IT'S ABOUT TIME!

Well I finally have some movement in a lower limb.  I can move my left leg. It is a very small movement but it is something, and I have to start somewhere. If my left leg is barely bent, I can move it straight. I have to admit I secretly practiced for a couple of days before I shared the news with anybody. It seems like sometimes I think I can do something but I would rather be sure before everybody gets overexcited. It is official though, it is me and I am moving it. My leg is still very weak, and I can only straighten it a couple times before the muscle fatigues completely. It will take a lot of short repetitions to build the strength up in my leg again. Hopefully, if I just keep at it one muscle at a time my leg will regain strength. It's pretty exciting, and now I feel I really have something to work with. Hopefully the progress will continue, and I won't complain if it's at a quicker pace this next year.

New Goals

Every eight weeks my physical therapists have to set new goals.  I am particularly excited about my new goals for the next eight weeks.  My biggest goal is to crawl 5 feet. It's crazy to think that I might actually be able to move any distance on my own. I'm going to work hard and do everything I can to make this goal a reality. We are also working on slide board transfers, wheelchair mobility, and rolling.

I also got my new wheelchair today. It is amazing! The modifications that were made truly beneficial to my progress. I am able to navigate around the house now on my own. Although there is still progress to the be made in at least now I can work on it. Plus it's nice that it's not lime green.

Update

Recovery is coming along. Between therapy and zoning I feel like I'm making a good stride! The strength in my legs and abs is getting stronger every day! I feel like things are finally starting to heal at the level I want them to. Although there isn't any significant movements I feel it's only a matter of time.

Every week in therapy we are able to try new things. A couple weeks ago we tried crawling. Although my legs were cooperating I was able to balance and hold myself up. I have also been doing the tilt table nightly. Usually I just end up sleeping on though. Apparently my dad built into comfortable, I just can't seem to stay awake some nights. It must be a site for my parents to see me sleeping standing up. Jack also loves to climb and lay next to me on it. My occupational therapist has also worked up a splint. This helps my hand which is normally curled straight and out and I am able to push more through it. This will help my strength in my right arm much more.

Although I am coming close to my year mark, I feel like things are right on track! I look forward to the progress I am continuing to make each day! So watch out!

Tuesday, November 2nd

Well I have been approved to get my very own wheelchair.  I have been measured and it has been ordered.  It will probably take about a month to get it.  I have some special features that hopefully will make it easier for me to get around and be more independent.  The wait is on!

Monday, November 1st

Therapy is getting easier every day.  I have been really working on rolling over from my stomach to my back.  I have figured out some techniques to get the task done.  I have also been getting on my elbows and knees with the help of someone else.  I have much more control and can balance on my own.  I am also working on my abs and controlling my forward and backward motion.  I am also attempting to push through my hands.  My goal is to be transferring with a slide board by the end of the year.  Two months to get it done!

Zone Therapy

Today I had such a great experience!

Zone Therapy

Big, HUGE thanks to everyone who recommended it.  Not only do my feet feel great but my hip hurts less, my shoulders and neck feel looser, and overall I feel calm and relaxed.  

Zone therapy isn't suppose to miraculously cure me but hopefully we can get some stimulation going.  Anything that will possibly make the process quicker and easier I am willing to try!   

I had a Dr. appointment with my neurologist today.  He was very happy with the progress I have made and said that my reflexes are much stronger.  Keep plugging along!

Benefit Concert

Some of the finest musicians and dancers in Southeastern Idaho perform

” Believe”

A benefit concert for

Stephanie Palmer

Saturday October 9, 2010

7pm at the Blackfoot Performing Arts Center

Tickets at the door:

$8 adults, children 6-12 years $6, children 5 and under free

Or contact Sarah Jackson #680-1751

Stephanie was diagnosed with Guillan Barre Syndrome [ghee-YAN bah-RAY] in January 2010. This syndrome is a disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks its own nerve cells. Guillan Barre Syndrome left Stephanie almost entirely paralyzed in a matter of hours. She spent five months in the Easter Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls. Stephanie was three months pregnant when she was hospitalized with Guillian Barre. During her five month stay in the hospital she gave birth to her second son, born 7 weeks premature. Come and help support Stephanie and her family in a night of song and benefit.

Friday, October 1

WHEW!  I am one tired chica!

