Return of Independence

     One of the challenges Amaya has had during this surgery and recovery has been her loss of independence. It's been mentally and emotionally challenging on her to have to become so dependent on us these past few months. For us it's hard to balance helping her without making her feel powerless and not taking it personal when we're the ones who she takes her frustration out on. Surgeries and the recovery process change the dynamic of our home each time. It's hard (painful, frustrating, and challenging) on all of us not just Amaya. Thankfully, we have a loving and supportive home life and support network.

    This past week we've had some victories and have seen a return of Amaya's independence. Amaya did her own laundry, has been given the green light to drop down to one crutch (for outdoor walking), she tackled stairs at school (this was unplanned since the elevator wasn't working and she had to get up to class. But she did it and was steady and felt safe doing so), and she's started doing more chores around the house. She's also able to do some "small things" like carry her own dinner plate to the table, return dishes, grab a drink, etc. When she had the walker it wasn't safe to do so. These small things are all adding up to be a big thing.

Stairs! She went up and down with no problems! Even though I was terrified the whole time. 

Amaya did her laundry this past weekend! This was the first time since she had her surgery! She was happy, proud and excited! It's great to see her improve and how these victories improve her mental health. 

Side lifts to build muscle, strength and balance.  

During the steps even though we could still see her left leg shake we can definitely tell she's improved.

Her therapist had her practice walking down the hall with one crutch before she would sign off to let her drop down from two to one crutch at school. Amaya is worn out and tired of having to use two crutches so she asked for the change. The therapist hd to make sure that Amaya is using a good gait when she walks. The therapist pointed out that Amaya tends to tilt her hips and turn in her right leg. Once it was pointed out to her she has been working on correcting it. 

Around the house she's been walking without a crutch for about a week now. Although she still uses a crutch to get in and out of the house; we have three steps, with no rail, so that's the safest way.