LET’S TAKE AN OLD FASHIONED WALK
On May 22, 2001 , six weeks and one day after my
operation, Dr. Gustavo Armendariz examined my most recent X-rays and said
everything looked great. We were both happy with the results. He said, “It’s
okay to apply full weight to your right leg, and you can stop using both the
wheelchair and the walker. Continue to use a cane. You can resume driving, but
only short distances.” Oh, joy of joy.
This
news came as no surprise. The day before, my physical therapist, Chris Patterson,
had predicted as much. Today, May 23, she guided me up the nine steps to my
bedroom. Then, she accompanied me to our swimming pool and assisted me down the
steps for my first dip of the season. I waded around the shallow end briefly and
then began to swim the length of the pool effortlessly. It made me feel
wonderful. The daytime temperature reached a record 109 degrees, but the
humidity level registered just 5 percent. What a perfect combination that makes
for Arizona
Chris
showed me how to perform aquatic therapy exercises. But instead of simply walking
back and forth across the shallow end, I began to waltz with my make-believe
partner, Ginger Rogers. Dancing in shallow water improved both my waltzing and
my hip. Chris got a kick out of my antics, and may incorporate this technique
when treating some other of her patients.
Later, my occupational therapist, Roseanne
Thomas, paid her last visit. She observed me walk up the stairs to our upper
floor, and showed me how to safely enter the tub in order to shower. My days of
having to use the pool hose for this purpose are over.
Both these therapists have been top-notch.
They provided me with outstanding care every step of the way. They recommended
I wear support hose for the next six months, as my right leg is still swollen.
All
is well with the world. My hip feels fine. My weight is down, my mettle up. How
does that hymn go, Jesus, Walk With Me? Perhaps he does.
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