I have now had two further appointments with the Neurological Physio - to assess my progress in demonstrating what I can now achieve, discuss long term goals and to set new interim targets.
I find these sessions really beneficial and take on board the information and tasks which I am assigned.
The middle band has been removed on the index finger and I have noticed that the band on the middle finger has become slack and before too long will require a shorter length to make the finger work harder. The long term goal is that eventually bands will not be required.
I now walk with a long straight arm and can grasp a soft ball and put it in a cup. The unit comes with four small shapes to test manual dexterity - I was thrilled to be able to grab each one in turn and place it on top of the other.(Photo taken from web-site) One useless task that I can do quite easily is to put my index finger in my right ear!! Useless, I know, but there has to be a fun element. Cleaning my teeth has also become easier as I now no longer have to virtually keep my arm still and move my head, but can do this in the usual manner. I can put shampoo on my right hand but do still require the aid of my left and to lift it to my head. All in all things are going in the right direction, but it is now a case of building on these things and keep testing out things that I always took for granted. General light housework I have been doing for some time, but we've invested in a lightweight vacuum cleaner which enables me to do more chores and has the feeling of achievement as I can push it with the hand that was affected.
As each target is achieved and can be done "second nature" new ones are worked on. If aids or equipment is not readily available in the house I try and improvise with the materials that are around me.
ULTIMATE
GOALS: Ideally I would like to be able to use both hands to:
Eat, Wash/Shower, Drink and Use Hair Drier (these are subject to change)
Exercises set at 2nd visit:
Raise arms and counter balance but keep arm
straight
Pick up
ball
Move and
lift both arms to side and then open fingers (splay) - - keeping elbow straight
Drink
from cup
Hand flip
BEFORE EXERCISES: KEEP TAIL BONE IN AND PULL IN CORE as in PILATES
Exercises set at 3rd visit:
To loosen the arm before exercising - put the right hand on the top of the bathroom tower radiator and do a knee bob.
Make the hand lead - even if it means flexing wrist upwards and then giving the appearance of pushing off..
I have tried to eat by "stabbing" food with a fork, not always successfully - so I am now trying to "stab" bubble wrap or plasticine/Play Doh doing this up to 30 times a day until I get confident, then I will try a plate of food!
I next have an appointment at the end of January, it will soon be Christmas and the New Year and on top of this family time there are a lot of extra events taking place. I have been advised not to "get hung up" about being 100% diligent. I have previously noticed that if I don't or cannot succeed due to tiredness or too many commitments my hand is still affected and will not cooperate!
