Yey!
I can use the cross country ski machine in mid range by using a crutch on the right side and having it set up so that the left side is next to the kitchen table. I have a rolled up towel on the table that my left hand can be draped over, which allows the wrist to be in a neutral position (the wrist on the left is the worst of the two sides). I'm not leaning on that hand, or on the crutch, but using both sides like that gives the body enough support for balance and steadiness.
I had it set on a very light tension this morning; just enough so that the skid plates wouldn't slide without me making them move. I also wore my ankle hiking boots instead of runners to support the ankles. The combination of light tension and the ankle support from the boots helped to keep the legs in mid range, maybe within a two-three foot stride.
I did really slow, deliberate movements and it went very well. Granted, this isn't going to get me much in the cardio exercise department, but the deliberate leg movements did work the calf, thigh and hip muscles; and got the ankles, knees and hips through some range of motion as well.
The right side felt OK but the ankle and knee on the left one didn't like it, so the stride lengths had to be a little shorter on the left. After 10 minutes I stopped, and now I'll wait to see how those lower joints are tomorrow before trying it again. By then I should know if it will cause more inflammation or not.
Man, I sure hope not. I've got to get these joints working again. I miss working at the clinic and gardening season is fast approaching. For crying out loud...I have plans to build a more permanent green house before spring, but if things don't shape up in a hurry, I'll have to hire someone to build it instead of doing it myself.
Last year at this time, I was out pruning my apple trees in the snow. There's no way that this body could do that now, even though most of the branches are within reach if I put boards on top of the snow to stand on, like I did in previous years.
Even if these hands could carry the boards over to the trees to get it set up (which I don't think they could yet), they'd be busy supporting the body on crutches. Never mind getting the leg joints to walk out on the boards and remain steady, or getting the hand joints to hold on to and manipulate the lopper and saw, if I got that far.
I'm not thinking about this stuff to frustrate myself, but rather to motivate. It does seem that there is such a long way to go...and then I remember how so many of you have pushed on through toward your goals, and continue to do so.
People like Doydie, Blessings, Sally, Barb, Wiz, KittyLady, Debbie, Kitty, Gladys, Ann, Cindy, Mariel, Eddie, Mrs. D, Laura, Texas Batman, Jack and so many others here. You are all a much needed inspiration
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And I can't get a father's words to his daughter with CP out of my head: "Yes you can can."
Yes, I can can...and I will will
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With love, Erika