Back Home - September 2011 to December 2011
A long series of physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and exercises to do at home, to get some muscles back in my legs and as the feelings slowly returned so did the strength. Gradually the sensations returned, but large areas remained numb and the most difficult part was sensation of slopes and how to cope with them! I had to see a slope and then adjust manually, otherwise I fell over (which happened anyway!). I progressed from frame to two sticks, to one stick (advice get one suitable for you height so you don’t stoop, being tall this was a bit more difficult and one with a proper grip handle helps as well). Home help was from my family which meant I didn’t have to do too much at all apart from get better.
In September I moved back upstairs into my bed (and that was a luxury) as I could get up the stairs on my own without too much drama.
In October I was passed by my GP to drive a car (though I had sent the forms to the DVLA – they still hadn’t finished pontificating, at the time of writing this they still haven’t made a decision!). This was necessary for me to get back to work. I have changed my car to an automatic, to make it easier to drive. Over time I have driven further and further without too many issues, just stopping frequently and knowing when I am tired.
In November I started doing some work from home, only small amounts at first, as I would get tired very quickly, but began to build up the periods and effort during the month.
December, I used up all my outstanding leave to use the month as holiday so I could be ready to go in January. Physio and exercises having slow but positive effects, back to around 50-60% feeling in my legs and similar in strength.
In September I moved back upstairs into my bed (and that was a luxury) as I could get up the stairs on my own without too much drama.
In October I was passed by my GP to drive a car (though I had sent the forms to the DVLA – they still hadn’t finished pontificating, at the time of writing this they still haven’t made a decision!). This was necessary for me to get back to work. I have changed my car to an automatic, to make it easier to drive. Over time I have driven further and further without too many issues, just stopping frequently and knowing when I am tired.
In November I started doing some work from home, only small amounts at first, as I would get tired very quickly, but began to build up the periods and effort during the month.
December, I used up all my outstanding leave to use the month as holiday so I could be ready to go in January. Physio and exercises having slow but positive effects, back to around 50-60% feeling in my legs and similar in strength.
I did manage to get to my company's 21st birthday party , but as you can see I was very weak and had lost an awful lot of weight and muscles from my legs. Never mind the loss of feeling.
I could barely walk a couple of paces without the likely-hood of falling over and needed some one with me at all times.
I attended an owl talk, but had to be wheeled across the grounds in a wheel-chair as there was no other way of me getting there. All my colleagues were very nice and looked after me. I still only managed to stay out of my room for short bursts and the effort of even that left me totally shattered.
I could barely walk a couple of paces without the likely-hood of falling over and needed some one with me at all times.
I attended an owl talk, but had to be wheeled across the grounds in a wheel-chair as there was no other way of me getting there. All my colleagues were very nice and looked after me. I still only managed to stay out of my room for short bursts and the effort of even that left me totally shattered.