Friday, July 16, 2010

It's Been 2 Weeks

Successes to report:
  • I can go from sitting to standing without holding on to anything.
  • I can stand up to get dressed.
  • I can ride my cycle 9 minutes morning and night.
  • I can type with 2 hands.
  • I can brush my teeth standing up.
  • I can still tap my left foot. (Not without much effort but I can do it!)
  • I took the kids to the library and out to lunch yesterday and made it back home. The heat index was 105. No way I could have done that before. Then later, we went swimming!
Good things, yes. There is definite improvement. I haven't seen improvement in a long time.

This does not come easy. I think I foolishly hoped that I would come home from this treatment and immediately be a different person. I wasn't aware that I was in store for so much work! And this work doesn't end. This work is a lifestyle change.

I have to eat this way for the rest of my life. I have to exercise every day and work to rebuild lost muscle. Finally, and most importantly, I have to keep my attitude positive. If that falters, I lose.

There are still bad periods in each day. I still suffer debilitating fatigue in the late afternoons. I still experience periods of numbness in one area or another temporarily. I still use my walker. I still have to rest throughout my day. I'm realizing and understanding now that these may be my lifelong hardships. Here's where the attitude adjustment comes in.

I'm still going to work my tail off. I've got 12 more days left in this critical first 28 day period. I know I can make a lot more connections and regain a lot more strength in that time. Onward...

2 comments:

katycatfight said...

I'm thrilled to read this great news. You work harder than anyone else I know on earth. I have you in my thoughts often, Dawn. You are one kick ass woman!

shiny happy me said...

Rock on Dawn, you are doing awesome! I love you, Kir