Rehab

[addicted2harleys]

This has become such an amazing section of the road in my journey.  Coming to rehab was the best thing that could have happened to me.  I truly am thankful for crossing paths with my new pump nurse and grateful for her swiftness in getting me in here.  

I have physical, occupational and speech therapy every day.  This makes for a long day but very much worth it.  I see improvement every single day.  This hospital has the most caring, compassionate and outgoing staff I have ever seen in my life.  You cannot help being optimistic here.  And I thought I already was.  

All of my meds have been tweaked and played with.   And I now feel my head coming out of the fog it has been in for quite some time.  All of the cog issues I thought I was having are GONE.

My legs had started swelling very badly and lasix and putting feet up wasn't helping.  I am happy to say that I can see my ankles once again, but I also acquired a new pair of socks.  Lol.  But I won't have to wear them or take the lasix after I leave here.  

Tomorrow I will be completely off of the oral Baclofen.  I had my very first pump refill yesterday and was stressing a bit because I knew a needle would be involved.  I won't trade my pump nurse for anything.  I didn't feel a thing.  

I have been able to be put on Nuvigil.  Thank God!  I have been trying for over two years to get this.  I am no longer falling asleep at the drop of a hat and my fatigue level isn't quite so low.  So, this is working for me.  I have begun sleeping at night 6-7 hours, yay!

Eh hem...my bowels are moving perfectly.  Thanks to my doc trying different things until we found the right combo.

I haven't had my Vit D rechecked, but I have been put on 5000 Vit D3 daily but I also make sure I get my 15 minutes on the sun every day.  

I had decided to try to quit smoking while I was here.  I was put on Chantix.  While I am down to about 15 smokes a day,  which is REALLY good for me, I will have to stop the Chantix.  I am going to keep trying to quit, but without any aids and I am going to wean myself.  I can't do cold turkey.  I am failed that way too many times.  

I am still on Oxi and Percs.  The Oxi is extended release and I take it twice a day.  The Percs are as needed and I do tend to need them more often then not.  So, after my oral Baclofen is done, we are going to add pain meds into my pump and get me off those orals, too.

So, rehab has be so so good for me.  I think I covered everything.  Oh, I almost forgot to tell you about my fairy god mother.  No wait!   I am going to make a new post for her.  She deserves her own thread.  :)

So, who all saw that little old dust storm we had in Arizona last night?  What a sight!  Unbelievable.  I guess it was mother nature welcoming me home.  :)

Hugs to all,
Addi

[grannyhotwheels]

Addie,

If you don't mind my asking, why did you go to the rehap in the first place?  It certainly sounds like it was the right thing for you to do... You sound so happy... Glad things are going so well!!!

I'll be praying,
Carol

[jujuminx]

Bump for you about Addi.

Julie

[michelleric]

Glad to hear you are doing well and working hard in rehab.  Your spirit sounds wonderful, keep on keeping on.  Great attitude you have going on...XO  Michelle

[RedFlame]

WOW!!!!!

This is just awesome news Addi!  I am soooooo happy for you.  What a wonderful opportunity for you and it is well deserved.  I have been wondering how you were doing with the pump.  I'm glad they will begin administering your pain meds through the pump.

much love and many hugs!!!

Red

[supermum_ms]

I know your working hard and getting the most of what ever help is available to you, YOU should be proud of your self! You go girl!! :-)

I am so so very pleased for you and hope there is more good coming your way!

HUGS..........JJ

[Lulu54]

what a good update, Addi.  I am so happy to hear this facility has worked out for you- it sounds great,

Keep up the good work - I know all of this is hard, but the end result is worth it.

hugs, Lulu

[Sarahsmom46]

Unless someone has been in rehab before, they don't truly appreciate all that it has to offer.  You get so much of your life back after the experience that it is hard not to be grinning from ear-to-ear after a few weeks.  

I am so happy you are doing this well.  Do they plan on keeping you a little longer or will you be coming home this week?  

Keep doing so well and know that this experience will help give you the confidence to come home and know what you need to know to take good care of yourself.  

Big hugs.

Julie

P.S.  Did the staff talk to you about scheduling a family training session?  It might be very helpful for your family it helped me a lot.

[Sparkysarah]

I have not been posting much recently as I have not felt like it when I am still in relapse after 8 weeks. However your post lifted my spirits and I am so glad for you that you are getting the care you deserve, and that your meds have all been reviewed.

As for giving up smoking, as a non smoker I do not feel that I can possibly understand how hard it is to give up. However I do beleive that if someone wants something badly enough with the right support, they have the inner resources to create change in their life. All we can do is to offer you that support and as you know the rest is up to you. Be kind to yourself and although I really want to encourage you to give up, you have already been through a lot in rehab so all you can do is your best.

Thinking of you and keep us updated.

Love and hugs

Sarah x

[HVAC]

I am so happy for you! I am glad you are getting such good care.

Alex

[Sumanadevii]

Addi, wow!  Just wow!  To make so many improvements under their care.  I am so happy for you!!!!!

[addicted2harleys]

Thank you, thank you.  :)

All of the patients I have talked to feel the same way I do about this facility.  A lot of them have been in other places and they still say this one is above and beyond any of the others.  I am glad I got put in this one.  

There is not an extra bed in my room because everyone gets a private room...but, the room next door just got vacated!  Run!!  lol

I have never wanted to get on anyone the patches or gums or anything like that because I am afraid I will give in an have a smoke.  I would end up getting way to much nicotine.  So, the Chantix seemed like a good answer for me.  And, so far, it had been working.  My craving tamed down considerably.  I did see my nurse and we are going to lower the dose and see if I can still tolerate it.  I hope I can because I did think it was helping.  Good luck to you for quitting, too!!  I hope the patch works for you!

Thanks so much, Julie!  :)

Thanks to you, too, Shell.  This place is home to me. :)

Addi

[sllowe]

Welcome home!

What a wonderful place - I can't believe how many problems were worked on - they took care of the whole you!

I'm proud of you, and those folks at the rehab should be commended too.

Here's to you, for getting through so much. I hope the progress continues from home and the pump does you well w/the adds.

Nice to have you back :)
(((hugs)))
shell

[jujuminx]

Addi!!!  You go girl!!  Wow, look at all the progress you have made. Very inspiring. Keep up the good fight.

Julie

[torikat32]

Addi,
IT is good to hear from you and I am very happy to hear of the progress you are making . I am glad that you have found the right place and it sounds wonderful do you have an extra bed in your room? lol why do you have to go of chantix? I quit smoking friday and its been hard but i am on the patch so maybe that might be an option for you since you arent suppose to smoke on the patch because of possible nicotine overdose.I hope they get the other meds in your pump and you will be a new woman .

hugs to you
Kat