Busta Move!

After my release from the hospital last May, I could barely move my body from the prone position. The next few months, I spent most of the day in bed, needing a daily afternoon nap in addition to the 10-11 hrs I slept at night. I was so weak, I couldn't even wiggle around in bed, and I could only sit up on the side of the bed with assistance. My knees were locked from immobility, and I could barely bend them. The home-health physical and occupational therapists, two wonderful women whom I adore, worked hard to get me moving. It was tough and exhausting work everyday, but slowly my strength and stamina began to grow, and my mobility increased. I worked on sitting up longer, began bending my knees, then learned to stand, and finally began walking with the aid of a walker. 

At first, I walked like a stick figure. I didn't bend my knees or swivel my hips, natural motions we learned as children to incorporate into our walking. I also hunched over like an old lady because I couldn't hold my center of balance. My left leg had nerve damage due to a needle-induced blood clot my first week in the hospital. This resulted in a weaker left leg that constantly had the sensation of pins and needles (especially the foot) and didn't respond to my directions well. Retraining my body to move with proper form and posture took great effort and mental focus.  

Today (nine months later), I am able to move around my home fairly easily with a walker. My form and posture are much improved. I still have great difficulty with the left leg, but it is better than it was. I am not yet able to walk distances, so for treks out to the store and such, I use a Go-Go Electric Scooter.It is great for getting around, and while I long for the day I can walk freely, I am having fun on it.