2 Weeks!

I couldn't believe that after a spine injury that left me paralyzed, I was being sent home after only 2 weeks! Not only that, but it was decided just days after my admittance! I arrived on the 20^th of December. Just a few days in, and I was using my wheelchair, getting the hang of transferring on my own, and standing in the standing frame. I felt like I was being punished for recovering quickly. Still! I had read that a typical stay after my type of injury was 4-6 weeks. I was so upset with my insurance company! I wanted to fight it. No! I wanted someone else to fight it! I had SO much going on, that I just couldn't think about what would be involved to argue my case. So I prayed.

At first I prayed to stay longer, feeling that rehab was were I HAD to be. And I asked others to pray with me. I had faith that God would take care of me. My physical therapist was sceptical about me staying longer. However she and others made an effort to get me more time, arguing my case with the insurance company. As I may have mentioned in an earlier post, the facility I was in was out of network, but covered for me because the Kaiser facility was full.

As I kept praying, my prayers became more flexible. “Lord, if you bring me home in 2 weeks, help me to be ready.” I knew I was making remarkeable progress, but in my heart of hearts I wanted to walk out of there. It seemed like if I had even 3 weeks it would happen. When I realized I was going to have to go home in a wheelchair, have a commode in my room, and give myself shots in the stomach for my blood thinner, I was broken hearted. I cried and lamented that I was NOT where I wanted to be in my progress. I didn't want the kids to see me like that. And I was scared. Every time I felt down, God was there. His presence was unmistakeable. Whenever I prayed, he soon filled me with his comfort and joy. (See earlier posts)

Even as this was going on, Christmas trees and decorations were going up in the visitor/gathering room. My focus was on therapy, healing, and prayer. It didn't feel like Christmas to me at all...until...I was surprised with my very own Christmas miracle! My doctor gave me the hope of going home on Christmas day! However, there were a few things that had to be done before I was released for an outing. I had to have a home home visit with my OT. Sam and I had to be cleared for wheelchair transfers and be able to navigate steps and doorways. And I believe we were watching how I was doing medically. It wasn't a done deal, but it was a good possibility! I cried tears of longing when I first heard the news! I just couldn't tell the boys until I was sure. I had a goal that first week!

And then this...!

My girlfriends from Tuesday night bible study came to see me! (There are even more that couldn't make it that night). They have been such a blessing! Their friendship, laughter and prayers! This picture was taken just before Christmas. I think it was the 23^rd. These ladies surprised me with so many gifts! A warm cozy blanket to snuggle with (so much nicer than hospital linens), a coloring book and pencils, snacks, and even a tiny christmas tree! I was SO surprised and touched. Having them there felt like the beginning of Christmas for me. Not only that, but they bought and wrapped all of the presents for my 2 boys. Sam didn't even have to think about shopping! Our boys were being loved and taken care of, and of course so were we!

That night we talked, laughed and prayed together. Of course we asked God to help me get home for Christmas day. These ladies brought/bring me so much joy! Then the next day, my dear friend brought me one final surprise. After visiting me, they had stayed up late to personalize a journal bible for me. They had picked out encouraging verses to write and illustrate along the margins. It made me cry. Can you tell I am quick with my tears? I always have been. Quick to smile and quick to cry. Often doing both at the same time! Like this day. And also....Christmas Day!!!

I made it! I found out Christmas Eve that I could go! When my oldest asked if I was going to be home for Christmas, I got to say “Yes!”. It was fantastic! It was exhausting! But I made it! God is good! And these boys got more presents that year than we would ever have purchased on my our own! Thanks ladies for caring for my kids so abundantly! Our family felt so loved by your generosity.

Rehab: Part 2

Ok, trying to recall a typical day in rehab recap: sleepless night, rush to eat, dress, wash up, brush teeth, and dress, maybe meet with doctors and then OT meets me in my bed at 8am. OT work with dressing, getting into wheelchair using slide-board technique, getting in the car, and eventually getting home and into the house!

It's all a blur now, but I think I had a period of time after that which was filled with a variety of appointments. Sometimes my doctors, a social worker, therapist, and calls from Kaiser. I also had to squeeze in lunch, medicines, bathroom schedule (because I was not yet going on my own and they didn't want my bladder to explode like a popped balloon;). And sometimes I would just grab a nap if I could. I believe I was scheduled for group exercise in the gym, but I often missed it or only went some days because of all of the above. I felt frantic to make my appointments and felt horrible when I missed them, but I had to take care of these things and the schedule was SO tight. Finally, I came to the point where I accepted that a nap was as much a part of my recovery as exercise. Plus, I really wanted to feel good in my favorite class: Physical therapy. I had a GREAT therapist. Her name was Jennifer. I loved her! She was firm, but fun. And very encouraging. She would get excited with me. This is me my first time standing up in a standing frame.

At first, I could only stand for a few minutes. In time I could go longer. And then Jen started throwing balls at me to catch! She made it fun! We started with stretching. I loved it! I can't tell you how good it felt to move my body after weeks in bed and in a wheelchair!

When we were done, I had some free time for dinner. Then there was an evening class that everyone was invited to. It covered topics related to spinal cord injury. Alot of it was self-care: Checking your skin (because you don't have feeling skin can become damaged or cut without you knowing), bladder care, bowel programs (you don't want to know), spine injury levels and getting a better understanding of spinal cord injury. One thing many people don't know is that your central nervous system regulates your temperature and blood pressure. I remember how cold my feel felt when I got home and was going without my blood pressure binder.

There were one or two evenings that was based more on us sharing why we were there with the group and questions we might have. I loved those times. It was great to talk about what was going on with people who understood and to hear their stories. There were several of us with young families. We also had former patients come back and share their recovery stories.

I think by 8 or 9pm, I was pretty beat. It took a little to get ready for bed.

I should mention that most of the day I had my mom or Sam or my sister with me. I often had the kids brought by in the evening for dinner together. There were some days I was just too tired. But when they came, they did great! They played in the courtyard, we ate together, and just were happy to see each other.

I guess that covers what my days were like. Busy, exhausting, productive.

I knew I was in the best place for me.

I was shocked to learn I would only be there for 2 weeks!