Week 34 of weight maintenance - Holding Steady --> The Brain is an Amazing Thing
My physical therapist took me "next level" last Friday and asked me to close my eyes and walk toward her (heel to toe) between the stability bars. I confess, part of me was thinking "holy sh#t!" on the inside. But, I also confess I've really come to enjoy these sessions. Both the physical therapists I've been working with (Vikki, and Amy) told me straight out, it was a challenge for them to come up with exercises that will keep me engaged as they're not used to working with a person at this level of fitness.
I closed my eyes, and started to walk forward. And, my oh my - I was wobbly as hell. But, I kept at it and tightened my core as much as possible. Vikki had just stated earlier how beautifully she thought my core engaged while having me do an exercise on my stomach where I had to draw in my abs and stretch out the quads. These two amazing ladies have been too nice to this girl's ego, lemme tell ya. LOL
"It really is amazing what you're capable of with the lack of sensation you have in your legs," she said.
I smiled and replied with, "Well, the brain is amazing thing!"
"You're brain is an amazing thing!" Vikki retorted.
I really don't understand how I do it to be honest. We know my brain is very rapidly mapping the movements they're providing. But, how is it creating the neural workaround so quickly? WHERE is the neural workaround? It's too bad MRI's can't map new neural growth.
I can now make the bosu ball do a 360 both ways doing a little "hula hoop" motion. I can step forward and back and side to side on the balancing board, which resembles a sea-saw. Unless you skate board - these exercises would actually be challenging for everyone, regardless of whether or not a person had sensation in their limbs.
Unless of course, you skate board or surf.
These movements take time to master, but my brain is mapping the motion in a matter of minutes. I start out wobbly and about 2 minutes in, something happens and my brain has already memorized where these legs are in space without having to feel anything but motion and pressure.
It's been frankly surprising all of us, but we're going with it!
I do try and empty my mind, clear my thoughts. I try not to think about what I'm doing if that makes sense. I imagine the energy inside me is working with energy outside of me and something just clicks. It's weird, because I'm observing this body react to something my brain is just doing without my control. But, it's wayeee cool!
I continued to wobble toward her, but she told me it was okay to do that and also okay to hold my hands out to steady myself. She also told me I can continue to practice in the hallway at home until my brain has mapped it. I'm already getting better.
This one seems daunting, especially because I'm walking with my eyes closed, but Optic Neuritis is actually one of the most common flare-ups an MS'er can have. The blindness is almost ALWAYS temporary and will subside, but it can take weeks or months. Knowing how to walk without sight and especially on feet that have no sensation is a critical skill to keep in the back pocket, know what I mean?
When I finally made it to wear she was standing, I opened my eyes and suddenly said, "Answer me this, why do I wobble so much walking forward, but when I do this...I'm absolutely fine?!"
I proceeded to close my eyes and walk backward without a single wobble, trip, or tumble. In fact, one would have thought I had eyes in the back of my head. I'm not sure why I did it, either. I just knew it was possible. I heard her say with absolutely surprise,
"I...I have no idea how you're doing that..."
We've decided next week will be the last session. There's no need for further sessions. I told her it will likely not be the last time in my life I'm in physical therapy. "And, hey" I exclaimed - "If I'm in a wheelchair the next time we meet, we already know what my strong points are and we'll know where begin. And, if I'm not we'll just take it to the next level wherever I'm at."
Below is this weeks trajectory. I ate well for my 2400 cal day last week. Lots of sugary carbs and goodies. I actually don't eat as many carbs as I'm allotted a day, because I'm so focused on getting protein in most of the time. But, it was nice to fill my plate with some sugary goodness.
I hope everyone is healthy, well, and enjoying Spring. Have a blessed week!
Until next time {{Hugs & Love}}
Monday - 1686 --- Target 1698
Tuesday - 1725 --- Target 1868
Wednesday - 1686 --- Target 1698
Thursday - 1964 --- Target 2038
Friday - 1698 --- Target 1698
Saturday - at Target 1349
Sunday - 1517 --- at Target
Average TDEE 1698
Current TDEE for the Spring & Summer = 1710/day
