Today started my 2nd week of therapy. Pt was first and I warmed up for 10 minutes on the nustep machine. Today my left knee kept wanting to flop to the side on me - guess I wasn't focused enough (last week it didn't do that) I then was taken to the hip machine and did 3 sets of 10 of lifting left leg to the side, 10 lifting my leg behind me and 10 bending my leg up against the weight to the front.

Up next was the ham string machine for the left ham string - 3 sets of 10 there as well with the weight set at 15 lbs. Next was the leg press - 3 sets of 10 while Kelly supported my foot and left knee. This time no clanging of the weights. I was given a break - whew - as Kelly had other clients she was working with at the same time.

I cruised with the quad cane as well as cruised with only afo (Kelly spotted me from behind). Kelly wanted to try me out that way as I told her I walk around the house only with my afo.

Today I also did the steps where I step up with left then down with right (3 sets of 10)

Kelly doubled the step (extra step attached to the exiting step and locked in place) though for my balancing on my left and placing right on step. No Hand on railing!!! - 3 sets of 10

I then stood in between the parallel bars on the foam pad with my eyes closed to maintain balance w/o holding on. Kelly worked with me to correct a habit never pointed out to me in therapy of old - no wonder I have lower right back pain as I don't balance properly between my left and right legs. Added excercises to address and correct this habit.

OT - Lynn was back - Yeah!!!! Had the bionness hand therapy for the complete hour today. The initial settings were to stretch the fingers. Only the thumb and index finger completely respond to the stimulus to full extention. Today, Lynn held wooden janga pieces that I pinched to hold then released into a basket. After the device was removed, I was able to pinch and release pieces on my own.

Good day overall - YES I'm pooped and took my Tylenol as soon as I got home.

Back to therapy on Thursday. Tomorrow (Tuesday) visit to my PC.

Back for the remainder of my update. Saw my PC and appt went great - my a1c was 6.2 (doc was thrilled as last time it was too low by her standards at 5.9)My BP was 140/80. When I had my routine bloodwork done prior to this visit I had to go for a recheck as my potassium was too high. The retest showed it too low - they retested it before I left the office on Tuesday - no results yet. My pt is paying off though as my left leg is getting stronger. I had to stand for an hour on Tuesday waiting for transport to return me home. I balanced better on my left side - both sides of my back ached from standing LOL

Today was 2nd day of therapy for the week. Getting ready today, I was able to hold my mascara in left hand while opening and removing the brush - Yeah!!!! Had to stand for 1/2 hour outside waiting for transport to take me to appointment though.

PT went well. Kelly increased the resistance on the nustep - no problem there...did the 10 minutes even though tired from standing and waiting for transport. All exercises were increased today to 3 sets of 10. The only thing I could not do pt wise today was the leg press - experienced pain on outside of knee and could not straighten the leg fully. Kelly was happy when I told her about the ability to stand as I did.

My ot was happy about the mascara story but my darn hand would not cooperate in ot today. She and I fought it the entire time. She even placed it with heated pads to see if tone would relax - it did but not for long.

As Lynn could not do what she wanted to with the hand, I had to sit and open empty bottles using my left hand for assistance then replace the caps and put the containers back into the box. I also had to squeeze clothespins open and closed and attach onto the edge of a towel. I was given clothespins to practice here at home. Not a very productive day in ot but I can't get discouraged.