The last test the neurologist ordered showed my right, carotid artery blocked. It's inoperable, yet a most amazing thing happened. Smaller arteries expanded and took over the task. I'm getting enough blood because of that. He also said some new arteries have grown... I didn't know the body could do that. Did you?
Setting therapy appointments has been difficult, as I'm not driving but relying on my god-daughter to help me. On Monday, August 8th, we went for my evaluation for physical therapy. There was a battery of 14 tests. the best score is 56 points - I scored 46! The therapist was very excited and told me I should be able to fully regain my balance, coordination, and lost skills. Though I went in with a lack of confidence... now I feel somewhat relieved.
The physical therapist has also arranged for me to meet with an occupational therapist too. This hopefully will help me regain my typing and painting skills. Life has been a bit boring, and I might add, a bit scary. Three blogs are sitting idle, and I have a couple paintings that are waiting to be finished! So finally - I'm scheduled for therapy! Beginning this Friday, August 12th, I'll be learning things to help regain my "normal" life. The great part is - I get to stay home and do specific exercises for my situation. No rehab center is necessary.
I never realized how the left and right sides of the body work together, while also working independently. It's quite amazing!
Because I have a serious balance issue, I've had to let go of the yard work. Not to be discouraged, I decided to put new plants in clay pots. Both plants need trellises to grow on, so the next task is building something simple to let them climb.
The Loofah plant fruit can be eaten if picked while still young and tender. I understand it has a taste like cucumber or zucchini. If you wait to harvest later the fruit becomes "loofah sponge," which is my goal. My plant is about 16 inches now, but this photo is how it looked earlier on.
The Passion Flower plant has fruit that is also edible. Have you ever had passion fruit?
I'll close now. Typing is still such a chore. I miss all of you, and thank you for the prayers, and keeping me in your thoughts. While I'm online this week, I'll try to visit everyone!
Thank you, (smile).
That's great news! Amazing how the body can heal itself although I didn't know it could grow new parts.
ReplyDeleteDive into that therapy and heal completely. We've missed you.
I certainly had no idea the brain could do this, either. It brought tears to my eyes the moment the doctor explained!
DeleteAlex, I'm so ready to be 'me' again. I've missed you too. Thanks.
That IS great news -- and amazing how nature has built in alternatives for the health and safety of the body. Your positive attitude in finding ways to enjoy your plants without strenuous gardening probably helps as well. All best wishes for your continued recovery.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, I do miss gardening, but the imbalance messes with the effort to play. I have a potting table just outside my back door. It has become a mini-garden now!
DeleteI hope you're well. Thank you.
such a relief to hear you're getting better! Does it only stop you in typing and painting, or also in all other handy jobs around the house? How do you spend time without being able to steady use your hands? Stay strong and positive!
ReplyDeleteDezmond, Life is really weird. Trying to brush or even wash my hair is difficult. Thank goodness I have that neighbor who does construction work. He's been very helpful!!
DeleteI have resorted to watching 'You Tube' documentaries, movies, and my favorite... Airplane Crash Investigations. That may sound morbid, but it distracts me. In between times, I take my walker and go outside. It's best I don't sit so long.
Thank you, Dezz. I'm working it, dahlink!
Dixie you are a shinning example to us all. I hope all goes well for you with your therapy and to think those new arterys growing is like a miracle.Good luck, I will be thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
Yvonne, I am so relieved with the artery news too.
DeleteThank you. You are also in my thoughts, (smile).
That's a real surprise to me Dixie! But a nice one. Isn't nature wonderful? Wishing you a speedy and complete recovery asap.
ReplyDeleteCLICK HERE for Bazza’s fabulous Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
Isn't it, Bazza!? Thank you.
DeleteBy the way, I enjoyed your new painting post. Gave me quite a chuckle.
Wow, never knew we could grow new arteries. Recovery sure does take time and time and time ugg lol but you'll get there.
