Blog : Disabled, but not really

1149 posts
1/21/2022 9:42 am

Disabled, but not really

The path to recovery is a rocky one. I like to think of it like climbing Sugarloaf Mountain.
There are two paths up Sugarloaf, the easy one and the hard one. Many inexperienced hikers and tourists take the easy path, it meanders through the shaded woods, with boards walks, steps, and benches...ultimately taking an hour to two. It is a pretty woodland trail. Those who take the hard path soon find out there is nothing truly hard about it. It is a little steep at times, there are no benches. There are some rocks to make it around, some streams to get over. There is a lovely summit just over half way with a view of the entire county ( so gorgeous). In the end, the hard path is not much more work and takes half the time of the easy path and very much worth the effort.
How does this relate to recovery?
From the first day I met with PT/OT in the hospital, I chose the hard path. It was some combination of magic and miracle for them to assist me getting out of bed that first time, and I never got back in. In the bed I was reliant on others for everything. In the chair, I could use my leg power to get up and down, I could walk. I still needed help, but much less of it. If you put your hands together at mid chest, as if to pray, anything you could reach and do from that position, that was my mobility. They were not even considering releasing me, when I began asking "When can I go?" I was told it was at least a three week wait for assisted living. It was 24 hours for me to fake being able to care for myself at home well enough to escape....lol. I took the short path. I had a care team of friends and family and still do for many things. I find out that the orthopedics doctor would have expected someone with my injuries to still be in assisted living. Instead I am home, where everything creates a challenge and a new way to heal. although I lose patience, I am healing far faster than expected.

TwilightSpirit 56F

1243 posts
1/21/2022 9:43 am

I can't wait for this to be a memory.

Koffla 68M

12202 posts
1/21/2022 10:25 am

I am sorry to hear about your health issues. Hang in there, get well soon.

TwilightSpirit replies on 1/21/2022 6:50 pm:
Thank you, They say it is just going to take time.

Rocketship 79F

18563 posts
1/21/2022 11:22 am

YOU'RE ROCKING THIS!!!

Just keep doing what you're doing..... Just don't push to a point of re-damaging anything.

TwilightSpirit replies on 1/21/2022 6:59 pm:
Dear Rocket...that is where all my years in the medical world come in handy. Being on this side of the fence is all new though. I will be careful not to hurt myself, but to get the best healing as fast as possible....big hugs.....I will have some gorgeous shoulders at the end of all this, all the workouts

p1947q 77M

1/21/2022 4:24 pm

I haven't known you long and I don't really know you well but I am convinced that if anyone could the "medical timeline" in recovering it would be you. Your courage, your perseverance, your attitude, the strength of your character. Keep up the good work, but but paraphrasing what Rocket said - don't over-do it.

Life is not about weathering the storm - it is about learning to dance in the rain

TwilightSpirit replies on 1/21/2022 7:49 pm:
Thank you Chuck. I promise not to push too hard. I am, however going to push...lol. I hope you are liking all the people you are meeting here, it is a little hard to keep up for new people, but stick around and you will get there. So many wonderful, fabulous people here. Just remember to keep feeling just ducky

starwomyn 70F

8871 posts
1/21/2022 9:22 pm

I learned along time ago that the medical folks don't have all the answers and I have to come up with my own solutions. It sounds like you took the path that is best for you. Bright Blessings

Abracadabra

jiminycricket1 74M

13732 posts
1/21/2022 9:45 pm

Reaching the top condition is not measured by what you gain
It's measured by what don't lose.

Maudie1 74F

8151 posts
1/21/2022 10:20 pm

Wishing you a very speedy recovery.

FriendInHemet 55M

1 post
1/21/2022 11:12 pm

Strength is as Strength does - You young lady are a woman of Strength - Positive thinking and the strength of determination and grit - you will find a path for you.

Archer62 83F

7077 posts
1/22/2022 7:44 am

YOU WERE FORTUNATE TO BE ABLE TO LEAVE SO EASILY. OVER HERE, IF YOU WANT TO LEAVE THE HOSPITAL, YOU HAVE TO PROVE YOU ARE ABLE TO TAKE A SHOWER ON YOUR OWN, SHOP AND ALL. OTHERWISE HAVE TO ESCAPE SOMEHOW OR OTHER.

MrsJoe 76F

17370 posts
1/22/2022 7:53 am

We have had several challenges with Joe's health, including a broken leg, and later an arm. Almost every time he was in the hospital, the staff assumed he would be going to a long term care facility..... NO WAY. We did that for a few days after we got home from a three week stay in the hospital in another state when he broke his leg. NEVER again. It was disastrous and I was appalled at his lack of care, even more so because I am a retired long term care nurse and had worked at the facility for many years.
When he needs it, we have a wonderful home health care group of nurses and therapists. As you already know, the IS no place like home! I wish you continued healing and gaining strength and ability.

Be a prism, spreading God's light and love, not a mirror reflecting the world's hatred.