Walking on the Grass & Improving on 20-30

Mary Ann's physical therapy on Friday
Christa started by watching Mary Ann walk with a cane.  During two long walks that Mary Ann took without tiring, she observed that--except for one or two times--Mary Ann's hip was in the correct position.  Then she took Mary Ann outside so she could feel what it's like to walk on the grass, the concrete, and the wood chips that are immediately outside the back door.  I think Mary Ann surprised herself by how well she did. 


Then back inside, Christa instructed her in how to coordinate the movement of her right arm--the one without the cane--with her steps.  She pointed out that Mary Ann had been using a walker not only since her surgery almost seven weeks ago, but for many months before that.  And since she had both hands on the walker, she did not swing her arms.


This sounds simple but does need to be re-learned.  Since her left arm (with the cane) comes forward when she steps with her right leg (the hip replacement leg), her right arm swings forward when she advances her left leg.  Mary Ann did well at this but not perfect.  She needs more practice, but she has come far this past week. Last Friday she took her first steps with a cane, and three sessions later, she walked well with her cane on grass.  


As with all sessions, Christa guided Mary Ann through additional exercises designed to strenghten critical muscles.  I liken one of the newer ones to what a figure skater does when going down on one leg for a sit-spin.


While sitting in an arm chair with her left leg extended forward, she lifts herself up with her hands and puts all her weight on her right (hip replacement) leg.  The goal is to rise from the chair until the "bad" leg is vertical, hold for several seconds, then sit back down.  Mary Ann did well.  


The progress she has been making seems remarkable to me.  Her resolve is amazing, and it will pay off.


Meanwhile, back at my regular Ophthalmologist
In the week since  I saw Dr. Cooperman, my eyesight improved a bit.  At Dr. Cartwright's, my right eye checked out at 20-25, the best it's been since the surgery on June 29.  My left eye is 20-20. 


I had a long conversation with the doctor and saw for myself the level of concern he had.  I learned that he spoke with Dr. Cooperman after each of my visits with him, also that he could not get over the fact that nothing grew out of the culture they took, therefore, the type of  infection could not be identified. 


Because my cataract surgery in that eye was seven weeks before the infection showed up, he suspected a slow developing cause.  But since he had seen a clear vitreous in my eye two days before his partner saw a virteous full of infection several hours before the surgery, it had to be a quickly developing infection.  He was also very impressed that my family doctor took so much interest in my eye, even calling and speaking to Dr. Cartwright about what she saw. 


So we will never know what caused it, but the infection in my right eye is gone, and my vision is back.  What do I make out of all this?  I will continue pondering as I thank God, the doctors, and the surgical team!