Hi Everyone, I just want to say hello, I’ve missed you, and “it’s been a while”. Overview of the last few months, there have been more complications, ups and downs in physical therapy, and a few milestones. Lots of good and bad. However, I’ve made it through all of it.
If you have been following me on Facebook, you’ll have seen lots of pictures and stories. If you don’t follow me, please look me up and send me a friend request. I’d love to interact more with you.
I am still using a full leg brace and a quad cane when I am out with Merlin. But that is only as a precaution.
This week is my one-year mark from the accident and at home, at PT, and anywhere that it is flat (safe) ground, I can walk almost normally. I still have a slight limp and I use a regular cane, but that is a whole lot better than before. Yippee!!
As everything is connected…my complications have been with my hip and back even though I didn’t injure them. So, I still have to use a cane as my hip has not gained enough strength to support me yet. I can walk without it in the house but I’ve learned doing that only makes me lean over and take shorter strides which then causes injury to my back.
I have to be mindful to teach my body how to walk normally. Nothing is automatic yet so I still have to tell myself to stand up straight, put my bad leg all the way out, walk through with a normal stride, and not pick up my bad leg until I am on my toes. And then I have to say it again, and again.
As of the last doctor’s appointment:
- I can bend my knee to 130 degrees (just barely) so I am starting to learn how to go down steps now.
- All my bones are healed well but they found osteopenia in my lower back.
- I have severe PTSD so leaving the house and trying to do normal activities is extremely difficult.
- My depression is improving and so is my anxiety.
- I have insomnia and can’t sleep past 3 hours, which makes life very difficult.
- And even though I still have leg pain most of the time, the severity has diminished and is tolerable. Unless of course, I try to do something normal like walking a mile, cleaning the house, or going up steps.
I am so grateful for my horse Merlin!
I get out to see Merlin at least once every two weeks as I have to depend on others to get me there. I can drive, but being around the horses I need backup just in case. My balance is still not good and we all know how fast a horse can be if he spooks or decides to go in another direction. I trust Merlin, but I need to play it safe.
Every time I see him, my whole world feels like it’s all ok and everything is going to be great again. He lifts my spirits and our connection warms my heart every time. Horses are such healing creatures and blessings.
I have one more year of recovery to learn how to go up and down steps with two legs instead of just one, to learn to turn and twist, how to move faster than a walk, and how to do normal activities that require me to bend over, squat, lean, etc. Plus, I need to continue to learn how to walk without a limp or assistance.
One of those things I have to learn how to do again is ride. But “come hell or high water” as they say, I’m going to get there no matter what the doctors say. We horsewomen have the spirit and determination most people don’t when it comes to our horses!
Thank you all for your continued support and emails. They have really made a difference for me and have been an inspiration.
I wanted to share with all of you a video of me walking for the first time without my cane.
Of course, I did it with Merlin and he helped me the whole time. He knew I was still injured and he took such care to go as slow as I was and to stay at a safe distance while still helping me balance. I love this little guy. He’s only 3 but so gentle and smart.
Happy Horses! And until next time, give your horses all the love in the world as they deserve it.