13 weeks

I think that it is appropriate to write something on the 13th week of my recovery. These last 13 weeks have stunk more that I can say (without getting too graphic or offensive). Let's recap!

11/18/10 - Surgery occurred. Had a stroke during surgery.
11/20/10 - Sent home from the hospital for the first time.
11/21/10 - Returned to the hospital after a Physical Therapy Evaluation.
11/23/10 - Released from the hospital for the second time.
11/30/10 - Began Physical and Occupational Therapies at Mountain Valley Regional Rehabilitation Hospital. - Best place to get therapy following a stroke.
12/8/10 - First post-op visit with neurosurgeon.
12/12/10 - The beginning of the world's longest migraine.
12/20/10 - Lost my job due to not being able to return within a "reasonable amount of time".
12/21/10 - Visit to the neurosurgeon which turned into another stay at St. Joe's.
12/23/10 - Released from St. Joe's for the third time.
1/4/11 - Another visit to the neurosurgeon. He almost cries because I'm not "fixed".
1/10/11 - Neurosurgeon refuses to write out another prescription for me to continue therapy.
2/1/11 - Begin seeing Naturopathic doctor to see if they can offer any relief from the migraines. Acupuncture treatments begin.

I know that doesn't bring this exactly up to date, but things have remained fairly stagnant during these last few weeks.


The biggest daily struggle that I am facing is just learning how to handle this "new" phase of life. It is difficult to go from walking to being in a wheelchair and unable to walk. Everyday I am faced with the reality that my leg doesn't work the way that it should, very frustrating. I continue to do therapy at home, with Tim's help. Recovery is slow going, at best, and requires a great deal of effort to try everyday to do something.

Thanks for all of your support during this time.
Heather

We don't realize how much we rely on something until it is taken away.