After having surgery on my foot, my doctor recommended that I do some physical therapy. The first few weeks someone would come to the house and spend about 30-45 minutes with me. At this point, I could barely do the exercises they wanted me to do. My body was so weak, so they would have to assist me practically with every exercise. If the exercise required me to lift my leg, they would use their hands to help me lift it. My leg would tremble every time we would raise it in the air. I would also get winded easily because my body had not been moving around in a while. This went on for about four weeks and then my doctor recommended that I start going to outpatient therapy. I didn’t want to go at first because at this point I was still weak and could not put weight on my foot yet. This was so I could gain strength to lead up to putting weight on my foot.
On the days I would have to go to physical therapy, I would fuss under my breath because I knew it was going to be a challenge to get dressed and get out of the house to go there. It takes a lot of energy and effort to maneuver with use of only one leg. But, I wanted to get better, so I would push through and go. They would give me little exercises to do and although I felt good doing them, I didn’t think much was changing in relation to my strength or progress. Even though I felt this way, I stayed obedient and kept going and doing what was required of me. Each time I would go, the need for assistance with the exercises lessened. Still in my mind, I’m thinking I really hadn’t made much progress because I am not back to my “normal” self yet.
Well on one particular day, the Physical Therapist tells me the it’s time for my reevaluation. I had to go through a number of exercises and questions. Since I had been going for a little while now, I was familiar with the exercises. When I completed the assessment, she showed me my current numbers in comparison to the numbers when I first started. I could tell by the look on her face she was impressed. My levels had increased to double digits in every area. In the beginning I was a zero in some of those areas. Meaning, I couldn’t perform the task they wanted me to perform at all. Now I am not just able to perform those tasks, I am able to do it at a high level. All this time I thought I wasn’t making any progress. Being able to see the numbers on paper helped me to see the progress I have made.
When I saw it on paper, I started thinking back to how I felt right after my surgery. I needed assistance with everything and although, I still need assistance with some things now. I’m much more stronger. Just imagine if I would’ve quit because it was hard and challenging. I wouldn’t have made any progress. I wanted to share this with you because I know it’s some things that you’re doing or trying to do and it’s hard. You’re frustrated and you want to quit. I’m here to encourage you to keep going! Every step you take counts, even the little steps! It’s one step closer to reaching the finish line! So keep going! You got this!!!
