August 15, 2006
Hi Guys and Girls, Im still around. The past few weeks have been just incredible for me. My rehab progress has taken off and the treatment of my residual medical issues is pretty much under control. This will be my last update from the hospital as they are letting me go home this week.
Its been a little more than eleven weeks since I got hurt. Ive gone from dead on the deck to interacting with the living and breathing again. It is a wonder what drive, determination, and medical magic can do. My daily routine for the past nine weeks has been to get up, get dressed, eat and go to work physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, recreational therapy, and medical maintenance. I went from not being able to move to now I can get out of bed put my brace on and walk to the bathroom and care for myself in a general way. I dont use the wheel chair as much anymore. I prefer to walk when I can. But its not like you walk or how I used to. Besides, they were getting a little annoyed at me as I was scooting all over the place here! Anyway, I have built up enough strength and coordination in my ability to move around that its time for me to go home.
I still cant use my right hand well at all but it has strength and is beginning to work. I still have trouble coordinating things when there are a lot of people around. Some cognitive things just dont work yet but they are getting better. I still have trouble focusing and I get tired after a few hours of activity. My headaches are less and less but they still come back. I would love to tell you that I am up and running around like I was before but I am not. I still have a lot of work in front of me but I am going to WALK out of here this week like I had always wanted.
Last week I went to my house with Sue, my Mom, and one of the case workers here and we inspected my place to see what I would need to make it work for me. It did not take much mostly because I am on one level and its a small place. Sue and the boys (Tyler, and Chad) are moving things around for me, putting some of my big stuff in my moms garage and organizing the house so I can live there again. TJ will be moving in with me to take care of me when Sue is not around. Its a challenge but I am up to it.
Next week after I get settled in my house I will begin out-patient therapy right in the same place I have been for the past nine weeks. Essentially I keep my same schedule but I no longer live there. My day will run from 9-330. What I call going to work.
Im excited about leaving here and I am a little apprehensive. I still get scared of things and I get frustrated when I cant do things that I think I should be able to. But I am working at it.
I should have my computer up and running when I am home but I dont spend a lot of time on it because its difficult to use with only one hand. Though I am getting better at it.
Im still trying to figure out money. I have some long term disability benefits from my job that cover about 60% of my small salary. My mom took care of my regular bills for a few months, and friends have been covering a lot of my day to day expenses. I have been holding off going into the recovery fund you all put together for me at
http://www.tekdivegirl.org till I got home. I expect I can stretch that about three months if I am careful. I cant thank you all enough for all you have contributed and continue to contribute for me. It really helps keep my mind at ease. Sue has a small business plan she is working on for me that can help generate some income as well once I am out of rehab if I cant go back to regular work, but thats all for later.
Thank you again for all of your good wishes while I have been recovering. The new work begins now. Next time you hear from me it will be from home.
Love Kimber
