Monday, June 16, 2008

Memory Monday Part Three...

The big blue beast.

Me and my chair, cause that's how I roll. September 2007


July 14, 2007

Home at last! The flight was a bit of a nightmare. I kept fainting in the wheelchair at the airport and told Tom to tell them I was sleeping so they would let me on the plane.

My neighbor Shelly had found a wheelchair at the thrift store for $40. It is retro and functional and has made the rounds. When I was finished with it a High School girl used it for a leg injury. It is now being used by a woman expecting triplets who was put on bed rest.

We hired my friend Jennifer to be my care taker. She was more like my nanny, not my kid's nanny, mine. She did everything for me, laundry, chauffeur, cook and therapist. She kept me sane and laughing. She's the best! She even let me pretend that I was Victoria Beckham and she was my personal assistant. I was on drugs...major. Say that with an English accent.

I received physical therapy at home for the first few weeks. At first I wasn't sure if my physical therapist was G or E. He was european and I enjoyed his accent. Of course I learned all about his girlfriend and personal history...I'm good at that.

Going to the Center for Physical Therapy and exercise became my job. I spent two and a half hours there three times a week. I fondly refer to them as my physical terrorists. I advanced to aqua therapy. It felt so great to walk in the warm pool. I was non weight bearing for 10-12 weeks. I progressed to partial weight bearing of 10 pounds a week until I was full weight bearing. They actually have you stand with one leg on the scale so you can see what it feels like to add weight each week. Learning to walk was the hardest thing I've ever done. I was fascinated with babies, they make it look so easy. I was slowly regaining independence and couldn't wait to drive.

12 comments:

Liz said...

Hi Diane!! It's Liz! Thanks for 'finding' me after all these years. Your story reminds me of your mom's bike accident. As I recall, she was bed-ridden with a broken scapula, as well as other injuries, and you were her nanny! You were pretty good at it, too! Good to hear from you, keep in touch!

Hollyween said...

Whoa. I missed a lot while I was on vacation, I had to go back and read parts one and two! You are AMAZING! That is no small trial. Having to use a bedpan alone would be so hard. Congratulations for making it through it (and for making it on the airplane and pretending like you're Victoria Beckham).

Annemarie said...

Love the pics of pics!

alison said...

will you send Jennifer to my house?

The Family Rasheed said...

I remember taking care of my mother after her double knee replacement surgery. I thought that was tough, but what you experience has her beat hands down.

Also, you would make an awesome Posh!

Unknown said...

hey diane!
I've been reading up on you and your injury - and wow!! is this why you have so many shoes and show them off? To show that you can stand on two feet finally? :)

I tell you what - you don't know what you have until you don't have it anymore. Thanks for being an inspiration on getting through tough times!

*katie said...

How nice that it's all just a memory now!!

Sunshine said...

You are an inspiration to us all! For your wonderful attitude, for your fabulous fashion sense, and your sassiness. I love you and am so glad you are walking again!

Ilene said...

So did you learn any tricks on your wheelchair? Join any para-olympic basketball teams? I bet you would have rocked it out on your thrift store wheelchair.

Brigitta said...

I can't believe how badly you got hurt. So sad!! What an ordeal, so glad you can walk again. Sounds like a nice spiritual Sunday marathon you had yesterday. We had one too the other weekend. When one child got baptized and confirmed and then the baby got blessed. And it was Fast Sunday so of course I had to get up because I basking in the spiritual goodnes of it all. Love those moments

ferntyler said...

I love hearing the details in the story I missed before - I didn't know you were fainting in the wheelchair! one of my favorite sayings : cause that's how I roll :)

gab said...

Wow. You are a strong woman!

Thanks for sharing this memory...makes me a little more grateful for the everyday blessings I take for granted.