Thursday, May 23, 2013

Stroke recovery: My encouraging digits


Digital activity--of the finger variety, not the math kind, gave me exhilarating encouragement in occupational therapy today. Therapist Amy set me to work on an exercise that had me kneeling before a raised exercise mat, leaning my torso forward, bending elbows outward, then pushing back upright by straightening my elbows.

The exercise involved left shoulder movement but kept my left hand stationary on the edge of the mat. The encouraging news is that the result was relaxation of tone in my wrist and fingers. The bad news is that it was temporary. As soon as I started using my hand, the tone kicked back in. That is the nature of the beast.

But the movement possible during that temporary reduction of tone was exciting and encouraging, so much so that Amy hurried to the waiting room to retrieve my camera from my husband. She documented my wiggling digits.

“You need to post this video on your blog,” she advised. And here it is:




8 comments:

  1. fantastic progress... i loved the little video... you are so determined and that is why you are where you are. woo hoo

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  2. You sound like my sister in LA. How wonderful you got your fingers to move. Patience, persistance and a burning desire win the day. Congratulations. Dianne

    PS You made me cry.

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  3. Awesome!! I wouldn't expect the fingers to come back all at once, but this is finally a step in the right direction, now we KNOW you will do it!

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  4. That video was so encouraging. I hope for more such videos in the future showing even more digital movement.

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  5. It's wonderful to see those fingers moving! How sweet of your therapist to document this moment for you so you could share :)

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  6. Wonderful progress. It is just the first step on the way to hand mobility. That she was excited, should make you so. Keep up the good work.

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  7. This is just wonderful! Keep it up. I loved hearing your voice and your laugh. We don't get to hear the voices of our blogging friends. What a treat.

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  8. Every step is so exciting and encouraging! As RET said, it is nice to hear your voice. :)

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