Bionic Woman

Well, I am finally the Bionic Woman.  My aunt helped be splurge and purchase the Bioness Walk Aide.  I have been using it for three weeks.  I have seen marked improvment in the flexibility of my left ankle joint and some increase in strength.  I actually walked with my husband for 40 minutes.  Granted it was only a mile and I moved moderately slow, but I walked without too much trouble.  The rep from the company said give the device a few months before you see real progress.  I should expect some fatigue due to the weaked state of the muscles in my leg.  She thinks it will also help strengthen my hip flexor.  So I am very excited at the prospect of gaining a little of my mobility back.  I walk with a tipsy topple of a gait.  It causes a strain on my back.   I have been doing pilates once a week with a personal trainer.  She says my core is getting stronger and I am regaining proper body alignment.  I am currently training on walking with proper form, especially with the walking device.  I also do exercises at home with bands at least three times a week.  I am hoping my back will mellow a little and that I can start swimming at least 20 minutes a couple a times a week. All this sounds like a lot to me now.  I think about the athlete I once was.  Running 7 miles a day, swimming 5-10,000 yards at day, weights, surfing, etc.  andit seems like another lifetime.  I am getting better at doing a lot less and letting go of the things I used to do to ID myself.  I still struggle.  It is like this disease has stolen my identity and joy.  So, I am working to find more joy in my life.  My faith in God is what keeps me going.  The thought that in heaven i will be running and juming is what I try to hold on to.  I also believe that I can be healed.  So I hang on to hope on the good days.  The bad days a fewer and farther inbetween.   My work is supportive and I am still able to work full time teaching elementary physical education.  I am not that mobile, however  I work with two lovely ladies who are so suportive.  I think constantly about organizing my day to eliviate fatigue.