A week ago we braved the snow and went to see the orthopedic surgeon for a follow up appointment. At that point I'd been in the heavy walking boot for over a month. I was able to get around pretty well but still not able to go up and down stairs. We took along my old AFO (ankle foot orthotic) to the appointment. It's that big, white plastic thing that helps keep my foot and ankle in the right position. The doctor said that with some adjustments I could go back to the old AFO and any shoes I can manage to cram it into.
We went to see Jeff at Hangar Orthotics and he was able to reshape the old AFO to fit my new foot position. What a relief because a brand new one would have been super expensive--a minimum of $1000! Exercises are so much easier without the heavy walking boot. Some of my hip and knee pain is subsiding. I still rely heavily on my cane to get around but this feels like a step forward and gives us more to move forward with in physical therapy.
We are going to church this morning after missing for a couple of weeks. It'll be just Toben and I because the girls are with Toben's parents. Later this afternoon we will have traditional Sunday dinner at my parent's house. Then a long afternoon at home to rest before the week begins.
I'm weary and the road feels long and there doesn't feel like there is an end in sight. Still not sleeping well. I feel like I need and infusion of energy and hope.
Joanne
I am praying thr Holy Spirit infuses you with His strength and His Hope!!!
Psalm 18:32
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect!!!
In Jesus' name I pray for you!!! :-)
Posted by: colette | February 12, 2012 at 09:13 AM
Look at you plowing ahead! Frustration is normal. Keeping up the fight is imperative! I love you. I wish I was out there with you this week. Russell has to go it alone, this trip. I used my time off to head to Roanoke instead for my mom's biopsy (negative, Praise God!). Next time...YOU will be the recipient of my time off!! Hugs and smooches :)
Posted by: Susan Smith | February 12, 2012 at 09:17 AM
Precious Joanne,
Thank you for sharing this update. I am glad the bulky walking boot is a thing of the past and praying that the future includes lots of forward progress in walking, sleeping and general lifting of spirits and energy.
Hoping that being in the House was a balm to your soul.
Much love and hugs dear one.
Posted by: Helen | February 12, 2012 at 09:49 AM
Praying for that infusion of energy and hope today!
Love from So. Cal.
Posted by: Karene | February 12, 2012 at 10:16 AM
Then I will pray for an infusion of energy and hope for you Joanne! Love from Texas!
Posted by: Lynn | February 12, 2012 at 11:43 AM
Sweet Joanne, God will bless your perseverance!
"For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance." Romans 8:24-25
Posted by: Lina | February 12, 2012 at 12:26 PM
You have been slogging through this for so long...don't forget to give yourself credit for that! Galaxy Quest might be a good movie to watch this week. ( Never Give Up! Never Surrender!) I have been and will continue to pray for you and your family Joanne. He is not forgetting you.
Jill
Posted by: Jill Donnelly | February 12, 2012 at 12:34 PM
Still sending good thoughts and prayers your way!
Posted by: Laurie | February 12, 2012 at 02:35 PM
So thankful the AFO was reshaped!! Yeah God!!! Press on Joanne! Press on! Prayers that with energy and hope, HE will infuse and envelop. Much love.
Posted by: Lora Osburn | February 12, 2012 at 03:38 PM
Though we've never met, I continue to follow your story nearly 13 months later. Though it's difficult for me to imagine the pain and frustration you've had to deal with, I do know this: The Lord isn't finished with you yet. I look at someone like Stephen Hawking who has spent most of his lifetime communicating one letter at a time by twitching a facial muscle and I KNOW that you still have much to say-- words that will continue to impart Life and Hope in others. Just as Jesus was "a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief" you too have known sorrow and grief, and you have a purpose that is far, far from over. Praying for your healing, your heart, your hope and your destiny.
Posted by: Steve Lambert | February 12, 2012 at 04:11 PM
Have you ever asked anyone or read anything about the history behind Hangar Orthotics and Prosthetics? It's pretty cool!
I know some days are more frustrating than others and that none of us here have walked a mile in your shoes/boot/AFO. But please know that you are treasured and cared about. We continue to pray for your full recovery. And we'll add in an extra prayer for some energy, positive movement forward, and maybe some light, carefree days!
Peace,
Kim Feth
Apex, NC
Posted by: Kim Feth | February 12, 2012 at 05:43 PM
Psalm 62:5
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him.
You've gone through so much. Remember He doesn't give us more than we can handle and He goes through it with us. I'm praying for rest, refreshment and walking the stairs for Joanne, thank you Lord!
Posted by: Linda Hughes | February 12, 2012 at 05:51 PM
Joanne,
I have only known you through this blog. Yet, I have thought of you often. I will pray for an infusion of hope and energy...I've been given a glimpse of the need for hope and energy, especially when you feel that you can't see the end. Though I know in my head, I will get better (I twisted my knee in December and have been in physical therapy..minor compared to the travels you had), it has been hard even in this small thing to keep my spirits up. I do see improvements but when will the pain subside? And I thought, oh...this must be what Joanne is feeling. And why it is hard to keep your spirits up.
So...my small glimpse, will help me pray. Hang on. You can do it. One step at a time. Praise the Lord for the boot. Yes, I agree that you do have more words to share.
