February 20, 2020: UNK Note - Day 101

What?

That was my reaction when the Physical therapist arrived today and asked me why I was using the walker.  She said the doctor has ordered that I move to a cane.  "Where is your cane?" was her next question.  I had a cane from some previous back issues that I kept in the guest room, so I found it and brought it to the therapist.  She adjusted the height to match the walker, handed it to me and said "Use this now".

I had no idea how to stand without hanging on to the walker, so this was a challenge.  She told me to use the hand opposite of the injury, and move the cane and the "bad" side in sync.  OK, I was in a panic.  I am, and have been, terrified of another fall.  She knew her stuff though and coached me how to take steps.  We "walked" back and forth through the condo, then she took us to the catwalk and "walked" the catwalk, then she found the door to the stairwell and had me climb a couple of steps before we took it all inside.  I was stunned!

This was my last scheduled physical therapy session at home.  My next series of therapy will be as an outpatient at a facility.  I need to wait until March 1st to get that scheduled because I switch to Medicare on March 1st.

Tarra (exit therapist) told me to continue with my daily exercises, walk as much as possible with the cane, and ... believe it ... walk to the car and start practicing getting in and out of the driver's seat.  Gotta tell you, I heard that part loud and clear!  In my mind, I was on the road again!  Hooray!  I would have done a little dance if I could.  Mid-February and I was getting my wheels back!  Just as I said I would!

Well, let me tell you that I will be driving soon, but I was so sore from walking with the cane that I had to switch back to the walker for a couple of days.