Tag: small steps

Small Steps…Literally

Hubby is facing a probable diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (late onset). He was in the hospital recently for steroid infusions. This has taken away his pain! He has stiffness but the pain which used to be an 8 or 9 every single day is gone. Steroids may work up to six months, so we’re encouraged.

We have Home Health check his vitals and he has two visits remaining for next week. He’ll have home PT for three weeks.

For two months he has been unable to command his left leg to lift. He could once in a while lift the foot or wiggle a toe. He was feeling so well today he got a little spunky and wanted to see if he could use the walker. I had the wheelchair right behind him just in case. HE WALKED! He walked “normally” for several steps, about 15 feet, before his left foot started to drag. He hasn’t walked that well, albeit a short distance, for at least six months!! I was nearly in tears and so was he.

He’s curious now if he can walk down the porch without my assistance for our trip to neurology on Monday. We’ll be very, very careful. I’m sure a lumbar puncture is the next step but at least his pain is gone and the hour-long trip for the test would be less taxing on us both.

We are encouraged. These are small steps but they are small steps forward for a change.

My Family is Losing It!

We’re weird and we lost it years ago, but in a good way.

In this case, I want to tout the accomplishments of my siblings and my son. They are all on a popular weight loss plan or lighter version of it and have done very well in the last six months. I am very very proud of them.

I’ve not seen them in six months and am looking forward to my next visit. I know how difficult it is. I was nearly at goal weight when my Pop got sick. We were constantly back and forth to the hospital or rehab. It’s my fault, but I fell back into the fast food habit. I’ve regained all but fifty pounds.

Maybe this summer I can be more active. In September I’ll be eligible for Silver Sneakers. If hubby is better by then, we can join together and be more active. My hope when I moved here was to walk more. I thought I could walk one mile to Dunkin and get some coffee. Never happened.

I did park in one area in town this afternoon and walked to most of the stores on my list. I finally had to drive to the grocery store which was the last stop. I was sore afterward but at least I was moving.

Maybe I can make small changes until winter is over. My family has inspired me to get with it. If I only lose 30 pounds, that’s tremendous progress!

It’s more important than ever to get some of this weight off. I’m retired and my health would be greatly improved by dropping a few pounds.

Here’s to better health!