Rehab, Rehab and more Rehab
January 11th, 2007
Today I walked again on the treadmill for about 5 minutes with no hands. I also walked unassissted up the slope (very slight) to get onto the treadmill. Everybody here has been commenting on my improvements especially in relation to gait. All the positive vibes are very helpful.
My coordination has improved greatly. My boys will be pleased to know that I can catch a basketball size ball about 80% of the time. I haven’t as yet had any cricket balls thrown to me, probably leave that until we get h0me and have a game of cricket with Russell and the boys. Sounds like Russell is really lonely.
My therapist Dr Wang gets me to try and balance on a board which rocks back and forth rather than stay steady. He then throws the ball to me from all angles. A great work out for the legs! I manage this exercise for a few minutes at least once a day.
The arthritis in my left foot in particular is quite annoying, I’m sure that is what is keeping me from taking off into a jog. I will go and have another foot massage tomorrow whilst I’m waiting for the stem cells to arrive. What a great way to spend my Son’s 9th birthday, fasting for 4 hours before the spinal injection and then laying completely still and flat on my back for 6 hours. This is no easy feat.
Today, some voice therapy was added to my routine. A machine called a vocatism (I think) is strapped to your throat and this gives off electrical impulses. This in turn is meant to improve diction. Which basically means trying to stop you sound like a drunk all the time. Now I will be able to give the telemarketers what for on the phone.
Dr Wang also gave me accupuncture on my head late this afternoon to try to improve my sleeping patterns. Garry told him to keep poking the needles in until he finds the right spot, then maybe both of us can get some sleep. He has got to realise this is not all about him. The photos below show how attractive I looked. Garry knows how to make me feel better he said I looked like a martian. 
Entry Filed under: ataxia
4 Comments Add your own
1. Pat & Michelle Lane | January 11th, 2007 at 7:42 pm
Hi Rach & Garry,
Great to hear you are making good progress. We are keeping our fingers crossed for you & sending positive vibes.
Garry, Dad tried to phone you earlier today & had trouble with the non-English speaking person on the other end. We would love to have been eavesdropping on the line! Can you please give him a call. I’ve told him to keep trying you in the mean time. Is there a good time for them to try and ring?
Keep on keeping on.
Luv
Pat & Michelle
xxx
2. Lauraine | January 12th, 2007 at 5:50 am
What a great free ad for Hi-fert Rachel – you should have them onboard as sponsors. Russell is doing just fine – has a great run around with me every day and gives the cat a good run around at feed time. It is so good to hear of your improvements – can’t believe all the acupuncture – scares the daylights out of me just thinking of it, but obviously it’s doing a lot of good. Are you allowed to talk at all while the stem cells are going in? or do you get a chance to catch up on some of the sleep missed during the night. .will give Jack a call today for his birthday – I’m sure he’ll have a great time at Kelly’s -the weather is really hot again here so they’ll probably be beach side or at least at a pool. We’ll be in Sydney for a couple of days next week. Jim lost his Mum yesterday – she has been low for a couple of weeks-so I will get Kate to keep an eye on things while we’re away although we’ll probably only be away 1 night all up. Anyway it is really great to see your piccies and hear things are going so well – I know how hard you would be working at everything so keep it all up and look forward to seeing the results soon. Lauraine
3. Carmel Searle | January 12th, 2007 at 7:49 am
Hi Rachel & Garry,
It is wonderful to read that the treatment is working for you, and your health is improving each session, I know it must be very hard for you, and my thoughts are with you, know that we are thinking of you, and cheering you on every step of the way.
Love & Best Wishes for a speedy recovery.
Carmel
xxxxxx
4. Jon | January 12th, 2007 at 8:16 am
Hey Rachel,
I am glad to hear about the improvements on the Ataxia. Can you tell us if there has been any improvement on the arthritis or is it still the same. It may take awhile before the stem cells do have effect on that part but keep your enthusiam going.
- Jon
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