Catch-Up Time
Saturday, December 20, 2008 - 9:31 A.M. It seems as though I have a little time to do some catch-up on my journal writing this morning. I finally got to see my physical therapist Thursday morning. She gave me some traction therapy to alleviate the pain in my back. Due to my Access-A-Ride being half an hour late in getting me to my appointment, I was not able to get the full amount of therapy scheduled. My therapist told me that at the end of January, my physical therapy would be discontinued. That will be primarily due to my insurance, Medicare and Medicaid. She said that I would start receiving Range Of Motion therapy at my home. It will be provided by someone from my home health care agency. While that is going on, my doctor will keep a monthly check on me to see how things are going. Should my physical problems began to worsen, my therapist told me that would be enough reason to justify my being referred to her again for additional therapy. I was upset upon hearing about this, but the more thinking I did on it, the better I liked the idea. After getting physical therapy two and three times a week, for about nine months, I have begun to feel very tired and worn out. It is not just therapy causing this, but the traveling to and from the clinic as well. I think that I can benefit from having a few months in which to rest somewhat. My brother e-mailed me concerning our having another counseling session with my social worker. We have agreed to see him on January 26, 2009. I talked with my social worker about this on Friday, and he said that was fine with him, but he would like to see me this coming Monday. I am going to spend Christmas Eve with my sister and her family. We will have dinner there, and then exchange Christmas gifts. After that, I will be thoroughly worn out, so I will return home. On Christmas Day, I am going to my sister's house once again. I did not plan on doing this. I told my sister that when speaking with her on the phone Thursday night. She said that she was not going to let me spend Christmas Day alone. My brother e-mailed me again, and invited me to visit him after Christmas. I was very surprised at this invitation, but accepted it right away. It will be about the third time I have been to his house in eleven years. With regard to the Wish List, he wanted me to send him, I sent him a list of three items that I would like to have. This list included a stereo radio, a computer software upgrade, and a gift certificate at Amazon.com. I told him that should prove that I was able to pick out one or two things. If he and his wife still want to play Santa, now they have at the few things they can try and find.
Replies
Happy Holidays to you and your family many hugs-Stephanie
I know it wasn\'t easy for you to let them spend your money for you. I just want to say congrats for doing it, Jim. It\'s one of those baby steps that will help in the future. You\'ve come soooo far along in this journey to alleviate depression.
I think that your sister really has a hard time respecting your wishes. If you want to stay home Christmas Day, then you should!! I think it might be best to tell her white lies to get her off your back. Tell her you won\'t be alone.
I think it might be a good thing that you are not seeing this PT anymore. I\'m glad you will get rest but also hope that you can pick up with it if you find you are missing it. I take breaks from my PT once in awhile and it seems to really pay off. When I go back to it, it feels way better.
Can\'t wait to read about your visit to the bro\'s house.
Hugs and Mojo to my goodest friend.....
Weebs
Many thanks to Stephanie, Sam, and Weebs for accepting me as one of your friends. I feel as though I have been on a long journey through unknown and treacherous paths. Without your friendships and guidance, I am positive that I would have stumbled, and made a number of irreversible and serious injuries to myself along the way.
I hope that each of you, and your families, have a joyous and wonderful Christmas!
Thanks Jim Merry Christmas and best wishes to you and yours for the new year, Many BIG hugs-Stephanie