Feeling Around in The Dark

So my healing from Guillan-Barre continues.....

I went to the neurologist a few weeks ago and he says I have a long way to go, but I'm healing nicely. He checked my reflexes and well, they are pretty much gone and not coming back. They were never cat-like to begin with, so if I'm going to be a super hero, I'm probably going to have the super power of invisibility.

I've also started Physical Therapy last week. With most PT patients the slogan is "No Pain, No Gain." Not so much in my case... The PT said with GBS patients you can't push us to far or more damage will be caused. In PT right now we're focusing on strenghtnng my core being my legs like to give out when I'm walking so I can rely on my core for support rather than my weak legs. Other exercises for the week are leg massage- to get my body used to touch again as my nerve endings are in constant pain and any stimulation to them hurts. I'll be going to PT twice a week for awhile.

Yesterday was my firts Occupational Therapy appointment, and well my manual dexterity, feeling and strength is pretty much non-existent. She did some tests yesterday to see where I was and well we have a long way to go. She did a test to see how much weight I could handle, I had to squeeze the handle of this instrument. The average score for a person my age is 60 pounds, I could only handle 14 pounds. So getting into fights with old people at this point is not a good idea. Other tests for my hands skills were to dig in a bowl of rice for various objects- pennies, paper clips- for 5 minutes blindfolded. Well, my right had could find 3 and my left had could fine 1. The OT seems to think that we'll be able to save my hands somewhat, but we are defiantly working on a timeline. So I was sent home w. more exercises. I'll also have OT twice a week.

On top of learning to use my body again, my biggest complaint is the fatigue. I'm so tired it hurts to move. I'm not use to having such low energy, and I'm so tired it hurts. I believe I could sleep anywhere these days.

I'm also still in a lot pain. The doctor said he could prescribe me some meds, but they have some strong side effects. I'd rather trudge through, than have any more to deal with.

Our niece left on Saturday after being here for 2 weeks and that was glorious! Having extra hands at night to help with the kids and dinner was marvelous. She even watched the kids when I need to rest for a few which was more than welcomed. Now she's gone and it's back to balancing it all.

I'm hoping to go back to more frequent entries in my blog, as I'm learning I have an audience. The last few weeks have been crazy, but things are calming down as much as they can and I hope to amuse you all with more amusing tales.