There are two things I am not good at: typing and multitasking. Both of these make it less than ideal for blogging.
PART I
I am going to Facial and Vestibular Therapy again Tue Jan 21. I went in Dec. and Janine measured my face a lot, took pictures and looked to see where I was at. at one point I wore a new gadget she had as well. Ski goggles that also had a cover for the lens. The cool thing was that the lens was actually a camera that recorded my eyes. We did several tests without and with the cover and I was able to watch the computer after and see my reaction. She gave me several facial exercises as well as treadmill work and I enjoyed the therapist as a person.
She also gave me a copy of an article written by her mentor that explained the rehab for the face.
And a copy of an article written by an AN patient. The story and pictures of the patient were very familiar.
The fact that Dunkin Donuts is only a couple blocks away didn't hurt my mood. ;)
I also started a weekly hippo (horse) therapy. My mom found it and we visited to get the 4-1-1. (does that date me?) I asked Dr. Shelton about it and he asked what the benefits were and I was less than clear or helpful because I didn't know. He then asked if I like riding?
"I love it."
"Then do it - but don't spend a lot of money" he said with a smile.
My facial therapist said she loved Hippo therapy (she knew all about it) and thought it would be wonderful for me. So I tried it.
The first day I talked with the Hippo Therapist there and told her my goals: to be a normal mom, not being tired all the time, strength to carry my babies up the stairs when they fall asleep, and anything else the horses could provide. She gave me a couple things to work on unrelated to the horse that I hadn't heard. (Standing on my right leg only, like a pelican, at set times, like the grocery line or commercials on a show, and sashaying several feet then changing the lead foot.) She asked about my horse history- western on Arabians- so she ordered a white Arabian in his 20's named TJ. The horse had a person on the left as well as the right and someone to lead. Having all of them there felt weird. When I climbed on the horse from a ramp I couldn't believe my fear. What used to be natural was not easy. The horse walked and my "seat" was not even. I felt like I was going to fall off for 10 minutes at least. Now I could see why there were so many people and was glad to have them there. I had little more than a blanket for a saddle and tried to get even so I wouldn't fall. I would think I had it until the horse started walking again and I would start to fall again. I used my legs to hold on instead of letting them hang. I realized that equal does not feel the same on both sides. What felt like equal was actually pulling left quite a bit. I learned what was equal even though it didn't feel "right" and was able to mimic the feeling walking after, so I immediately starting walking better. I think one could see the difference and I could surely feel it.
I also did a few exercises to help with balance and limber me up. I put my arms out like a plane and slowly turned my torso with my head till I was parallel with the horse. Then I slowly rotated to the other side. It sounds simple but it took all of my concentration and I was so tight on the right that I was sore. I did a leg lift thing that made me sore, too. But I loved it.
As I was telling the therapist last week, I love being on the horse but I also like being able to talk about my "challenges." It feels like it is feedback here instead of complaining and it is ok that it is one sided.
Wahoo for horse therapy!!! You are truly amazing! Love you!
ReplyDeleteI love reading your updates. You are one amazing lady.
ReplyDeleteThat all sounds great. I have to say, I am a little jealous that you get to go "riding." Although, I guess you have a pretty good reason. I know it isn't all easy and fun like you make it sound. And, I still pray for you daily. But, I too think you are amazing, positive, and strong. Love you!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for updating the blog!
I'm so glad to hear that you are fighting a good fight and "doing it any way", as your little sign says. I hope you are able to find joy in the journey. You are so cute...always have been and always will be; no matter what. Your family is so blessed to have you! ;) With love and prayers and best wishes always, The Corbins
ReplyDelete