Therapy has been so awesome this week.  My theerapist were able to get me on my hands a knees.  We all were pretty excited how easy it was.  That is my new homework, to do as many of the movements as I can on my own.  Then slowly but surely I will be able to do it all on my own.

I also am able to roll off of my stomach and to my back.  Not very often do I get stuck but if I do Jack is usually happy to come push me over the rest of the way.  He feels so helpful and I think he likes pushing Mom around.  

My other homework is trying to lift my butt off the ground.  I am unable to push through my right arm unless someone holds my hand down.  It makes this task more difficult but it's still not impossible.  I just have to keep practicing and getting stronger.  That's how everything has started and progressed thus far.

Wednesday, September 22

What a day!

Today I overloaded on therapy.  My P.T. came and I stood on the tilt table for 30 minutes.  It's always good to feel upright. 

Then I went on to do some O.T. on my own time.  I started by filling my one week pill box.  Seems like a small task to people with dexterity, but not so small a task for me.  I put 91 pills in each tiny compartment, pill by pill by pill.  It took me almost 45 minutes of pinching.  

Then I attempted to fold laundry for the first time.  They looked a little scary but I folded a full basket of the boys laundry in just over an hour.  

Lets just say I'm ready for bed! 

Thursday, September 16th

Today I was measured for my own wheelchair.  I have my fancy neon lime green wheelchair but it's not actually mine.  It's a demo wheelchair I am renting.  We took about 50 measurements and answered about 50 questions to see exactly what I need.  Little things like the weight of the chair, the cushion, the back, the wheels, there are really unlimited things that are changed to make a chair just for me and my abilities.  Now just to get my insurance to approve it without a fight.

I think a lot of people were hoping I would get home and start healing quickly and then I wouldn't need my own wheelchair.  That unfortunately isn't the case.  I am happy to get my own and I know I will get good use out of it.

Bad Company

My right foot is having some issues.  

In the hospital I had a friction sore on my right heel.  It wasn't even a full pressure sore, it never broke open and even at that stage it was some pretty excruciating pain.  It makes my stomach churn to think of real, open, painful, gaping pressure sores.  Well, my unwelcome visitor stopped by again.  My heel has been quite sore so it's been hanging off the edge of a pillow.  This one is hanging on longer than the last.  I am just hoping it heals and doesn't actually break open.


I also had my first ever  ingrown toenail dug out this week ... SICK!

Tilt Table

This week started tilt table therapy.  It's pretty crazy to feel even semi-upright again.  It's good to feel weight through my feet too.  My therapists also say it's the best way to remind my brain that my legs have a purpose.  We are all hoping that this may speed up the healing process.  It went well.  I got a little dizzy/nauseous towards the end but it was still good.  My blood pressure is just so messed up too.  I get tilted to a certain point and it's like the blood just puddles in my legs and hangs out there.  We will keep at it and hopefully see some progress soon.

Q & A - Sensation

Do you have any sensation in your legs??

Yes

I can feel pressure all over my body however sensation is different than I remember it.  Temperature is hit and miss.  I don't feel shots, scratches, and other small things at all.  I do feel nerve pain everywhere and large pains like my hip pain and heel pain.

Mending

Besides the obvious physical mending that is going on, there is also some serious mending going on with my relationships.

Spending 5 months away from my husband has been a huge struggle.  Not that our relationship is bad by any means but it is different.  It's been stressful.  I use to be so proud that Kelly and I didn't argue.  We would calmly discuss any disagreement we had until we came to a reasonable compromise.  Well that has been drop kicked out the window.  Neither Kelly nor I are really "yellers", but there is much more tension in our conversations.  When I went into the hospital my whole family was pulled apart.  I was in Idaho Falls at the hospital, Kelly was in Pocatello carrying on as much of a "normal" life as he could, and Jack went back and forth between Kelly's parents and my parents (thank HEAVENS for their help, we wouldn't have made it without them).  So not only did we lose each other, we lost Jack ... we lost our whole family, the family we had been for only 11 short months.  It threw a serious wrench in our lives. Since we have been back together it's like we have to remember how to be a married couple again.  For 5 months we were single again and now we are married again.  So with long talks and very conscious effort .... we are mending.  Physically, emotionally, spiritually ... in every way, we are mending.