Love, Kathleen
Isaiah 40:31
Posted by: Kathleen T. Jaeger | February 12, 2012 at 06:06 PM
i think of you often, joanne. i remember telling my minister a year or so ago that i thought i was going to lose a dear friend. and you're still here.
i'm so glad, i am so sorry for your pain and frustration, and i hear your weariness.
you are not alone, dear one.
renee altson
Posted by: renee altson | February 12, 2012 at 08:44 PM
Praying for you, dear sister! God is able and he will do it - above and beyond what we can even imagine. Asking him to give you amazing strength, sweet refreshing sleep, renewed energy and vitality, and a fresh dose of inspiration for the journey! Be encouraged!!!
Posted by: Caroline | February 12, 2012 at 11:23 PM
Sweet Joanne,
The other day I read Sara Young's devotion for February 7. It starts out "Come to Me for rest and refreshment. The journey has been too much for you and you are bone weary. Do not be ashamed of your exhaustion. Instead, see it as an opportunity for Me to take charge of your life." It goes on to say "Start with where you are at this point in time and space, accepting that this is where I intend you to be." This line hit me like a ton of bricks. To know that today at this moment is exactly where God wanted me to be and knew I would be here. How powerful God is. This devotional was given to me 2 years ago when I was diagnosed with a slow growing Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. I do not need treatment now, just going to the docs every 6 months to make sure it has not spread yet. This particular page is written all over by me from 2 years ago - it helped to get me though. But that one line did not stand out until this year - interesting how God does this. The 2 bible verses she gives are Romans 8:28 and Psalm 42:11. I pray for peace and renewed love for God.
Posted by: Wendy | February 13, 2012 at 06:38 AM
We all--boys included--pray for you all of the time. I miss you so, my dear friend. How I wish I could come by. I'd bring the tea party with me and the kiddos. Cupcake could wash her hands in your tea like Pumpkin did at that age, we'd eat scones and drink our tea and laugh together and cry together and pray together.
Posted by: Kimberly | February 13, 2012 at 08:38 AM
Praying for peace and strength for you!
Posted by: Crystal | February 13, 2012 at 08:59 AM
oh...your endurance and courage is amazing...continued prayers for healing...hope...energy...wisdom and all the Grace needed for this long journey you and your family have been on...blessings to you...
Posted by: r.elliott | February 13, 2012 at 10:30 AM
Just know you from your blog but I know you can do this. It is hard but God is huge. When you feel weak that's when He can really roll up his sleeves and get to work. Let Him.
Posted by: Amy | February 13, 2012 at 12:03 PM
As I read your blog I thought of your Moms example of infusion of a tea-bag squeezed out ....you might feel your energy n hope have been squeeezed BUT you are a trophy of His love and peace you are Hope ....your amazing xxxx
With FONDEST Love from England
Posted by: Ruthy :o) | February 13, 2012 at 02:01 PM
Love reading your progress which builds your Praise Story!
Posted by: Mrs. Claus | February 14, 2012 at 08:56 AM
After reading the sweet comments, I looked up one of the verses in context. Read the final verse! BTW, here's a handy hint I came up with myself. If you ever need orthotics that are small enough and are slippery inside your shoes, try putting them INSIDE your socks!
All blessings to you and the extended family and friends far and wide!
Psalm 18:32-36
32 It is God who arms me with strength
and keeps my way secure.
33 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
He causes me to stand on the heights.
34 He trains my hands for battle;
my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
35 You make Your saving help my shield,
and Your right hand sustains me;
Your help has made me great.
36 You provide a broad path for my feet,
so that my ankles do not give way.
Posted by: Michal | February 14, 2012 at 08:48 PM
Praying for you here in Bellingham, Washington. You have been on my heart so many times. I am your age and have had numerous health issues for the last couple of years. Nothing like what you are experiencing! May God give you hope and strength and healing. May He lift your heart...you are so loved by Him!
Praying,
Heather
Posted by: Heather Gerard | February 15, 2012 at 08:15 PM
Praying for you, Joanne!! That the Lord may infuse you with hope, courage, strength and energy -- in abundance!! Big, warm *hugs* across the ocean to you!! Love, Carmen
Posted by: Carmen | February 15, 2012 at 11:08 PM
Would really encourage you to read the blog "Hope Heals" about a young woman who experienced a stroke and is 3 years post-stroke. I would imagine that she has felt your pain and desolation, and has found a new life on the other side of stroke and rehab. It seems to be a beautiful one, and I wish this for you, too, Joanne! Check it out: http://www.hope-heals.com/ there may be something there that can help you. I know that it has been inspiring for me to read in my own struggles. God Bless You!
Posted by: Mary | February 16, 2012 at 08:38 AM
You ARE an infusion of energy and hope. Praying for you.
Posted by: WendyB | February 16, 2012 at 08:58 AM
Joanne.
There is a device called a Walk Aide that might help you. I have messaged Toben and Wendy about it. I have had amazing success with my patients who are using it. It is a great alternative to an AFO and you can wear it with any footwear or even barefoot. You can check it out at www.walkaide.com
p.s. I do not work for them, I'm just excited about this technology and the changes it has made in my patients.
Posted by: Traci Schmidt, PT | February 20, 2012 at 01:15 AM