Occupational Progress

As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I’ve been participating in a musculoskeletal rehabilitation program since mid-July (I think?). It was very generously extended once, but now it’s winding down for good. All that remains is one session with my physiotherapist.

My final occupational-therapy appointment, which took place this past Friday, was a bittersweet occasion—emphasis on the “sweet.” Though I’ll miss my OT, who’s incredibly kind and knowledgeable, few endings in my life have felt so definitive, clean, and satisfying. Indeed, there was a real sense of finality and personal triumph to it. A wrapping-up of a few administrative loose ends, some guidance on next steps and on ways to build on the progress I’ve made, a last goodbye, and then home I went, glowing with pride and, yes, a little smugness.

My OT and I agreed that this is the right time to wind things down. I’ve benefitted so tremendously from the help I’ve received from her that I no longer really require it. I’ll stay connected with my community OT, who can handle practical matters as they arise, but I’ve developed the skills I need to continue moving forward without more intensive assistance. As my hospital OT put it, what matters, at this point, is that I keep doing the slow and steady work that’s brought me where I am and will, with any luck, bring me closer to my long-term goals. It’ll take time and patience. What I don’t lack is motivation.

In my second-to-last appointment with her, she repeated most of the tests and measurements she’d done near the beginning of the program. What struck me was that while there was, in actuality, little change in measurables such as range of motion—in some senses, my body is forever its stubborn self—my overall functionality has seen a marked improvement. In other words, I’m adjusting to how things are and finding and implementing workarounds that are allowing me to live more fully and independently despite limitations that’ll likely stick around. It’s a good lesson in the importance of being creative and optimistic and of not letting what I can’t do prevent me from doing everything I can.

And so here I am, graduating again. Here I am, engaging in another shameless public display of virtual back-patting. Goodness knows that if my range of motion allowed for it, I’d pat my back for real.