Monday, August 30th

Yesterday we made a good stride with PT.  Although it wasn't a motion or anything it's a huge stride in strength.  My therapist was able to transfer me from my bed to my wheelchair without the hoyer lift.  My legs have enough tone in them now that when I can put weight through my feet my muscles actually contract so I don't just collapse.  Courtney my PT obviously did 95% of the work.  She sits in front of me and wraps her arms under my arms and around my back.  I then put my arms around her shoulders basically like we are hugging.  Then she squeezes my knees between hers so they give me support.  Then we hug real tight and she basically spins me from the bed to the wheelchair.  It really is a big step.  When I was being discharged from the hospital we were trying the same thing and it took three people to do the same thing.  

So even though small ... we are taking steps continually in the right direction.

Sunday, August 29

What a weekend!

We were lucky to have family here this weekend.  We had early birthday parties, blessed Talon, and were busy all the time!  During all the chaos Tami and my Mom helped give me some special treatment!

Tami gave me a massage on my shoulder.  I have this almost permanent, golf ball size knot on my right shoulder and boy is it a bugger!  It gives me headaches and aches all the time.  It was nice to have Tami work it out a little bit.  It definitely wasn't the most comfortable thing in the world, but afterward it felt great!

I also got my hair washed.  This was one of the first roles my Mom took upon herself when I was in the hospital.  We use a blow up shampoo bowl that lays on the bed and drains into a garbage can.  It was given to us by my Mom's good friend, thanks Julie, it helps so much!  My Mom is great, she washes and blow dries my hair twice a week.  It's not very often but when you don't fix your hair or use products it's amazing how much longer your hair can last!  Blow drying is typically where it ends but Tami straightened my hair too.  It felt so clean and smooth, thanks Mom and Tami!

Hair doing wasn't all that happened ... Tami also shaved my legs.  This is definitely something that I notice way more than anyone else does.  I can't feel that my legs are hairy but I notice 20 times a day when I look at them.  I think this is the 4th time in over 7 months they have been shaved ... ewww!  It was so nice to see them smooth and soft from the lotion.  Plus it's good therapy because there are different sensations, shaving cream, razor blades, lotion, rubbing, and all help stimulate my nerves. 

The weekend was such a whirlwind but it was great to have so many people we love around.  As soon as everyone was gone though I crashed for like 2 hours!  :0)

Friday, August 27th

I really want this blog to become more of a journal.  Typing is not easy for me since I can only type with my thumb ... but I want this to look back on, for me and my family.

Last nights fundraiser was a whirlwind!  It was such a huge success and probably the fastest two hours of my life!  So many people worked hard to put this on and I am thankful to all who supported!  It was so crazy to see close friends, family, people I haven't seen since high school, ward members, and even people I had never met come piling through the door.  I was overwhelmed and humbled by it all.  For just a little while in my crazy life I felt normal which was strange in itself.  I know it's only been 7 months but I almost don't remember what it's like to have my legs move.  I walked and stood longer than I haven't but something I have learned is how quickly you forget.  I have this deep desire inside for more, yet you learn to adapt.  You have to keep pushing through or you lose site of all the GOOD THINGS left around you.   There is more good than bad, even in the worst of situations, and sometimes it's hard to remember that when you feel everything crumbling down on you.

Thanks again to everyone!

Matt and Tami come tonight!  Yay!

Woozy ...

I don't know what has suddenly changed but I am definitely feeling a bit woozy.

One of the biggest things I have battled since this all started { besides the paralysis, obviously :0) } is low blood pressure.  It's been something that I have had to build back up.  Sitting up has often made me dizzy.  I haven't had that problem for a long time.

Suddenly things have taken a little stumble backwards.  Nothing super huge but I have to be careful when someone suddenly sits me up.  Most times I get down quick enough, only once did it come on too quickly.  Oops, scared my Mom. 


I feel like things are getting better though ... hopefully!

Fundraisers

I am truly blessed with GREAT friends!

My friend Alisha is going above and beyond!  She along with other friends are putting on a fundraiser for me and my family.

Thursday, August 26th

Cents of Style

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

at 
My parents house
195 N. 685 W.
Blackfoot, Id 83221

  Cents of Style offers trendy shoes, jewelry, handbags and more.  Most sell for under $10 and everything is under $20.  We will have twice the inventory than other parties to promote buying.  Cents of Style will also donate cash for hitting certain dollar amounts in sales as well as booking a party of your own.

There will also be a bake sale.  So bring your kids and buy them a treat while you browse!

