Continuing to get strong

Hello everyone, it has been another week and things continue to get better and progress. I want to take this time to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and I hope all of you get to spend good quality time with the people you love. And if you are able, please help someone in need this Holiday season. Sometimes just a phone call will lift the spirits of someone in need. Well, let me tell you about this week:

Sunday
I was up sitting in my wheelchair, and started feeling “froggy”. I attempted to stand from my wheelchair (something that I have not been able to do before). I was able to stand, without assistance from anyone, not once but five times. It was very exciting to see that my hard work was paying off.

Monday
My nurse came out Monday and took blood from me and also did other routine procedures. Thanks Sara, you’re the best!!! I also had PT on this day, and the competition between PT and OT continued. My physical torturer, I mean terrorist, oh, therapist had me walk again and I had to show off for her and stand from the wheelchair. She was surprised and happy! We walked about 36 feet and I needed two rest breaks before walking this distance. Of course this distance was further than the last treatment session with the OT.

I was also able to go to my son’s basketball game. He played well, but unfortunately his team lost. He only has two more games and he will move up to the junior varsity team for the rest of the season.

Tuesday
Nothing exciting happened today. I did walk with my wife to make sure that I continue to progress. We also got our blood test results back and my C-ANCA is negative, which mean the Wegener’s is still in remission. That is exciting!!

Wednesday
My PT came and we once again went through all the routine stretching and we walked. My dad was visiting, so I had to show off! I was able to walk 36 feet before needing a rest break. I was able to do this three times and it felt great. My OT came in the afternoon and she did not have me walk again. Instead we walked to the bathroom and got into the shower. It was the first time I have been in the shower for months. Don’t get me wrong I have been taking baths, but now I can get in the shower. This is also my night to cook dinner for my family and my best friend, Bob. I fixed chili with bread bowls, which did not turn out well. The chili was great! I baked corn bread and I made potatoe skins for appetizers. Oh, I also made a chocolate pie for desert. Everyone seemed to enjoy dinner and of course Bob and I had a great time, as always.

Thursday
My OT came and recalled the distance that I walked the day before with the PT and of course she wasn’t going to be out done. So, I walked 46 feet four times, taking a break in between. It felt great!

So, as you can tell I am progressing well and things are definitely looking up. I still don’t know when my surgery will be to fix my belly, but I am sure that God has a plan for that as well. I know I poke fun of my therapists, but please know that they are the best and I truly believe that they want the best for me. That also goes for my nurse, Sara. Stay tuned for more updates. God bless you all!

Big John