First faltering steps

We had a very emotional day today. We went to CICC for physiotherapy at midday. On the way Jo asked me to stay for the session as her confidence was at the same low level it had been six months ago.

The session began with the physiotherapist demonstrating the standing frame, a truly horrendous wooden contraption with heavy leather straps that resembles nothing so much as a medieval stocks. Once strapped into this the idea was that it supported one standing and thus counteracted the effect of sitting shortening the muscles. I have to say that Jo and I were neither convinced of the efficacy of this, nor were we enthusiastic about using it.

After freeing Jo from the machine's confines and almost as an afterthought, the physiotherapist decided to try Jo in the walking frame, having last seen Jo's performance in this in December, when Jo was under another physiotherapist. At that time Jo was just beginning to transfer her weight onto her left leg and the walking consisted of her dragging that foot along.

To my amazement and Jo's obvious but painful pleasure, Jo was able transfer her weight onto her left leg and step reasonably confidently forward. Even more amazingly she was able to lift her left leg and move it forward, the latter mostly with the physiotherapist’s assistance but twice on her own.

This was performed for a full length of the gym and then repeated for another length. Jo was overcome with emotion at being able to accomplish so much and so was I. So overjoyed was she, she suggested we visit Waitrose for lunch, in some small celebration of these first faltering steps.