Please help spread the word.  Everyone is welcome.  Invite friends, family, co-workers.  Make it a night out!  

Two Months

Today I have been home from the hospital two months.  When I first got home I wasn't sure if we were going to make it a week!  But we did and things usually run fairly smooth.

Since I have been home I have accomplished a lot ...

• much more strength and control in my abs
• More strength in my arms
• Being able to get on my elbows while lying on my stomach (even if I have carpet burned them to the point of bleeding)
• Being able to wiggle three toes (this doesn't sound as cool as it really is)
• Muscle Tone

• Reflexes  (even though these came back on their own)

Things are progressing.  When I was in the hospital I couldn't even hold my head up.  It's easier to see the things I can't do than everything I can, but everyday I get better, and stronger, and one day closer to a full recovery.

Therapy 8.4

Good news is coming.

My legs have tone in them!  They are not firm by any definition of the word but they are not as floppy or flaccid as they have been.  My leg muscles are twitching.  They are twitching to gain strength.  Once they are stronger then I can begin working them to build more strength.  It's another good sign that my nerves are healing.

Technically I still have neurological damage.  I have clonus which is a tapping in my foot when trying to flex it.  Once it permanently goes away it's a great sign.  It shows I have made some significant neurological healing.

Recovery from GBS is full of peaks and plateaus.  I am pretty sure I am in a peaking period.  My toes are cramping more as well as tingling.  I have that feeling that my limbs are falling asleep ... that prickling pins and needles feeling.  I also am having some serious pain in my hip.  I think I have sciatica as well as bursitis.  It's probably the most painful thing I have to deal with.  The pain pills I have don't really do much since a lot of my pain is neurological.  I also have scraped my elbows to bleeding by attempting to get on them while on my stomach.  I may need to invest in some elbow pads!

Angry, Sad ... Who knows

It is nights like last night that make me angry at my situation.

My poor Jack is sick.  We thought initially he was just teething but now I am convinced it is something more.  It started with a small fever which has now turned into a big fever!  My poor baby woke up around 1:30 am screaming.  Kelly went and got him out of his crib ... crying, sweating, and obviously very uncomfortable.  I remember only a couple short weeks ago when I was sick.  It was total torture.  Sweating and still chattering, freezing, being exhausted yet unable to sleep and I can see all that pain in Jacks eyes.  Now I know it's just the flu or something but it is so hard seeing your kids in pain.  It's not like you can reason with them so they understand it will pass.  All you can do is make them comfortable.  

For me it is like a punishment.  Paralyzed in a bed listening to your child scream and cry.  All I want is to be able to hold him and make some small effort to make him feel better.  

But I can't

Since I got sick and stuck in this bed, I have had little to no function or strength in my arms.  Jack doesn't come to me very often ... and definitely not when he is sad, hurt, or upset.  My poor child has had to find that comfort in someone elses arms.  The only thing I can do for him and myself is cry with him.  

I HATE sitting here and feeling helpless!

When does it get easier?  How do people with permanently disabilities do it?  Do you really ever come to terms with what has been dealt to you?  or do you settle for living life a little less?    

I am not ungrateful for what I have.  My amazing husband takes great care of me and the boys.  My parents took us in and help with much more then they should have to.  I am sealed to my family forever.  I have two beautiful, healthy boys.  Support from friends and the community.  I have much to be thankful for.  

My life like everyone's is speckled with bad days (or nights) ... hopefully today will be better.

Church

I was able to go to church Sunday for the first time in 27 weeks!

It was such a rush of emotions!  The minute I went through the doors I was fighting back tears.  I was almost in disbelief ... it felt like such a huge milestone!  It seemed like such an unreachable goal.  With the help of my family though I made it.  

 It was so good yet so awkward at the same time (I am sure my lime green wheelchair didn't help .. ha ha).  It was so good to be back at church with my family. To hear the hymns, the speakers, to feel the spirit, and to see everyone who has been supporting us since we moved in with my parents.  It was awkward because inside I just feel so different now.  Everyone was incredibly supportive and gave me hugs, pats on the shoulder, kind words, and I could see in their faces they were truly happy to see me there.  Inside I felt so good and like a freak all at the same time.  Now I know that no one thinks I am a freak by any means, but it's hard to keep your self image realistic.

