I walked into physical therapy today. Judy said, “Did you grow today?” I immediately grinned, and said, “No, but I’d like to! Why?” She grabbed my cane—which has been at the same height all along—and said, “Your cane is too short. Here, this is the right height.” She made the cane one inch higher and […]
Cane High, Attitude Higher Read More »
Thursday is garbage day on our street. And, today, this Thursday, Mark is out of town. He’s due back tonight, but the garbage pickup will be long done by then. When we spoke last night, he said, “Just forget about it. It’s not that much. We can leave the garbage for another week.” Well, maybe
A New Way to Take Out the Garbage Read More »
One of the strange side effects of my hemorrhage was my inability to turn onto my left side while lying down without using my arms. I could roll over to the right, like any three-month old baby or a normal adult. However, I could not roll over to the left without propping myself up on
Roll Over, Johanna Read More »
I had my first dance class post-knee surgery on Wednesday night, 13 weeks to the day after my knee replacement surgery. It was a blazing success! Mark said I didn’t hang on him. Istvan said I didn’t have the death grip. (Just wait Istvan, we didn’t try any reverse turns. I’m sure I’ll have the
Happy Feet Are Here Again Read More »
On my 4-week surgical anniversary, two days ago, I had another physical therapy appointment. I’d been bicycling at the gym, and continuing my modified squats, what I called my stand-ups, and my other exercises. Al said, “Let’s try the cane.” We did. I’m now using the cane during the day. Yay! I still use the
Back to a Cane During the Day Read More »
Today is my three week anniversary of my knee replacement surgery. Two days ago, Monday, I had my first outpatient physical therapy visit. It was great. I knew I had done a good job on my own, and with my home PT. I was close to full extension with my knee, and past 90 degrees
Short on Legs, Long on Determination Read More »
I worked out with Erik yesterday, on something we’ve recently added back into my training: stepping back and forth over obstacles, called hurdles in fitness jargon. These obstacles are the same as the 6″ Step Hurdle we used to use when I worked on general balance before my hemorrhage. Before the hemorrhage, I’d worked up
A Standing Ovation Read More »
I’m in Albuquerque this week, teaching PSL with Esther and Jerry. The last time I was in Albuquerque was last December, 6 months ago, planning the AYE conference with Esther, Jerry, and Don. At the time, I was able to walk about a half block before I needed to sit for a while, because I
Large Contrast in Capability Read More »
I spoke at Philly Emerging Tech this week, and had a major milestone. I was able to walk across the room and speak while walking. For those of you who saw me speak before my hemorrhage, you know I used to walk back and forth, and shake my head and roll my eyes. I was
Small Speaking Success Read More »
I have been achieving some small successes over the past few weeks. My doctors and I have been experimenting with a new medicine which has been helping damp down my vertigo. The results are astonishing. When I have a steady stream of medicine, as in when I wake up in the morning, I don’t stagger
Celebrate Each Success Read More »