Jody recovery report #9
I can always tell when it’s been too long since my last update because the volume of “How’s Jody?” email starts going up.
Status
For the past two weeks Jody has been recuperating at home. She sees a visiting nurse occasionally and has been getting physical and occupational therapy twice a week. Her strength and balance continue to improve. She goes for walks with friends, regularly walking down to our mailbox and back, a round trip of about 1/3 of a mile. Tomorrow she will begin outpatient therapy.
Jody is starting to be able to use a computer, though she finds it very tiring to sit in an upright chair for a long time and her typing ability is limited because she can’t feel the keys.
Despite these welcome improvements, Jody can tell that her recovery has a long way to go. As much as she looks forward to getting back to work, it’s impossible to know when she’ll be ready to do that. In addition to the necessary strength and stamina, she has only begun to get back the sensation and dexterity in her hands that she needs to practice medicine. She also hopes to ride horses again, and plans to get involved in a therapeutic riding program when her condition improves sufficiently.
Asks
Jody isn’t ready to go for walks outside by herself yet, so we continue to need people to do that with her.
Our dog Isaac needs more exercise than he’s getting these days. The other day he broke away from Jody on a walk and took himself down one of her running routes all the way to Kingston. (When I was out in the car looking for him, everyone I stopped to ask if they’d seen him wanted to know how Jody was doing.) We’re looking for runners who might like to take Isaac out with them on occasion, and also for friendly dogs who’d like to come over for play dates.
Guest editorial
To everyone who has followed my progress, helped with sustenance (spiritual, nutritional, emotional and otherwise), I send my heartfelt thanks. We have been overwhelmed by your kindness and generosity.
It’s wonderful to be home, and I feel stronger and more balanced with each day. Isaac and the cats are glad to have their family together again, as are Roger and I. The horses are well, and I love watching them play in the pasture. Those of you who have been coming to “exercise” me, providing stability and a hand to hold must know that I appreciate it more than I can tell. As time goes on, I will regain stamina and more feeling and dexterity in my hands so that I will be able to carry on and to get back to work. In the meantime, I am grateful for all the lessons I have learned during this adventure.
-Jody