We only stayed for sacrament meeting because by the end of that hour I was wiped!  I realized how week my lung capacity is.  Between singing and chatting with everyone, I kept getting dizzy and light headed.  Even though I have made huge strides in my breathing .. there is still so much more to go.  It's the simplest things that seem to keep coming back to haunt me. 


Overall it was such a good day.  It took a three hour nap that afternoon to recover ... but we did it!

Faith

I heard the devastating news of the Sullengers. 

My heart aches for them. 

As I read of their struggles and losing their little girl; I shed tears.  Their adorable little Preslee is just two months older than Jack.  I can't fathom all the emotions they are feeling or do I like to even imagine how I would feel if my precious Jack were no longer on earth with me. 

More than feeling sorrow while reading their blog ... I was inspired!

Though I am sure it is not easy, their faith and trust in the Lord seems solid.  They are comforted by their knowledge and belief that everything happens for a reason.


I have realized this is the perfect time to work on my personal relationship with my Heavenly Father.  I have felt comfort through this whole 6 months that everything will be ok.  I am thankful for the spirit I have felt.  So much good has come from this struggle.  I have made great friends, been humbled by all those who have done services for me and my family, and inspired me to one day pay it forward to others in need.  

Those who have brought meals, shed tears, paid visits, done fundraisers, offered prayers in my behalf, and simply offered encouragement are not unnoticed.

I am thankful everyday for all I am blessed with ... even during trials!

Out On The Town

Yesterday was a CRAZY day!

I had a Dr. appointment in I.F. so I convinced my husband and my Mom to take me to the hospital to visit some friends.  It was SO good to see everyone!  I really feel I have so many good relationships with the nurses and therapists there.  It is really is like a big family reunion to me.  It's such a good feeling to go there and know they are rooting for my recovery!  I love that I can banter and laugh and have meaningful conversations with them.  After an hour there we loaded up again and headed of to the Dr.

We went to visit the neurologist.  Dr. Garland has seen me since the day I was admitted with GBS.  He really is such a great Dr. and he is always telling me I should write a book.  I was a little hesitant to go see him.  I was sure we would go through all the effort of going up there just to hear "Yep it's still GBS ... keep doing therapy".  Although that is pretty much what he said we did get some good news.  I have reflexes again!  Reflexes are a great sign because it means I have healed enough to get them back!  We also talked about plasmaferesis.  It is another possible treatment that may speed up my recovery.  Overall it was a good visit.   

Therapy 7.20

 During P.T. Friday my therapist said she felt a little kick back from my hamstrings.  I wasn't really sure because to me I always feel like I am pushing.  So I didn't really take it to serious.  I guess I try to be as real as possible about my recovery.  Even though I would LOVE to suddenly wake up and have my legs work I know that's just not going to happen.  I guess I just don't want to set myself up for disappointment.  I know it will come but I also know it will be RiDiCuLoUsLy slow.  

But now I know

 

We have PROGRESS!

I had a new P.T. come today and we did stretches and he mentioned again that there is push back.  

   I am pushing back!

After PT left I was so tired!  I had Kelly put me on the floor and I was out of it!  I slept for over two hours.  When OT came I mentioned to him what PT said and he got so excited he had to test it out himself.  He agreed!  Something is working there!  We also did some electronic muscle stimulation on my right hand.  With just a little charge I was able to wiggle my middle finger.  Hopefully it will stimulate more function!

It's so good to have these small reassurances that things are healing.  We pray every night for signs that I am getting better.  This is just an answered prayer!   Things are moving forward! 

Today was a good day!

Maternal Instincts

Being a Mom is something I have dreamt about since the day I got married.


It seems that from nursery age we are teaching our children about families, to "honor thy father and thy mother".  To have an innocent little child call me "Mama" fills my heart so full of gratitude, joy, and love.


Since getting GBS it also tugs on my heartstrings.  

It tears me up to have Jack come up to me in my wheelchair and I don't have the strength to lift him on my lap.  That I can't jump out of bed to pick up Talon when he's fussy.  That I can't hear the Jack's giggle that he supposedly makes when he is put in his crib for a nap or go get him first thing in the morning.  That I can't nurse or change Talon's clothes ... even his diapers!  I could seriously go on forever.


It's probably been the hardest thing about GBS.  The paralysis stinks ... don't get me wrong but the emotional struggle I feel internally every minute is so much more to bear.  I worry that I won't have unspoken bond with them.  That Jack's tantrums may be more than just his age, maybe he has some resentment towards me for abandoning him.   I have a feeling of detachment from my children.



