallest of victories.

This past Wednesday we went on an excursion to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in order to learn more about the challenges of flying in a wheelchair. We soon found that it isn't possible, so we instead focused on getting through security and boarding the aircraft in order to let it do the flying. We were greeted by representatives from Delta and the TSA and given a presentation regarding what accommodations are made to those in wheelchairs, and how to navigate the process. We were even able to actually board an empty jet so as to know exactly what to expect during this process. As if that weren't enough, we also got to ride the "plane train" and the moving sidewalk. Quite a thrill, I can tell you. Finally, we feasted on a lavish lunch in the food court before heading back to Shepherd.

With less than two weeks left, my team has focused on making sure I have the skills to return and function safely while at home and work. Again, it's being able to transfer safely, use the rest room, shower, dress, get in and out of a car, etc. One very interesting experience they are planning for me this week is a couple of half day mock clinics They will have an exam room and an office, and there will be several pretend patients for me to see. The goal is to see where problems may arise, and to then troubleshoot them before I actually return to work. For instance, when I examine patients from the wheelchair will I be able to listen to their hearts and lungs? Will there be enough room for me to navigate around the exam table? Will I get done in time for lunch? Another factor we'll be assessing is my ability to speak to patients and families during discussions, often quite lengthy, about their diagnosis, prognosis and treatment options. My spine was injured at a level that often leads to the loss of function of many of the intercostal and abdominal muscles. These aid the diaphragm in breathing, and this can impair lung function to some degree, which could have an impact on my long-windedness. This illustrates precisely what makes this place so special: they are always willing to go the extra mile in order to help us achieve our goals. I thank Nancy (verbally and/or mentally) every day for getting me here.

We've continued to enjoy the stream of visitors that makes its way to our little apartment. John Peterson, Bob Schreiber and Dianne Strader from back home, and Chautauqua friends Robin Robbins (Seattle) and Pat and Amy Mead (Maryland) brightened our days and reminded us of our lives BSCI (before spinal cord injury).

Another kindness I failed to acknowledge here was the heroic transport of my car from Chautauqua to Staunton two weeks ago. This was made possible by the generosity, piloting skills and plane of Will Moore, who flew Mandi Smith from Virginia to a grass landing strip five minutes from Chautauqua (and then flew home), and the generosity and NASA-inspired driving skills of said Smith, who tested the limits of several state policemen, not to mention the range of my electric car. Thanks to both for helping to return Mara to her barn.

Ongoing thanks are due to the Kivlighans for their continued care of our beloved animals, and to those who continue to reach out with cards, calls, packages, texts, and pajamagrams.

The next week and a half before we return to Virginia will be over before we know it. Between now and then Nancy, in addition to her regular duties, will continue the task of packing up our belongings as we wind down our sabbatical in Atlanta. I do hope to post at least once more by then, but if I don't, the next one will be from home. Sweet home.......

Stay in the know. Sign up to receive email notifications the moment new Journal entries are posted

Robert Kyler 94 Comments

Previous Update

Next Update

Home Stretch

Comments (94)