Life in Rehab by Joyce

Good morning.

Life brings new experiences to us from time to time. When I had spinal surgery on March 24th, 2010, I expected to go from the hospital to my home. That did not happen; instead I went from the hospital to a rehab facility, where I still am. The surgery was much more extensive than either the surgeon or I expected. As a result I am left with weakness in my right leg. I am working every day to strengthen my leg so I can walk on it unaided. I walk with a walker for now and then will go to a cane. The physical therapist assures me I will walk unaided one day. It will just take time and patience. I’ve never been a patient person.

The food’s not very good here. My husband, Jim, brings dinner in to me two or three times a week. Friends take pity on my and bring me goodies and lunch once in awhile. My friends at our church, The Monroeville Assembly of God, have been wonderful. There have been very few days that I have not had visitors. One day I had eight visitors. And cards, I haven’t counted them, but the stack is high and each one is much appreciated. My small group from the church came here one Sunday night for our monthly meeting.

I’ve had some new experiences since being here. One Friday I went to the Walmart with a group from Manor Care (my rehab place.) About twelve of us went in wheel chair vans and when we got there some of us rode the scooters at the store, including me. My first time ever. It was kind of fun. I zoomed all over the Walmart. Now I know I will be able shop at some stores, at least Walmart and Sam’s!!

Part of the process of getting released to go home is to have a home assessment to make sure the house is safe for me. My Occupational Therapist went with us to our house the other day and she checked everything. Most adjustments are to take up the throw rugs, remove the shower doors from the tub, etc. The biggest challenge for me is getting up stairs. Since we can enter the house through the garage and the family room, with stairs to the kitchen, Jim had to put a second railing in the basement stairs. Now, he also has to put a railing in the stairs from the first floor to the second, so that I can access our bedroom. As soon as that’s done I can go home.

I’m going out some now, the last three Sundays I’ve gone to church and out to dinner afterwards. Jim & I had a burger at Five Guys the other night, our favorite burger place.

My most urgent prayer request is for the muscles and nerves in my right leg to heal quickly. This is why stairs are a problem. Otherwise I am in good health, and feeling well. I can work in my office, so that’s not a problem.

I’m learning to trust the Lord once again, giving everything in my life to Him. I think I’ve learned this lesson well and then I have to learn it all over, one more time.

Thanks for all the prayers,

May God bless and keep you in His care,

Joyce