I just try to remember that Jack and Talon are my miracles.  


Jack was brought to earth with such a mellow attitude, an independance, and now I understand why.  He has been through a lot in his short 17 months.  He is so lucky to have loving Grandparents close by, who without question or complaint took him in and raised him.  He will always have a closeness with them I am sure.  That is a true blessing from this situation.


Talon is here ... and he is healthy and as perfect as can be ... and that is truly all I can ask for.  I couldn't understand how I could have a perfect baby inside while everything else was wrong.  I always had a sense of comfort.  Deep inside I knew that he was suppose to be here and this was the only way.  Everyday he is a reminder to me why I fight this battle so willingly.


My day is coming.  It's just around the corner.  Even if it takes me two years to recover I know I have the rest of this lifetime with my children.  I am thankful  I can have children, I know that is a blessing.  Better still, I have eternity with my family.  This life isn't perfect.  I am not a typical Mom right now but I have others who are helping to teach and guide them.  Even though I can't feed them, or bathe them, I can love them and do the best I can.  


My maternal instincts are there and the Lord is guiding me. My role is a Mother .... and no matter how I feel, I know I will always be "  Mama"   to Jack and Talon and that's enough for me.  

Therapy 7.12

Therapy is good.  I enjoy working with my therapists and seeing the small improvements everyday. 

Yeserterday I worked with my PT.  They usually do range of motion on my arms and legs before we really move on to anything else.  Luckily 3 of my 4 limbs have all stayed pretty flexible ... my right arm hasn't been as lucky.  It's not unfixable, it just needs a little more time.

 

After ROM we get into the tough stuff (for me and most infants) ... sitting.  I am moved to a sitting position on the side of the bed.  My therapists do this most often by grabbing under my legs and behind my back and spinning me.  Once I am stable on the side of the bed we do a variety of exercises; leaning on to my elbows and back up, reaching across my body, leaning forward and back.  They are all to strengthen my abs.  It's good because I can feel my muscles contracting again, like there is something besides flabby mush in there again.  

No wonder infants have such a hard time!  I had to learn to hold my head up again, to sit up, to push through my elbows and when I lay on my stomach, and I am attempting to roll over.  I seriously know the frustration they must feel as they grow and learn new tasks!  Maybe that's why we don't remember it.

Rough!

I hate for my first post to be negative but the last two days have been rough!

Friday my CNA came out.  She took my vitals and I had a 102.2 temperature.  I knew I felt crappy but didn't know why.  This also explained why I had been up half that night freezing my duff off.  The chills were so bad I chattered for over three hours early Friday morning which in turn gave me a MONSTER headache.  Kelly had to run a urine sample into the hospital to be cultured.  I didn't get my results back until Saturday morning ... Yep I have a Urinary Tract Infection.  I really wasn't too surprised since I was on antibiotics pretty much the whole time I was in the hospital for UTI's.  I don't remember feeling this crappy in the hospital though.  So for the last two days I have been fighting a vicious battle between chills and overheating.  I have been popping Tylenol like crazy.  I  haven't been able to eat much and the only thing that sounds good is greasy fast food ... so whoever wants to bring me a burger and some fries come on over!  ;)


I can't  go to sleep tonight but the best part about it is that there is a AWESOME lightening storm going on right out my window.

The Beginning

2010 was going to be a year of excitement. 

My first son was turning one, I was due in early July with number two, my husband was turning 30 ... life as our family was just beginning.  Little did I know my genetic scheme would turn my life and my families life upside down.

January 13th I was admitted to the hospital with Guillian Barre Syndrome; a rare autoimmune disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system.  Once a busy full time working mother I was now paralyzed from the neck down.  The H1N1 vaccine I received 6 weeks earlier affected the mylon sheath around my nerves not allowing signals to travel through my body.  Although recoverable, it still takes time.

I was admitted to the hospital and spent the next five months there .... 8 days in ICU, 21 days in Cardio, 48 days in Rehab, and 70 days in Women's Center. 


I was released on June 9th.  I came home with a healthy 3 week old baby boy, good friends I made in the hospital, one enormous bill, and a long road of therapy, pain, cramping, progress, and relearning ahead. 


This is my journey to recovery ... the good and the bad.