Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Dr. Dodds visited Sydney this morning and told her “you are a star!” He and the rest of the rehab floor are so excited about her progress! When Sydney went to her 2nd physical therapy session, some people lined up to watch her (especially Pam, her CNA and new friend). Lance put Sydney on the walker again and first she walked 26 feet, then 30, then finally 46 feet! You should have seen the look of determination on her face! She was breathing so hard, and when she sat down her legs wouldn't stop shaking. What a great morning!
Lance also worked with her on the hoverboard. Sydney lies on her side, with her top leg on the board. She can then extend and contract her leg, which allows her to strengthen her leg muscles without the extra strain of gravity, as the board supports the weight of her legs. She also practiced standing and bending her legs. Ron, her OT, worked on her arm extensions with weights, and she went from pressing 25 lbs to pressing 50 lbs! She has some amazing therapists and we are so grateful for them!
The afternoon session was tougher. One result of a spinal cord injury is low blood pressure. Sydney is on medication to increase her blood pressure, and also wears tights to push the blood from her legs back to her upper body. Today they tried putting her in knee hi's instead of tights. We're not sure if that is what made the difference, but her blood pressure dropped this afternoon and she was too light headed to stand or walk in physical therapy. But overall, the day was still an amazing success!
A very pleasant part of the day is when a massage therapist came in and massaged the muscles along her spine for about 25 minutes. She felt so much better when he was done! We are hoping this helps to reduce the intensity of the back pain and spasms. She said she could breathe without as much pain after the massage. By the way, we counted the staples they removed from her back – 38! Quite the zipper!
Quote for the day: “Physical strength can never permanently withstand the impact of spiritual force.” - Franklin Roosevelt
Thank you for all your love and support! Sydney is doing great! She is optimistic and happy and has great faith. She is such an inspiration to be around.
7 comments:
26 feet?! I think 2 feet would have been great! Up to 46 feet?! That is incredible! Again, all I can say is WOW!!
Sydney, you are amazing! I'd like to say I'm surprised, but I'm not! From all I know about you through your mom, I have been expecting this!! I believe in miracles, and you are the poster girl for miracles right now! You go girl!!!
Just so you know, our family prays for you every night! My little girls do too and have made some fun things for your room. We'll get them to you soon. You're setting such a wonderful example and teaching so many wonderful lessons! Keep up the good work!!
Lots of love from the Arnold family
Sydney, my oh my, are you ever determined. It hasn't even been two weeks and you are up and about. It is hard to imagine how much improvement you will make in two more weeks. You are such an example of working hard, and accomplishing difficult things. Your success made me think of this poem.
IT COULDN'T BE DONE
Somebody said that it couldn't be done,
But he with a chuckle replied
That "maybe it couldn't," but he would be one
Who wouldn't say so till he'd tried.
So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin
On his face. If he worried he hid it.
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done, and he did it.
Somebody scoffed: "Oh, you'll never do that;
At least no one ever has done it";
But he took off his coat and he took off his hat,
And the first thing we knew he'd begun it.
With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin,
Without any doubting or quiddit,
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done, and he did it!
There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done.
There are thousands to prophesy failure;
There are thousands to point out to you, one by one,
The dangers that wait to assail you.
But just buckle in with a bit of a grin,
Just take off your coat and go to it;
Just start to sing as you tackle the thing
That "cannot be done," and you'll do it. -Edgar A. Guest
Keep working hard and know that we are all praying for you.
Love, Michelle Starley
Dear Sydney,
We pray for you everyday, and we're so happy by the wonderful progress you're making. Keep it up! What a strong young woman you are!
With love,
The Mendez Family
Sydney! I am SO amazed at the progress you are making----what determination! We are praying for you many times throughout the day. Keep up the excellent work!
Love ya, cutie!
Jill Cahoon
Sydney- I have been following your blog and I am so proud of your courage and determination. I was so happy to hear about your walking, 46 feet is truly amazing!! I believe in you and i know that great things will happen for you in the weeks ahead. We are praying for you and your complete recovery. It sounds like you have wonderful people there helping you reach new goals. Remember that you are loved. Take care and keep moving forward.
Lots of love Shelly Neilsen
Okay Sydney, I expect 50 feet by Sunday. Keep reaching from within for the strength to move forward, and you will continue to AMAZE the docs, therapists,and me.
Love, Debbie Wahlin
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