ReplyDeleteTime that seems to crawl at times... other times it moves faster than I'd like it to... (smile).
DeleteHang in there, Dixie Dear. A rescue is being thought of. My brother-in-law had blocked arteries and lived a long and happy live in spite of being married to my sister. I have faith that you will get better and better as he did. And you don't have to be anywhere near my sister!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Oh Janie... you crack me up. At this point in time, I am glad there's not a spouse to consider. I would probably feel like a burden.
DeleteIt's tough not being online reading and commenting with all of my blog pals. I appreciate your faith... mine is uplifted when I read all of the comments!!
I didn't know the body would do that either. I have a 70% blocking in my carotid artery on one side. Wonder if my body is doing something else. If you have a balance problem and can get somewhere to learn T'ai Chi, I am a big advocate of that for balance in particular. When I first started to learn, there was a woman with Meunières Disease who could not stand on her own and was having to hold on to chairs all the time. A few months of learning T'ai Chi she was walking around normally like the rest of us with excellent balance. Because I learned it too, I have the best balance in our seniors exercise class.
ReplyDeleteJo, that is so interesting! T'ai Chi.... I'll look in to that too... maybe ask the therapist. My balance has always been affected by Fibromyalgia... now it's worse. Time will tell.
DeleteThanks, Jo, I hope summer brings you a lot of fun.
HI Dixie!
ReplyDeleteSo nice to hear from you...and some positive news!
Take it slow and easy...miss you!
Cheers! My friend...
Linda :o)
Oh Linda, I'm missing your wonderful photos. I'll visit today.
DeleteSow and easy is about the only mode I can do right now. I haven't even been on Facebook in a long time.
Cheers to you, Linda!
Sending prayers and good thought to you for full recovery. I had no idea at all that our body could grow new arteries. very cool!!
ReplyDeleteTake care!
It is very cool. I hope you got moved successfully! I did stop by for your post yesterday... I had to know what 'hootin' news you had!
DeleteThank you for the prayers and good thoughts!
Most excellent, Dude!
ReplyDelete>>... The therapist was very excited and told me I should be able to fully regain my balance, coordination, and lost skills.
What, and give up your run for the White House?!
Oh, shoot. Whenever I find I'm losing my balance, coordination and skills, I know it's simply a sign that I'm sobering up again. "Quick! To the Batkeg!"
(Smile) Seriously, my friend, this is good news that I'm happy to have received. We BOTBers are looking forward to your return. Right after you became such an E-Ticket BOTBer, you had to stop. No fair! (See you back soon, eh?)
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'
'Sir Bat-Carthy'
DeleteI suppose I could take the white house by storm... just roll up with my walker, share my platform, then exit stage right! Right?
I feel incredibly blessed. This late in the game and still able to have therapy. As soon as I can get that balance I intend to do the 'Happy God Dance'.
August is full of therapy sessions. I really lucked out being able to schedule so many each week.
BOTB is so much fun but instead of searching out songs I'm watching documentaries to distract me. Ain't nothing but a thing. This too shall pass... in fact some come with music I might could take advantage of...hmm.
If I were able to cross my fingers, I'd do it. Don't give up on me yet. There's always a tune in my heart!
Thans, Mac, (smile).
That's awesome! The human body is certainly amazing, isn't it? Well, when it's trying to repair you, anyway. Things like "I'm making kidney stones for you!" seem like a not very cool human feature.
ReplyDeleteWe both hope you continue to feel better and better!
Thanks, and you two start working on that kidney cure... gosh, think of the jokes, er, I mean money, to be made!!!
DeleteYes, I knew the brain could do that, but I'm sorry to hear you're so ill, Dixie. I had no idea. Dezzz told me and I suddenly realized he must have read it in one of your other blogs. I'd been checking you out in the wrong spot, dear. No one's giving up on you.
ReplyDeleteBlue
Thank you, Blue, and as soon as I figure out how to make money from complaining.... well.
DeleteNo, don't give up on me! (smile).
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