Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo, May 2016.
THE WORD GRADUATION SLIPPED into the conversation between me and my therapist. Just like that after I excelled on a weekly skills test. If I continue to do well, I expect to graduate within a few weeks.
That would be graduation from occupational therapy which began two months ago. It takes a long time to recover from a wrist fracture and subsequent surgery to implant a 4-inch plate. Not only have I gone to twice-weekly therapy, but I’ve worked hard at home doing exercises two to three times daily in half-hour sessions. I’m determined. And my efforts are showing in increased usage and strength of my healing left wrist/hand.
Every week my therapist checks my progress, measuring my range of motion and testing my strength. This week my grip strength showed incredible improvement, increasing from 17 to 30 pounds in six days. I might have shrieked in delight upon hearing that number. But then my excitement deflated a bit when I asked what my grip strength should be for my non-dominant left hand. Sixty-five. Oh, well. I’m half-way there.
But every day I’m noticing improvement as I use my left hand more and more. The other day I picked up a detergent bottle with my left hand, not even thinking. Thankfully, though the bottle was nearly full, I felt no pain.
I’m using my camera, short lens only.
I’m carrying a laundry basket.
I’m cooking.
I’m cleaning.
Life is returning to normal. There were days when I felt like I would never get there, when I felt impatient and frustrated. But I’m on the other side of that doubt now, pushing toward my goal of graduating soon.
© Copyright 2018 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Way to go…keep up the good exercise program.
There are days when I’d rather not take the time to do those exercises. But then I tell myself I have been at it this long and I must continue. I still have a ways to go.
It must feel grand to be able to get back to normal life, even if it means little steps. It feels good to be on the “other side” of it now, making progress and feeling a bit of accomplishment! I have a vision in my head what it must be to hear you “shriek in delight”. That made me smile big!! So happy for you Audrey!
After I shrieked, I realized what I had done and my therapist assured me they celebrate accomplishments and it was OK that I voiced my joy.
You’re right on the little steps. I still have to watch myself and not lift too much. Like don’t grab that full gallon of milk from the fridge, etc. One thing I have yet to accomplish is my ability to easily hook my bra. I’m trying to get the muscles stretched enough to reach back and do that.
Glad to hear you are on the mend.
Thank you. And I have my computer back after a few days without (and now shopping for a new one; I mean my tech friend is scouting for a new one for me).
Hard work and baby steps are paying off for you – how exciting 🙂 Happy Weekend – Enjoy!
They are. I know you “get it,” having been through recovery from an injury.
YAY! On the mend! I’m happy for you!
Thank you kindly, Penny.
You are such a wise patient! I’m sure your medical team loves you…and your progress! I’m so happy for your progress.
Thank you, Jackie. I expect there are patients who don’t listen. I will admit to slacking a bit on my exercises on weekends.
Yippee! Graduation day is a wonderful day to celebrate. Congrats.
I’m getting closer to that day.
Normal always feels good! Good to hear things are improving!
I am ready to graduate and will ask my therapist if I can do so at my next appointment next week.