Today I went up four steps and back down, multiple times. That is the first time I've done that in over 10 months. So, with that under my belt, I figured what better time to talk about my OT/PT experiences.
When I got a bit more stable we started to partake in physical therapy. To start with, it was merely a 30 minute session on just trying to get my fingers to move. I was as weak as a stray kitten and my limbs showed it. I lost a lot of weight when I was unconscious so naturally my muscle mass went away. I was stone and jello and I'm still trying to figure out how that was.
But as with anything, time moved forward and I gradually found myself being able to hold a hand, turn my neck, move my jaw. I was mute for a decent while, a tracheostomy blocking my voice. I hated that. Me and my husband tested and trailed various methods in a bid for me to communicate with him. It started with some looking up or looking down for yes or no. Then once I could get a bit clearer in the head, he would hold up a sheet of letters and go line by line, letter to letter, trying to figure out what I was asking or saying. I'd be lying if I said it was probably the most frustrating experience of both our lives. I would end up getting upset at myself and throwing in the towel, leaving him feeling helpless. If you're ever in that situation, I can't stress enough that both of you have to show a tremendous amount of patience. It is vital.
And again, time moved forward and I started to get more control over my body. This was months of work so forgive me tor jumping ahead to now, but I want to document where I was upon returning home in June 2026 to now.
PT at the hospital was vital to my recovery and I can't show enough thankfulness to the ARU in Dominican Hospital in Sequel, California, for all their help. I had two regular physical therapists who got me from A to B in a matter of weeks. It took effort on all our parts, but as I'll continue to say; I am my Mother's daughter. Stubbornness is in my genetics.
Coming home had an element of shock. It was like traveling alone for the first time, you were solely responsible for your well being. I kept and do keep a solid routine with moving my body beyond the two sessions of at-home physical therapy I get each week. I've found setting a timer and listening to an audiobook whilst doing my reps helpful as it distracts me well enough and I'm doing something I enjoy whilst pushing myself. So, if you're getting PT and struggle to motivate yourself, I recommend that. Even a 20 minute sitcom could be an option. Move for every minute of that show and then take a rest. Got it in you for another episode? Do it.
I find there's a balancing act of being in control of your own PT. It's very easy to keep putting it off in a bid to do something more enjoyable and not as exhausting. But you have to put in the work to reach your goals. I had the goal of being able to bridge for literal months until I could, but it was there. My finish line. So I worked towards it. Now I bridge everyday when I'm dressing myself.
OT has been a great help in showing me how to safely do daily tasks that offer me more independence; dressing, showering, cooking, etc. There's something about independence that helps you mentally when going through health issues. When I put on a cardigan for the first time without help, I cried. It felt monumental. Cherish those small victories. Nothing is too silly.
So, yeah. Today I walked up four steps which gives me the option of watching TV in a different room. Will I? Probably not as I never did before, but I have the option and that's a reward in and of itself.
So, yeah. Today I walked up four steps which gives me the option of watching TV in a different room. Will I? Probably not as I never did before, but I have the option and that's a reward in and of itself.
I'll update you soon,
- Anne. X
Oh, cute workout clothes help too. Just FYI.
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