Tuesday, April 15, 2008

A shower!!!

Today was my second day of PT and OT, and it was definitely a harder day today.

Yesterday we worked on arm strengthening and getting into a wheelchair, which I did twice. This is quite a challenge. First, I have to log roll into a brace, roll onto my side and push up to the side of the bed. I can do most of this myself, people are now just moving my legs for me. This is the easy part. However, this is what I have been doing for a few weeks now. That gives me great hope that in a few weeks the following will be easy too. Putting a rectangular board under one leg making a bridge from the bed to the wheelchair, then lifting and moving myself over the board to the chair. It is not sliding, which sounds more practical. And, I feel like I am doing none of the work. Pray for more upper body strength to come soon with all these exercises as there is definitely a need for them in every task I do. Whew! So that is getting in. Then, once I am there, I am fairly comfortable. I am learning how to control the wheelchair, make turns, and try to keep going straight instead of my typical veering to the right. I also from the wheelchair go into a big gym to exercise. They have great machines and gadgets to help my progression. So, then the ardorous process of getting back into bed. I did that twice yesterday!!

But, today was even more amazing. I got into the wheelchair at 11:00 for PT and when that workout was over, decided to stay in the wheelchair until OT at 1:30. That is the longest stretch I've been up. I was quite proud. The best news is that when my OT Kathy came in, she said that she would give me a SHOWER! Okay, first shower in 5 weeks. Yippie! Sponge bathing is only so good. There is nothing quite like the water hitting you for the first time in a while. I was so grateful for it. I can tell why we did it in therapy, it was hard work to move to the shower chair (imagine the wheelchair move above while wet!). But, well -worth the effort as I am now SO clean and comfortably in bed for the rest of the night. It was a successful day.

Thanks for your continued prayers and support. Progress is being made each day. It's great to have the success toward reaching my many goals. Lastly, I received a tentative time of stay here at 4 weeks. I will trust that each day brings me closer home. God's grace, strength, and hope has covered me daily, giving me just what I need to take one day at a time.

With big smiles and much love,
Jess

9 comments:

McCullough Family said...

Jess! I am so proud of you. I am tired just reading about all the muscle strength you needed today! and Hooray for showers!! I also love them for times I need to be refreshed. May God continue to give you the strength you need for each moment!!- Carrie

Anonymous said...

Jessica! This is my first time on the blogspot! How cool and strong is this! The music is so powerful and really speaks of your story and the conversation you are having with Father God. Thank you for your words as well. Truly, you are a pilgrim with eyes fixed! (Psalm 84:5 and Hebrews 12:1-3) All the Care Bears families are praying and walking with you! Blessings, overwhelming and extravagant blessings I pray over you and your family!
Karla Hagan

Elizabeth said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Elizabeth said...

Jess, you seriously are AMAZING and SUCH an INSPIRATION to others. We are all so proud of you and all your accomplishments today and all the ones leading up to now. You should be EXTREMELY proud of yourself. You are one of the strongest people I have ever met. Keep it up girl and you will be home in no time. Take care and remember you are in mine and everyone's prayers always.
EJ (Nash) Williams

Natalie said...

wow...what a day you had! congrats on all of the progress! We are praying for you!

Lynne said...

Yeah!!! it sounds like you really had quite a day and the best part was the shower!!!!
We are cheering you on!!!

with all our love
Lynne and Dave

Anonymous said...

Continue to bless Jessica indeed and expand her territory for you! Amen. I Chron. 4:10

Anonymous said...

Yeah for a shower! When I worked on the glacier, I once went 3 weeks without a real shower. It's amazing how much better you feel about yourself when you know your body is truly clean :) If you won't get to bathe everyday, something that always helped lift my spirits was wearing fresh undergarments. I was a whole new woman when I had clean underwear on! Hopefully you don't think that's gross. Or fun socks...knowing I had on good socks underneath all my rain gear helped immensely,too. Just goes to show you it's the little things in life...love you!

Anonymous said...

The Lord is reflected in your eyes Jessica. I only wish I was as sure of my purpose as you. You are one of the most inspirational people I have ever known. Through you, God reaches out to all who know you. Many blessings to you, and those you love.