From: Lynne
Date: May 22, 2000
Dear friends and family,
The first thing that's new about this update is that I am dictating on voice-activated software called Dragon NaturallySpeaking. It is somewhat tedious to train the software but it is really going to be a help.
My doctors have started me on a new medication called Nuronton (sp?), in an effort to help me with the cinching which has plagued me since my accident. We haven't found the right dosage yet but hopefully we will soon. My spinal cord doctor, Dr. Barber, has been kind enough to meet us a few minutes prior to physical therapy the last couple of weeks to see how things have gone and to help us get the right dosage. He is truly a Godsend. He reminded me again that while my accident was unfortunate. I'm truly blessed that my injuries are not complete and that the future is bright although I AM only 4 1/2 months into what is expected to be a year recovery.
In PT, I have graduated to the stationary bicycle, the body beam, and other leg strengthening equipment. The doctor suggested that I tried to walk (on thje walker)with 2 1/2 lb. weights on my ankles to try to help me know better where my feet are since I don't have complete sensation in my legs and feet yet. I am also walking the long way around, about 400 feet. It gets better each time, but I have a long way to go before they turn me loose on my own.
In OT, I'm working on the shoulder strengthening exercises, since my deltoid muscles are the weakest at this point. These include the ladder, which is ten steps high that I walk up with my hands on two ends of a pole with weights on it - I am up to 3 1/2 pounds at this point, and I do it up and down at least 20 times each session and in. I also do the arc, which is about 30 items stacked on one side that you move one at a time to the other side and then back again with the other hand. When I first started this in rehab, I couldn't even reach the top in the arc on my own, nor could I pick up one item all by itself on my own. Now I'm able to complete the whole rotation in under ten minutes. Praise God for progress and answered prayers! Dr. Barber told me that it is normal in spinal cord patients for you to get the range of motion in your hands first and then get the sensation second. That is exactly what is happening with me, and that gave me comfort.
Additionally, I'm working more and more. We have a kickoff meeting for a computer conversion Thursday, and they need me to head up several of the modules. I'm able to work from home some, and will go to the office some, but I have to learn to coach, and to delegate, delegate, delegate.
The boys will be out of school on Friday. They have several camps and other activities planned with their youth group, but they will be home a lot too. This will be the first summer they've not gone to all day activities, so it will be different, but we plan to find plenty for them to do around here too.
I enjoy hearing from you, and am able to answer some of my e-mails myself now. Please continue to pray for strength wisdom, patience, and to trust God, leave the future in His hands, and take one day the time as much as possible.
Love, Lynne
Date: May 22, 2000
Dear friends and family,
The first thing that's new about this update is that I am dictating on voice-activated software called Dragon NaturallySpeaking. It is somewhat tedious to train the software but it is really going to be a help.
My doctors have started me on a new medication called Nuronton (sp?), in an effort to help me with the cinching which has plagued me since my accident. We haven't found the right dosage yet but hopefully we will soon. My spinal cord doctor, Dr. Barber, has been kind enough to meet us a few minutes prior to physical therapy the last couple of weeks to see how things have gone and to help us get the right dosage. He is truly a Godsend. He reminded me again that while my accident was unfortunate. I'm truly blessed that my injuries are not complete and that the future is bright although I AM only 4 1/2 months into what is expected to be a year recovery.
In PT, I have graduated to the stationary bicycle, the body beam, and other leg strengthening equipment. The doctor suggested that I tried to walk (on thje walker)with 2 1/2 lb. weights on my ankles to try to help me know better where my feet are since I don't have complete sensation in my legs and feet yet. I am also walking the long way around, about 400 feet. It gets better each time, but I have a long way to go before they turn me loose on my own.
In OT, I'm working on the shoulder strengthening exercises, since my deltoid muscles are the weakest at this point. These include the ladder, which is ten steps high that I walk up with my hands on two ends of a pole with weights on it - I am up to 3 1/2 pounds at this point, and I do it up and down at least 20 times each session and in. I also do the arc, which is about 30 items stacked on one side that you move one at a time to the other side and then back again with the other hand. When I first started this in rehab, I couldn't even reach the top in the arc on my own, nor could I pick up one item all by itself on my own. Now I'm able to complete the whole rotation in under ten minutes. Praise God for progress and answered prayers! Dr. Barber told me that it is normal in spinal cord patients for you to get the range of motion in your hands first and then get the sensation second. That is exactly what is happening with me, and that gave me comfort.
Additionally, I'm working more and more. We have a kickoff meeting for a computer conversion Thursday, and they need me to head up several of the modules. I'm able to work from home some, and will go to the office some, but I have to learn to coach, and to delegate, delegate, delegate.
The boys will be out of school on Friday. They have several camps and other activities planned with their youth group, but they will be home a lot too. This will be the first summer they've not gone to all day activities, so it will be different, but we plan to find plenty for them to do around here too.
I enjoy hearing from you, and am able to answer some of my e-mails myself now. Please continue to pray for strength wisdom, patience, and to trust God, leave the future in His hands, and take one day the time as much as possible.
Love, Lynne
