Wednesday, March 31, 2010

lesson learned

The past week has gone pretty well for me physically. The more faithful I am to my home exercise program, the less pain I'm in and the more progress I make. (duh, right?) I had a pretty good weekend and fairly good day on Monday, until I made a "not great" choice. Skyler wanted something from a high shelf, and instead of waiting for Micah to get home to get it down like I should have, I climbed on a stool and got up on my tippy-toes. Well....the stool fell out from under me and I went crashing into a shelving unit in my closet. I hit it so hard I bent a metal bracket with my lower back. I scraped up my back, including parts of my larger incision, and my leg as well. As a result, I had to lay down for over 24 hours. My lower back is pretty bruised. My doctor checked it today and doesn't think there's any more damage than just the bruising, skin abrasions, and soreness. I have been reminded several times by several people not to climb any more. Lesson learned...I won't. Not worth it. I'm still sore but am moving better. I'm hoping these bruises will heal quickly because it hurts to lay on my back, which is the only way I can sleep. Hopefully my physical therapy sessions this week will help as well. Other than that setback, I have made good progress this past week physically. I have been blessed with a physical therapist (which I know God had planned all along) who has really helped me understand pain, especially chronic pain, in a whole different light. I am thankful for the continuous prayers of so many. They are a big part of what continues to get me through each day.

Love,
Wendy

Please pray:
  • That my bruises will heal quickly
  • That I continue to make progress in my physical healing
"For great is your love, higher than the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens,
and let your glory be over all the earth."
Psalm 108:4-5

Thursday, March 25, 2010

nagging numbness

As my nervous system, muscles, and body continue to heal, adjust, etc. I have different "issues" with my body. One of the present issues is numb arms. I wake up several times a night or during naps (which are growing more seldom!) with a completely numb arm. The strange thing is that it's not just my right arm, like you'd think, but my left as well. It's definitely affecting my sleep, so hopefully by continuing with my physical therapy and the "exercise homework" my doctor gives me my nervous system will settle down soon.

Other than that, the past few days have gone pretty well. Micah and the boys are battling allergy issues, and Jadon is getting over a head cold, but thank goodness I haven't been affected by any of that. Just doing my best to try to get into a routine somewhat on days when I can, and rest a ton on days when I can do nothing. I still have a lot of those!

Thanks for the continuous prayers and support.

Love,
Wendy

Please pray:
  • That this numbness in my arms will stop
  • That my little Jadon gets all the way better soon
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust."

Psalm 91:1

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

physical therapy

First of all, thank you for the continuous prayers that I know are coming from so many people. I feel them, and I feel God working in my body. I see Him working in my life! Thank you!

I am currently going to physical therapy three times a week. When I first started in the beginning of February, it was very basic. I could hardly stand for my right "numb" leg to be touched or moved. Many movements were almost unbearable. Over the past several weeks, however, I have made much progress in therapy. My legs and knees have been retrained to squat again (that was huge for me!), and I have better use of the right side of my body. However, I do have a long way to go. Because of the amount of time I laid both in a hospital bed and on the couch (months!) my body lost so much muscle and natural strength/ability. When I leave p.t. each session I can hardly walk and am in pain. When I do all of my exercises at home the pain continues. My current worst physical "ailment," if you will, is pain that starts in my right shoulder and shoots down through my arm into my fingers. I also have constant pain in all of the right side of my middle/upper back. I sound like such a complainer, I know, but want to be honest about my continuous recovery. What gets me through every physical therapy session without crying/complaining is thinking of my big brother Wesley. I remember as we grew up he'd go through AGONIZING physical therapy every time he had surgery, which was often, and he even learned to walk again more than once. He NEVER complained, but instead encouraged his therapists, doctors, and family like only he can. He is my physical therapy inspiration!


Please pray:
  • That I continue to make good progress each session
  • That I have the strength to do my home exercises
  • That I regain feeling in my right leg
  • That I can run again someday!
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Romans 8:28

Sunday, March 7, 2010

many, many meals

This is my first time blogging myself and I'm pretty excited! I want to say a HUGE THANK YOU (from the Manzos and the Becketts) for the many wonderful meals that have been delivered to us over the past six months. It has been such a blessing and we are beyond thankful. We pray blessings upon all of the family, friends, and people we didn't even know that have sent meals and gift cards. We have been so blessed.

I have MUCH more to say and will continue to update the blog this week.

Much love,
Wendy

For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.
Psalm 100:5