I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Off-Topic => Off-Topic: Talk about anything you want. => Topic started by: Ohio Buckeye on April 25, 2008, 12:35:04 PM

Title: This is hard!
Post by: Ohio Buckeye on April 25, 2008, 12:35:04 PM
This is hard learning to walk again.
I'm only supposed to start out walking 10 mins. at a time and sitting with it on
an hour at a time.  Then take it off and look to see if I have any red spots.
I don't have trouble sitting with it on and today increased tht by 15 mins. but walking is so scary.
Yesterday I didn't quite make it 10 mins.  It is so strange and I always had an off-balance
feeling like I was going t toplle over.  And that was using a walker.
He said when I start therapy it will really help.
I hope I can do this.  Right now the thought of walking without a walker seemss very far away.
Not discouraged, just tellin' it like it is.

Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: okarol on April 25, 2008, 12:37:25 PM
It sounds tough OB, I imagine it's a slow process.
Hang in there!  :cuddle;
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: monrein on April 25, 2008, 12:54:59 PM
I can't even imagine.  It really is a case of one step at a time.  Keep on keepin on. :grouphug;
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: bolta72 on April 25, 2008, 01:31:25 PM
Yes, just take your time, we have a guy in our center who after getting his leg did a couple of months therapy and now is doing really well. He's working on going up stairs now. He says take your time and keep your chin up. Good luck and go get em.
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: willieandwinnie on April 25, 2008, 01:37:39 PM
:cuddle; OB. Just take your time and if you can't do 10 minutes today, try again tomorrow. You are a strong women. I'll be thinking about you.
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: rose1999 on April 25, 2008, 01:38:35 PM
We're all with you and willing you along  :cuddle;
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: thegrammalady on April 25, 2008, 04:38:10 PM
you CAN do this. i'm sure the world just doesn't seem right, take your time, keep at it and it will come eventually.
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: paris on April 25, 2008, 06:07:06 PM
OB,  baby steps.  I will be thinking of you and sending good thoughts.  You have come so far and have incredible strength -- you are a miracle.  Lots of love and good wishes :grouphug;
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: petey on April 25, 2008, 06:42:13 PM
OB -- The fact that you're up walking any at all I'm going to consider a miracle.  You must be one tough cookie!  You keep going.  If tomorrow you walk just one more minute than you did today, that's progress.  Keep it up!  I'm rooting for you.  Go, OB, go!  :bandance;
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: jbeany on April 25, 2008, 06:48:52 PM
You can do it, Buckeye!   :grouphug;
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: Ang on April 25, 2008, 07:29:41 PM
ob


  before  you  realise  it  you'' ll  be  running  all  over  the  place :thumbup; :clap;
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: Sluff on April 25, 2008, 07:31:42 PM
OB you are so courageous to be trying to walk again.  :waving; All the muscle and tendons are not used to being used and stretched again. Don't give up, you and I will be dancing in Chicago together.   :cuddle;
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: kitkatz on April 26, 2008, 08:29:47 AM
We have been there and don that.  Take small steps every day.  I know it feels like forever now, but soon you will be walking with that walker like you had it forever, then with a cane, then without.  Victor is adjusting to a new leg now and it has been a struggle.

Know You are a hero in my eyes!
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: Psim on April 26, 2008, 09:42:46 AM
Thinking of you, OB. Hope every day gets a little bit easier.
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: willieandwinnie on April 26, 2008, 09:45:12 AM
OB, how are you doing today? Just thinking about you.  :cuddle;
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: Ohio Buckeye on April 27, 2008, 06:09:39 PM
Saturday I did 5 mins. and 7 mins. walking.
Increased the sitting time.
The walking with a walker is so hard to do.  I feel real tense and
hang on so tightly for life it seems. I am so afraid of losing my balance
and falling over.  If I want to drive, go back home, play with my
grandson, walk, I need to learn to do this somehow. 
I wish I could relax more and loosen up.
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: aharris2 on April 27, 2008, 07:14:43 PM
 :grouphug;
Hang in there OB. You want it and you will succeed!
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: The Wife on April 27, 2008, 07:21:52 PM
You are doing this OB.  Every step is a success.  Every time you sit is a success.  I can't even begin to imagine what this must be like but I can send you lots and lots of love your way. 

Celebrate every step you take and know that there are many 'walking' beside you.

