Physical therapy has improved strength

We have all heard the phrase, “use it or lose it.” I’m beginning to understand the truth behind those simple words.

For a couple of years I have been losing strength and control of my dominant left hand. It began with my thumb, which would twitch when I was bored or stressed. I assumed it was a nervous tic and ignored it.

My family finally persuaded me to see a doctor. The doctor told me I was not normal and referred me to a neurologist. He did all sorts of weird things like stick me with a pin and ask me to write something. After responding to all of his questions, he diagnosed a benign familial tremor.

I translated the word, “benign” as meaning I could safely ignore the problem. The “familial” part I assumed was nothing more than balderdash as nobody I knew had the shakes.

In the ensuing months several different medications were prescribed at different dosages. They did nothing. The tremors now included the rest of my hand. I guess the hand was jealous of the attention my thumb was getting.

Last fall the neurologist ordered occupational therapy. He also wanted to send me to Indianapolis. I vetoed Indianapolis as being too far away. I also didn’t think the problem was serious enough to merit all that attention.

The occupational therapy worked wonders. They fixed problems I didn’t even know I had. The tremors remained, but I regained control and strength. They gave me my hand back.

Over the winter, I grew lax at doing the prescribed exercises. Then in late March hubby decided to have a heart attack and all I was concerned about was him.

He is close to being finished with his own physical therapy. He is regaining his strength and endurance and is almost back to normal.

I had a follow-up appointment with the neurologist. The tremors have spread a bit but still occur mostly at rest. My arm wants to curl protectively against my body. I mentioned that putting on my coat was becoming increasingly difficult. Doc said cheerily, “We can fix that,” and prescribed both physical and occupational therapy. He again mentioned sending me to Indianapolis and I vetoed it again. He also upgraded his diagnosis to something more ominous, not serious, just ominous.

Back to therapy I went. I finished the six weeks of rehab last week. It did little for the tremors, but improved strength led to improved control. My arm has uncurled and it is easier to do some household tasks. Now I need to keep up with the pages and pages of prescribed exercises. I was told that if I didn’t, then all the progress I had made would be wasted. Experience tells me they are right,

I like that exercise is the current treatment instead of pills. Sometimes I think we rely too much on medication. Bodies were made to move. I know that if I want to continue to do the things I enjoy I have to do the things I don’t want to do.

I think it is ironic that my most hated subject in school was physical education and now exercise is prescribed as good for what ails me.

This is just a minor blip, no more important than my multi-colored hair. We all have problems. As we age, things start to break down. The trick is to keep moving as long as we can. “Use it or lose it” is more than just a saying. It is good advice.