Going back to work - I went back to work on July 23rd despite the anxiety my doctor had. He honestly did not want me back at work until I was able to put both feet on the floor and I wasn't quite there yet. I was however bored, tired of sitting around and in need of earning a living. I also was going back to work to a new job. :) Though I thought that would never happen when I wrecked; I was able to interview (two times) for the new gig after my second surgery. I never would have thought going back to work would pull at my emotions either. I've now worked at the VA 3 years, and had said many times when I went there that I didn't want to form bonds with people. I had my heart broken too many times with circumstances in the past and just wanted to go to work and do that work. Well as it turns out, I guess I have made quite an impact on people (those I work directly with or indirectly). I had so many people (even ones I don't know their names - volunteers, vendors at the stand in the lobby, folks that I would just pass by in the halls) welcome me back, asking what happened, where I had been, etc. Of course, my Radiology pals welcomed me back with open arms even though they knew I would be leaving them soon after. Chad and Karrie were wonderful to me and helped me get to my other workspace everyday. I will miss the opportunity to work with them both everyday, but they know where to find me and likewise I will always stay in touch with them. The ones that blew me away with welcoming me back to work were our leadership. The facility director and Chief of Staff in particular. These two are very important and very busy. I respect both women quite a bit. It was a unique experience to see their faces when my new coworkers rolled me and my wheelchair into a reception one afternoon. They were all shocked to see me, but all seemed to really care that I was back at work. It was one time I actually felt like people cared about me as a person not just and employee. My new department was great - it's mostly nurses so I laughed and said I guess if I needed any medical help, I was in a good place. They all welcomed me and offered to assist with getting me to and from places. Our building has a concrete ramp in and out which is steep. I needed help up and down it. Once off the ramp I could wheel myself where ever I needed to go. By default I could use my walker, but it was tiring and we have a big facility. Our Assoc Director (#2 on the totem pole) even brought me back to my office one day. He's awesome and as much a friend as anything else. My PIC (partner in crime) in my new department is Kim. I had never met her before in my life, but the very first day I was with them, she walked with me to the car where my parents awaited me to take me home. I was not yet allowed to drive, so my parents would be my drivers. Each day Kim walked me out as did Richard this gentleman who works in our supply area. He's just a cool, caring person who made it his responsibility to assist me to the car. The kindest gestures meant so much! And Kim has become one of the best PIC ever! :)
Putting both feet on the floor (weight bearing) - So the magic day was August 1st. This was the day my doctor wanted me to start putting weight on my left leg again. 10 weeks after my crash. Well, it sounds easy, but how am I supposed to just do that? Just do it? Ok. Owwww, no it wasn't my hip hurting, but my foot and my ankle. I guess if you've not been doing anything for weeks and suddenly a heffalump plops her weight down on you stuff stretches back out. Mother of Moses, this was going to be a hoot. Yes I was still using my walker, so off to the livingroom I went, shuffle, slide it out, shuffle. Wait, no Katrina said, put your heel down first and try to do a normal step. OW, yeesh. Another long process, but boy once I started it, I wasn't stopping. I walked every day at lunch. Just up and down the hall, but it was so much better for my hands to start using both feet.
Driving - August 12th - Once I was able to walk with my walker a bit more reliably and could hold myself up in the car (try driving without using your left leg to balance yourself or brace yourself in the car, it will surprise you how much you use both of your legs); I was allowed to start driving. This would mean independence; but of course brought about a RIDICULOUS parking hassle at work. This story actually trumps the ridiculous people in employee health telling me I couldn't use a facility-owned wheelchair because "it's misuse of government property." My reply to that was, "I thought ADA laws protected folks with disabilities not discriminate against them." How fucking stupid.
Physical Therapy Most of the rest of my progress would have happened a whole lot slower without Chris and Johnny at Lucas PT. I knew Wendy Lucas years ago at my very first job, and she is known to be a tough therapist, so I had no doubt she would hire only the best people. I wouldn't have thought about or known to go to the Salem office without the suggestion of Tracy D. who I had also worked with in the past. Tracy is my favorite UVA fan, and I appreciate her speaking up and recommending this office!!! Johnny and Chris were my primary two therapy peeps. They were exceptionally helpful and encouraging. Chris designed a PT routine that wasn't boring and always challenging. I don't think I would have progressed from walker to cane as fast without going to PT and I know for fact I wouldn't have let go of the cane as fast. I had to work hard at PT, and it was not without a fair share of pain and failures. I honestly didn't want to stop when I had met certain goals, but it was getting expensive ($60/week copay) and many of the things I was doing I could replicate at home. Plus Dr. Jesse had decided to let "you be you. You will progress more doing what you want to do and try." Not so sure now... I feel like I'm stuck at a plateau. :( I truly appreciate everything that Chris and Johnny did to help me get back to where I'm at. I'll never forget them and if anyone needs PT, I highly recommend Lucas PT. Thanks guys!
Recumbent bike in Therapy - At PT on September 4th, I had gotten the ok from Jesse to use a recumbent bike. This would be the first time I would have pedaled a bike since May 19th. It felt just right and wasn't uncomfortable at all. I finally felt like I might actually be able to ride again!
Going somewhere else to walk - September 29th - Having been bored silly with walking in the halls at work, around the block, up and down my street or at the neighboring nursing home/assisted living facility - I decided to go elsewhere to walk - Now that I think about it, I don't think this was the first time I went out - I know I went a local elementary school with my walker and shuffled around their track; but this was the first cane-only outing. I went over to one of our newer parks/greenways and walked, stopped and did exercises. Generally enjoyed being out and about.
Zwift - October 8th - So this day the Rents rebelled and brought my bike and trainer upstairs - Finally was able to get on my old bike and pedal - clipped in on the right, croc on the left so I wouldn't push so hard and could not pull with that leg yet.
Wear something other than tennis shoes - October 15th - People will laugh at this, but due to the swelling I had in my left foot, I was unable to wear anything other than tennis shoes since my accident. Even my crocs would be too tight after a bit and I couldn't even slide my foot into my Merrells Finally on 10/15, I got my foot in my shoes and off I went. It's silly how little things stick with you. You really do take things for granted until something happens.
Bike came home - October 19th - 4 days later Eleanore was on her way to the Shenandoah Fall Foliage Tour and insisted on bringing my bike home - maybe she just wanted it out of her house. None the less, "that bike lady" stopped by my work place and handed over my Liv that I had not seen in 5 months. It was good to have it home and later when I got home, I started finding all the things that were wrong with it. (More on that later). Thanks Eleanore!!!!! I so appreciated the visit and the great foster care you provided to my bike. :) I would see Eleanore again in November when I had originally planned to pick up the bike.
Riding a bike outside - December 23rd - I was released to ride my bike in early December, but due to the weather I didn't get to do it until 12/23 - Albeit a short ride around my neighborhood streets, I was back on the bike and nearly in tears. Every little hill felt like a mountain and every bump hurt. I'm using flat pedals still because I don't want to risk getting stuck in the pedals right now, and I still struggling to get my leg over the top bar and saddle. I don't want to lower it, so I'll just keep working on getting on/off. As long as there's a curb or step nearby I've got it!!!
Pictures in next post. :)
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