 :grouphug; :grouphug; :grouphug;

Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: rose1999 on April 27, 2008, 10:50:42 PM
Like the others have said, we are all willing you to do this.  Have you tried slow deep breaths once you are standing and before you start to walk to see if they help you relax a little?  You will do it, I have every confidence in you.  :cuddle;
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: Romona on April 28, 2008, 04:38:47 AM
 :grouphug;
We are rooting for you!
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: willieandwinnie on April 28, 2008, 05:10:25 AM
OB, Don't be so hard on yourself. Take your time and when you are ready, things will just happen. Wanted you to know that I was thinking of you.  :cuddle;
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: kitkatz on April 28, 2008, 05:29:35 AM
Things happen slowly when you are learning to walk again. At first it feels like forever, then suddenly it all happens and you and the walker are walking everywhere. That is what happened to Victor it was a few months with the walker and putting the leg on for the day while he used the wheelchair.  Remember it has only been two years since his accident as of May 26 and he is walking now without a cane most of the time.  If you need support just holler through email.
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: Ohio Buckeye on May 05, 2008, 11:14:39 AM
Today I go fo therapy evaluation to see what I need and how often.
I have improved with the walker but have a way to go yet before I can get to the cane.
I have a walker with wheels now but don't feel ready for wheels yet.
This sure is a learning experience.

Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: Ambo on May 05, 2008, 12:46:28 PM
OB, patience kimo sabe... patience and time, you can do this!  Keep strong.
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: boxman55 on May 05, 2008, 05:11:55 PM
You are my strength hang in there...Boxman
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: flip on May 05, 2008, 07:02:34 PM
You will make it, Buckeye because you are strong.
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: kitkatz on May 05, 2008, 07:31:05 PM
It sure is a learning experience.
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: Ohio Buckeye on May 05, 2008, 07:54:13 PM
Therapy went well.
She said I was doing grreat.
Gave me exercises to do. 
Might ride stationary bicycle next time.
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: rose1999 on May 05, 2008, 11:00:05 PM
 :yahoo; You must feel very encouraged by that, well done you, keep at it  :2thumbsup;
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: monrein on May 06, 2008, 02:55:22 PM
Glad to hear it OB.  Perseverance is our specialty. 
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: thegrammalady on May 06, 2008, 02:59:08 PM
good for you, i'm glad to hear it.
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: Ohio Buckeye on May 07, 2008, 08:12:46 PM
Therapy went well today.
Was tired.
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: flip on May 07, 2008, 09:06:36 PM
Buckeyes are tough, OB, almost as tough as hillbillies (lol). Hang in there, Bud. You will make it.
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: kitkatz on May 07, 2008, 09:36:03 PM
You can do this therapy stuff. Soon you will look back on all of this just like we are wondering how time got going so fast!
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: Ohio Buckeye on May 13, 2008, 03:07:50 PM
Therpy went well but was tiring.
She worked me for an hour.
I rode the stationary bicycle.  That was nice.  Felt good to do a normal thing.
She said I had better balance walking this time.
There was a guy there who had to hold a weight in each habd and balance himself on one of the big rubber balls on his stomach.
I watched him and the therapist said "You'll do that next week."
I laiughed and said you'd have to call someone to help pick me off of the floor.
She laughed and said she was just kidding.  Thank God.
I don't know what he was there for.



Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: rose1999 on May 13, 2008, 10:40:43 PM
So pleased that it's going well.  When I read about the weights and ball I was going to ask for  :pics; So glad she was joking!
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: paris on May 14, 2008, 03:00:36 PM
Dear OB, I have been thinking of you so much the past two weeks.  You are all I think about when I am at PT for my hip. I can't complain because you are dealing with so much more. So when they tell me to do something 20 times, I gladly do it, knowing how strong you are with all you are going through.  Thanks for being an inspiration to all of us. You show such grace in all you do.    :cuddle;
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: Romona on May 14, 2008, 03:39:46 PM
 :grouphug;
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: Ohio Buckeye on May 15, 2008, 03:36:20 PM
Thank you for your kind words Paris.
I'm just doing what I have to do. 
Thank you all for your words of encouragement and hugs.
Today went well tho I was so tired before I even got there. 
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: monrein on May 15, 2008, 04:17:20 PM
Thinking of you OB.
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: Psim on May 15, 2008, 06:23:34 PM
You are working so hard, OB! And it sounds like the results are good. Slow but good. Your perseverance is inspiring.
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: Ohio Buckeye on May 22, 2008, 03:12:35 PM
Today's therapy went well.
I advanced to a walker with wheels.
I was afraid it would go faster than  me but it did ok.
I did one little step up and one small step downa plastic step about 2" high.
Hanging onto walker on one side, exercise equip. on other side and a person in front and behind me.
I was scared.
She says in 2-3 wks. she thinks I will be ready for a four pronged cane.  I sure don't feel ready for that yet.
She worked me hard today.  was tired.
go back Tues.


Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: kidney4traci on May 22, 2008, 05:36:10 PM
Awesome - congrats on the great results from your hard work!  It must make you happy a bit to get more mobile again.  You will get there!! Keep it up and thanks for the updates.  You are amazing!
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: Ohio Buckeye on May 29, 2008, 03:10:29 PM
Today was a good day.
I got my permanent leg that looks like a leg instead of a metal pole.
That does something for one mentally.
The prosthesist said I was doing great.  I don't feel that way
as I feel like I still have so far to progress but he said compared to what
he sees daily I am doing great.  I walked the railing holding on with one hand
instead of both.  Therapy had to be cancelled because time ran over getting the leg.
I hope son I can do steps and get back home.

Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: Ang on May 29, 2008, 03:56:15 PM
way  to  go  OB,
 :yahoo;  keep  up  the  great  work, inspiring :2thumbsup;
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: monrein on May 29, 2008, 08:37:25 PM
Keep up the good work OB.  It's great that the prosthesist thinks you're doing well.   I really admire your persevering spirit. :cuddle;
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: kitkatz on May 31, 2008, 10:08:51 PM
You know as I watched Victor go through each step I kept reminding myself that step by step we could get through it! I know there will be times when screaming is all you want do in frustration.  But remember we are here to support you!  :bestwishes; :bandance; :bandance;
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: thegrammalady on June 01, 2008, 12:12:22 AM
keep putting one foot (you really do have 2 now) in front of the other, one step at a time. i'm sure you're doing great, keep up the good work and know we luv ya.
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: Sluff on June 01, 2008, 04:24:24 AM
Do hope you feel better about your progress soon, don't get discouraged. Think where you were a year ago.
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: rose1999 on June 01, 2008, 05:40:22 AM
OB you're doing great, it must feel so much better to have a leg that looks like a leg.   :cuddle; We are all with you, every step of the way  :grouphug;
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: Ohio Buckeye on June 03, 2008, 12:16:09 PM
Well, therapy went ok yesterday.
I was exhausted when I left.
She had me walk about 5-6 steps with a cane and holding onto her arm with the right hand and someone else
going along behind with the wheelchair in case I felt as if I was going to fall backwards.
It was so scary for me.  I didn't feel as if I was ready for that yet.
She said even 5-6 steps was good tho and we would increase it each time.
Next time she wants me to use a 4 pronged cane. 
Made walking with the wheel walker seem a lot easier tho. 
Practiced going up and down backwards on a small step about 2" high.
Holding on to both sides and person in front and back.  As soon as I can do steps safely
I want to get back home.  I miss my house.  I'm sorting my stuff today, throwing out what I don't
need and putting into a box things I'm not using right now. (winter gloves, etc.).
I keep wondering how you get to he place where you can walk without a cane or any aid.
Wish I could just put one foot in front of the other and take off.  Seems like I could now with
2 legs and 2 feet. 
The prosthesist forgot to tell me how to get my leg off Thurs when I got it and they were closed
and I called a friend and she called a guy who has an artificial leg and he called me and there
was a release button under the skinlike material.  Thank God I didn't have to sleep i it. 
It is funny now but wasn't then. 
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: rose1999 on June 03, 2008, 12:35:18 PM
You are doing so well, I hope you will be back home soon, no place like home is there.  I know it must be hard but I'm so proud and in awe of you. :grouphug;
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: kidney4traci on June 03, 2008, 02:33:27 PM
Thank you for sharing, it makes me realize how even daily routines are not to be taken for granted.  I am humbled by your daily routine now, as it sounds like everything is a stuggle, but you seem to be handeling it so well.  Bless you and keep up the updates.
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: monrein on June 09, 2008, 08:29:28 AM
OB,  I wonder if you know how much of an inspiration you are to so many of us?  Your grace in handling all you have to is a real example for me as I try also to cope with what is on my plate.  You don't deserve to have to go through all that you are but you sure deserve our admiration.  Sending you a big hug and the wish that getting around with that new leg will soon be second nature for you.

Gail
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: okarol on June 09, 2008, 10:04:31 AM
I am so proud of you OB, you've really made incredible progress from where you were only a few months ago!
I am glad you didn't have to sleep with the prosthesis on - good idea to call a friend!
Keep going - you're doing great!  :waving;
Title: Re: This is hard!
Post by: mikey07840 on June 09, 2008, 08:34:45 PM
 :grouphug; Hang in there... I am thinking of you and praying for you! 
Mikey