This week marked the completion of my second week in the Out-Patient Day Program at the Shepherd Center. The week was busy and challenging with a variety of physical, occupational and therapeutic recreation therapies. The highlights of therapy for the week were:
-Working on improving transfers. Transfers are the most important therapy for me to increase my independence. These are movements from my wheelchair to other seating surfaces like a car, the shower, my bed or a couch.
-Going on a group “push” with other patients and tackling the challenging gradients inside and outside the tunnels and walkways at Shepherd. A “push” is a group wheelchair exercise session similar to a group run or ride where you exercise upper body muscles instead of lower body ones.
-Getting into one of the many standing frames multiple times for up to 1 hour per session. Standing frames are devices that assist patients to stand vertically by fully supporting the legs; the benefits are improved cardiovascular health and bone density.
-Using a Para-Golfer with one of the sport specialists (pictures to follow). This piece of specialized equipment is a motorized cart that places an individual into a vertical position so a golf ball can be hit as naturally as possible.
-“Walking” and playing (in my wheelchair) with Mazy - one of the many dogs that come to Shepherd to help patients get acclimated with caring for their own pets (we’ll be ready for you Ernie!).
-Being interviewed for an upcoming newspaper article about patients at Atlanta hospitals.
We also had the opportunity to experience winter-like weather early in the week; a little cold and snow to remind us of New York!
We look forward to another week of out-patient therapy and the pleasant Southern weather that is “rolling” into town - tomorrow it is suppose to be 60 degrees!
My thanks to everyone for their continued love and support! It has really helped keep me motivated and stay focused on my recovery.
Signing off from Atlanta.
Best,
Dana
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
7 comments:
We always look forward to your "progress report". You are amazing, Dana. Along with your constant work for the Shepards Center you are still multi-tasking. It's so nice of you and Courtney to keep all of us up north updated so we know our positive thoughts are helping you :) Keep it up so we can see you both soon! CAN'T WAIT! Take Care, we hope the sun is shining bright on you. Love, The Sheehan's :)
Dear Dana, Courtney & family,
This was a great blog. You are doing so well. We am so excited!! Be sure to let us know if you are in the newspaper as we can access it on line I am sure. Saw that Atlanta got a little winter weather. Glad you are getting back to normal temps. We think of you all the time and hope that you continue to do well. Your stamina and dedication is amazing. We can't wait to see you back home. Please know that you are always in our thoughts.
Love from the Lakes
Hi Dana and Courtney,
Sounds like you've got a full-time job there in rehab. Keep your eyes on the prize- Horseheads here we come!!! Please post for us the article on you when the newspaper publishes it, OK? We're all so proud of what you've accomplished- reading about your triumphs gives us all a little piece of the miracle. God bless- the Sepkas
How great it is to hear about another "busy" week for you. We hope that each day gets a little easier as you get a little stronger. Keep up the good work. We're "push"ing real hard for you as you continue "down the homestretch"!! You and Courtney as with us always in thought and prayer. Stay strong.
The valley people
Dana & Courtney:
Again, another week of successes! That is super--Dana, you almost make it sound like you're on vacation--golfing in the south! But, we all know that it's not the vacation that you'd want! Keep up the good work, and we'll keep the prayers going! You've made remarkable progress so far, no doubt that you'll continue--see you soon.
Dana,
You are making tremendous strides in your recovery. Strides that only you could accomplish. We watch in awe of yours and Courtney's amazing attidudes. Keep up the great work. BU can't wait to see you again. PS- Your wife is absolutely stuningly gorgeous and from the sounds of things, an amazing support. Lucky you! Does she have a sister??
Keep on the right path.
B U running crew
Dana,
Keep working hard and I was excited to see that you will be coming home in March. I was wondering if at all possible if you would like to throw out a pitch at one of our games or be an honored guest. It is totally up to you. Keep working hard, and I hope all keeps going well.
Post a Comment