I think I have the bad-PT thing sorted out....

There were 4 issues. Now that we are working to transfer my work to the gravity world-- which never occurred after my self-administered aquatic program (meds precluded plus no trainer bennies). This time around I qualified for PT, but at this weight-- we are dealing with unknown forces!

1. The PT aide I drew last time is not experienced, is very young and cellphone-driven, and has not been well trained.
OUTCOME: Discussed with my main PTist. This is an issue others have also reported, and it will come up at the next staff meeting. I'm reassigned to another aide, but they encouraged me that if I draw her again I should feel free to request more knowledgable help with the newer exercises.

2. That aide has some significant stereotypes going on that are getting in the way.
OUTCOME: Discussed with my main PTist. This also is an issue others have also reported and will come up on next staff meeting. Tho I'm reassigned to another aide, they are on notice that if I draw her again due to staff shortages, I WILL address this with her directly.

3. The table they have me lie on is too high and not stable.
OUTCOME: I'm OKd to use the lower table that also is wider and therefore also works for some of the other ADL goals established.

4. I need balance support for some of the exercises.
OUTCOME: Risk-mgmt plan is now in place, including using parallel bars for support for some exercises, which also are near that lower table.


My PTist volunteered the feedback that I had raised these issues tactfully and appropriately; I have to thank a right-at-the-edge venting-session with my friend Vanya which led to a good ole, all-day, deep-cleansing boohoo yesterday. This allowed me to sort out the several old baggages that had almost kept me from saying anything at all about it.

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JANUARY GOALS w/PT/doctor:

1. HR to get over 105 IN DEEP WATER for sustained periods. Today was 100-ish at 3MPH top speed on the aquatic treadmill. (About double the speed of the old-dosage workouts.) No dry treadmill for the foreseeable future (I flunked it). PT will help establish details of the intervals-program to achieve this; if it is not feasible due to lowered med dosage, it will be lowered further at next doc appt. Feb. target HR goal 120.

2. Continued stair-climbing ("reciprocals" in water and "step-ups" in dry clinic, with support-bars) with ankle weights in water and none on land.

3. Add ankle weights to aquatic treadmill, not during faster intervals work but for slow work, to reach toward the land goal of snowblowing in the heavy boots. Ideal for the backwards walking.

4. Transfer most of the existing aquatic strength program to the dry clinic, and add regular aerobic work at our club pool 1-2 days/week.

5. Eliminate ankle weights for dry clinic exercises, till postural adjustments are ingrained with coaching (a re-learning process), and until improved balance warrants using them.

6. Try out balance board for specific work on balance issues-- may not be possible at this weight.

7. Incorporate home exercises already prescribed into play-therapy/ DVD workouts.

8. Hardi is my new play-therapy partner, aiming for gentle but continuous movement and no competitive stuff, following some DVD routines we're soaking up and for which I have accompanying tracking charts to report to PT and doc.

9. Continue attempting to get 1800 calories in, every day, whether I feel hungry or not (2000 on workout days).

10. Continue adding face-activities this winter (lunches with new friends, craft class, etc)

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I may have to make a 2-week trip back to Chicago for sister's moving plan, Jan. 1-15, so I may miss posting these goals in the January thread and I may need a reminder that these are over here in December's thread.

Please be advised that my friend Vanya now looks in here to see how his PPPM is doing, tho he doesn't plan to post; he's been pacing me via text-message on accountability since August, and I no longer have time to do this in two places.

~Susan