To get all the details short and sweet: diagnosed 1 April 2015 relapse one month on, 7 weeks at a rehab hotel, 10 weeks at day training at same place and now a year’s free training at my local physio center. My age is 75.
I can now do pretty much everything but on a smaller scale and things take a bit more time. Every day shows an improvement. I was unable to move at the beginning and the day I was able to stand up from my wheelchair I’ll never forget. That took 3 months. Now I walk unaided but if I’m going into town shopping I’ll take my walker with me because I’ll be on my feet longer than usual.
Yes I have all the aches and pains but they will disappear in time and I’ve chosen not to dwell on them.
I find it a great help to plan my day and make sure that I have that ALL IMPORTANT tank up nap at the same time each day. Planning is the key word because when the tiredness hits you your productivity is gone.
I thrive on what I can do now and drink every positive thing down to the last drop. I think that only when you have been robbed of all functions and then given them back can you really rejoice in what life is.
I must add that I live in Denmark where we have a medical system second to none so apart from the rehab hotel in the 7 weeks I was there (at a ridiculously low fee) all treatment was free so I had none of that extra worry that I’ve read about from other members here. When you are admitted to hospital you are in the system and everything is taken care of for you.
I’m now the proud owner of an lovely red electric 3 wheeled scooter that takes me to the supermarkets, training and all other errands so my life is truly my own now.
I made up a motto for myself that became my bible and also worked with my connections to all the people that cared for me:
Be positive
Be persistent
Be patient
…and I might add that having a good sense of humour doesn’t go amiss.
To each and every one of you I wish you a good recovery…give your all!