Message from Pat…
The weeks are going fast now! Laura attends two days of physical therapy in the water at CP Center and in addition one hour open swim 1-2 days a week - practicing all her new moves!! Andrea (physical therapist at CP) continues to be so impressed with Laura’s positive attitude and motivation. The workout she gets in the water continually changes as she progresses through her routine. As Laura has stated numerous times…..”in the water I feel like myself.” To see the mobility she has in the water is such a blessing; the force which fuels her motivation!
Exercises on land are still very challenging. This causes some frustration for Laura, especially knowing how free-flowing movement is for her in the water. Amazing how gravity can work against you!!
After not being able to put much weight on her right leg for over two months, the muscle tone has significantly decreased. It is amazing how quickly muscle decreases and how hard you have to work to get it back!
Another challenge this week was Jett got the flu. I received Laura’s call stating I should stay away for the day to keep me from getting sick. Being the great mom she is, she spent days cleaning up after him……
Thursday we had Laura’s two week follow up appointment with Dr Severance. X-rays were performed of right arm and leg.
In reviewing the films and examining her right arm, he noted that although she is still limited from doing a full stretch of her arm, he felt the tissue was filling in nicely and he was very happy with her progress. Occupational therapy will start next week; delayed due to their full schedule.
Then came review of the x-rays of her right pelvis. Again, he felt the tissue was filling in nicely…..then came the words we have been praying for…..”you can return to full weight bearing on your right leg!” It took a bit for both of us to grasp what he had said…..then the emotions took over! Nine weeks ago I wouldn’t have believed this was possible.
Yes, it will take a lot of work and perseverance to get walking again, but knowing the prayers and good wishes coming her way - it will happen. Knowing Laura…….the next question for Dr Severance was….how long do you think it will take before I can walk? His response was 6-8 weeks; realizing Laura needs the timeframe so she can “crush it.” He spoke of the transition from wheelchair to walker to cane, in accordance with her regaining her strength in the right leg.
In our conversations recently the topic of her returning to driving came up, so I knew we wouldn’t get out of the doctor’s office without discussing that. His response was when she builds enough strength that she can go from gas pedal to the brake pedal in an emergent fashion, then she is ready, again using the timeframe of 6-8 weeks. He also suggested she practice in an empty parking lot prior to resuming to drive. So if you happen to come across a black escalade driving erratically in an empty parking lot…..stay clear, it is probably Laura!!🤣
After the sickness this week and dodging Jayce getting sick, We are now down in Madison for youth state wrestling championships to cheer Jayce on. Laura was able to get to a seat with help from derek and has been very comfortable watching all day! Good luck Jayce and go get ‘em!!’
