Category: Recovery

Recipe for Recovery

Published on by heiditeaLeave a comment

One of the kind care givers who stopped in to check on me gave me a copy of a poem a patient had written. I thought it was very appropriate.

Recipe For Recovery

    • 1 Cup of Hope
    • A Dash of Courage
    • 2 1/2 Cups of Trust
    • Several Months of Therapy
    • 4 Tablespoons of Faith
    • Work by the Load
    • A Bag of Knowledge
    • A Pinch of Reassurance
    • A Ton of Support
    • One Box of Memories
    • 2 Pints of Higher Power
    • A Handful of Friends
    • 1 Platter of Patience
    • Lots of time
    • A Plate of Mistakes
    • 1 Stack of Affirmations
    • Buckets of Tears
    • One Box of Crayons
    • A Bunch of Soft huggy things
    • 1 1/2 Gallons on Rewards
    • A good effort
    • 2 Big Bags of Understanding
  • Most important ingredient: LOVE!

Follow-Up

Published on by heiditeaLeave a comment

Dave got confirmation today that my follow-up MRI has been scheduled for next Tuesday with my follow-up appointment
with Dr. Kwan scheduled for the following Tuesday, the 14th.

Of course I’m already nervous.

Therapy

Published on by heiditeaLeave a comment

Yesterday I met with the nurse who will be stopping by to check on me for a few weeks and today I met the occupational therapist who will be stopping in.

I liked both ladies very much and they offered some much needed advice. The occupational therapist gave me some interesting exercises to try. One will come easy to me as we’ve played that “game” in my family for years! It’s hitting a balloon to someone or to myself. It’s a good exercise for my balance. Only to do it until I get tired or feel off-balance.

Another one is using a clothes pin on a curtain. Clipping it at different heights and grabbing it from different distances. But the most important exercise she gave me was to do everyday, functional things…like loading the dishwasher or folding laundry. Make it a goal to do it. If I have trouble, then stop and pick it up later. To not push it. It will not only give me a good gage, but it will also make me feel useful around the house.

She also stressed the importance of listening to my body. When I’m overly tired…rest. If I need to nap…nap. Also recommended a hand-held shower head which would help I think.

Also taking a short drive to get used to being in the car again. Not any destination in mind but just a drive.

Both nurses have both been here about a year and adjusting to Maine life. The occupational therapist lives nearby actually and had admired our yard and garden as she’s driven by. Maybe I’ll hire her to winterize my roses! LOL

I was exhausted after she left. I think because I did too much “work” on my computer in the morning. Got my finances in
order, which took awhile.

I meet with Kelli, the nurse again on Wednesday.

Get Better Bears

Published on by heiditeaLeave a comment

My family has a little bit of a tradition that whenever someone in our family is ill, we give them a “Get Better Bear”.  My sister Dori kept this tradition alive by getting me a “GB Bear” for my stay in the hospital. A real comfort from home.

Then along the journey I received three other bears! Some people knew of the tradition, others didn’t, but it somehow fit. They all share a spot on my bedside table now keeping me company and watching over me. They, as well as all the prayers and cards I received, have helped in my recovery.

Besides, who can resist a fuzzy, cute little bear! It just makes you feel better!

Not to be confused with the “Care Bears” I made reference to in my first entry!