CTS Post Script

I was reading over old comments & realized I never updated regarding the carpal tunnel surgery, so this is especially for Maxine since you asked:

The carpal tunnel surgery was a success in that my right wrist/hand no longer goes numb or tingly any more. I still wear a brace on my left hand at night so that it does not "go to sleep." I continue to lack control of a pencil or other instruments that require fine motor skills. However, that is because of my SCA, so this is not something I expect to change. I must admit that before the CTS surgery, I was hopeful that I'd be able to draw once again, but since that wasn't the source of the problem, that's not going to happen. Oh well, I am thankful that the CTS is taken care of, though ~~ no more tingling sensation!

NEW SHOES!

I am walking on clouds ... well, not literally, but I am loving my orthopedic shoes with 3 inserts & mega support!

We won't know for another week or so if physical therapy even helps at all. After Wednesday's session, I was an emotional wreck, which is probably one reason (along with its questionable results) that I am not so vocal about physical therapy. While I do love my therapist & see the positive side of what we are doing, my time there really highlights my physical limitations and leaves me pretty "played out."

P.T.

I met my physical therapist yesterday. She evaluated and tallied my "balance score," which was something like 30 out of 50. She'll give me a printout of her report when I go next week. I am to see her 3 times next week.

Two new things she told me about are that ...

1. ... she will set me up with a weighted pen, weighted spoon, etc, so that my brain can easier assess the location of these utensils.
2. ... she will get me hooked up with an ataxia newsletter, which would be helpful identifying resources, etc.
   

It is amazing (& slightly alarming) to realize how taxing just a PT evaluation session was on my legs yesterday. My knees and shins were in great pain afterwards, but a couple acetaminophens did the trick. My one shin was even paining during the wee hours of the morning today.

Anyhow, I really like and feel confident with my physical therapist & will report on the progress.

EDIT: Berg balance score = 38/56