I just returned from Kansas City and staying with my sister and brother-in law. It was a follow-up appointment to pick up my leg brace that I was measured for last week. Elizabeth thought I needed at least 2 days to get the brace, wear it, and get reviewed by a physical therapist. She was absolutely correct. It took 4 trips to the orthotist to make all the necessary tweaks. Once again I was humbled by Tracy, the physical therapist. She tries to fine tune my walking, teach me how to get up off the floor in the event that I fall and work my left arm since I tend to ignore it. I give myself a D+ for the work I did with Tracy. I have a major mental block when it comes to trusting my left leg and putting all my weight on it. This is particularly important when it comes to stepping up on curbs. I have to be able to put all my weight on the left leg. It is absolutely imperative that I learn to do this. For example, if I want to be able to step up on curbs unassisted, here is the process: I lift my right leg up onto the curb and follow with my left. It’s something that comes very natural to most folks. For me, after I place my right foot up, I get nervous, paralyzed and can’t move my left foot up I literally freeze, become paralyzed. I think it is my fear of falling And the many stitches from previous falls. It is so strange because there are three people ready to catch me if I fall in this safe environment. It’s a total mental thing. It is very frustrating because if I would just put all the weight in my left leg, rely on my cane for balance, I could totally walk more normal. I am open for suggestions on how to accomplish this The good news is my new blue snake skin brace fits great and is pretty cool – Hello summer dresses and shorts!
As always, I had a wonderful time at my sister-in-law's, chez Johnson. She and her husband give me the red carpet treatment they wait on me so much that it becomes a problem when I return home. Restoring order can be a tall order. But someone has to do it.
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