Back to the track!

This past weekend I went back to the racetrack for the first time in more than a year. Debbie took me to a trackday at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, and we hung out with Eric and some Canadian friends. It was great to be back, and I had no problems wheeling around - although Fontana is one of the nicest facilities and is well-equipped for disabled people. It was windy enough that a lot of the time I didn't even have to push my chair, it went all on its own!

A surprising improvement

After the last big change in my elbow's range of motion it had stayed about the same for a few weeks. I had practically given up on getting more movement, but in the last week or so it's gotten a few degrees better - enough that I'm using the full range of the CPM machine. That was just in time to see the surgeon for my bi-monthly checkup; he figured the CPM machine won't do me much more good because of that, so that will go back this week.

We've been hunting around for paved (or solid) hiking paths, and while we were at the doctor's office we stopped at Eaton Canyon, just up the road from the office. I was able to get around the nature center and some of the trails, but not the majority of it. We also checked out Johnny Carson park in Burbank, and I could get around there pretty good. In the next couple of weeks I've found some bicycle trails I'm hoping we can check out as well.

Gone fishing

My usual occupational therapist at the Casa is pretty innovative. We've been trying to build up my trunk strength and find what muscles still work down there, and he's come up with all kinds of different exercises. This week it was fishing; picking up cones and setting them on the table using a weighted pole. Of course, I have to do this while balancing, adding another dimension to the activity.

All the trunk work is paying off. I can do a little bit of a crunch now, and I actually have a bit of posture during sitting balance. The best part is that I have more control leaning forward in my chair and won't just fall straight over. Leaning forward gives you a lot more leverage on the wheels, and that in turn makes going up ramps and hills easier.

Year One: Done!!

Today marks the one-year anniversary of my tipover. It almost slipped by without me realizing it but a couple of people called and e-mailed to wish us well and that reminded me. To Debbie and me it seems like it's been both a long year and a short year at the same time, but I think we're both glad it's over.

Now, of course, we can look forward to year two! Less than a month now before I go back to work and that is the next big step to work toward. The office moves to a new location later this week that is supposed to be more accessible than the old building, so the timing works out just right for my return. I'll be counting the days now.

Progress

Earlier this week we went to San Diego for a couple of days. It was my first overnight outing so it was a bit of an adventure, but it all went great. We stayed at a nice hotel that was very accessible, and that made everything easier. While we were there we visited the Midway aircraft carrier museum. I could get on the main deck, the hanger deck and one lower deck with my chair, leaving just a few exhibits that I couldn't see. It was an important stop for me, because when I was in the hospital I made a "to do" list and that was one of the first things on the list.

More good news: I have a new rehab doctor that's closer to home and we saw him last week. We came up with a schedule for me to go back to work part time - starting in early December, I'll be going to work three days a week.

Friendly fleas and fireflies

Don't make me say the title of this post. Yesterday I had the remains of my front tooth pulled, making all those Fs hard work. Now I have to wait a couple of months for things to heal up in there, and then I'll have an implant slipped in.

Yesterday happened to be my birthday as well. It was pretty low-key as both Debbie and I have colds and I spent most of the day in bed after seeing the dentist. I was surprised to have Ricky Bobby call and leave me a personalized birthday greeting. Don't believe me? Listen to it here: Ricky Bobby's message.

Oot and aboot

Debbie and I have been all over lately, and I'm surprised at how accessible everything has been. Last weekend we went for Canadian Thanksgiving in Long Beach, at The Madison Restaurant. During the week we went to the El Coyote Cafe with some friends from work. I had always remembered the restaurant having a couple of steps to get in, you can imagine my surprise when I saw the elevator that's always been there-right next to the steps. Thats me in the lift, above. This past weekend we went to the Descanso Gardens in La Canada. It was a bit hilly there, but I managed with some help from Debbie to get everywhere. There was even one hill with a sign "no wheelchairs". Of course, we just had to try...

Tonight we're off to visit some friends, it will be my first after-dinner outing and our first outing where we know we'll have a couple of steps to go up. Yikes!