Broke into Tears

Friends,

I broke into tears at physical therapy today. I don't feel safe doing some of the exercises the therapist wants me to do. I had flashbacks to the accident during the session today.

I feel so old right now.

Has anyone else gone through physical therapy after an accident?

EJ

((((((((((((((((( EJ )))))))))))))))))))))

Thinking of you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The therapist isn't going to let you do anything unsafe.

Try to do some relaxation exercises before you go, and take some deep breaths while you're there.

Keep your logic to yourself.

This is an emotional issue.

i have went thru PT after an injury and it can be emotionally trying. thinking of you

recluse1

Wow, that was pretty rude and uncalled for.

Candybear,

I know I am safer doing my exercises with the physical therapist, however, only I know how my foot feels.

The physical therapist at the hospital, where I had my surgery, said to be careful or I would have to have surgery on my foot again.

So I'm trying to sort through contradictory information.

I am battling tapes from my earliest childhood. My mother had me when she was 39 years old, and I was constantly being warned to be careful, and watch out to make sure I didn't get hurt.

So this is an emotional issue.

For some reason my broken foot has dug up a bunch of emotional stuff from my past that I thought I had already worked through.

I think you have a lot of great qualitie, but I personally don't find your logical answers helpful.

If I can express how I'm feeling, it frees me up to figure out the best way to solve my problems.

EJ

Thanks, Recluse!

EJ

((( EJ )))

So sorry it is so rough right now.

Purple,

Thank you for your note.

Today turned into a very good day -- I posted under my birthday thread under Kudos.

Hugs,

EJ

WELL, as you know I continue to go to physical therapy now 20 1/2 years after my injury. I can't think about it before I go, or I would never get there. I can't think about what is being done, or I would leave. I surely can't think about having to do it (ref the accident) or I would totally freak out.

Yes, I fully understand. I think the PT should too? I mean, they study this stuff on an ongoing basis, and helping us heal emotionally from any trauma that has physical results, is part of physical therapy.

((((hugs)))

I had to go through physical therapy three times after my accident (three knee surgeries) and I completely understand what you mean. I had flashbacks and broke in to tears as well each time. For me, the physical therapy was a constant reminder of what happened and how my life would be different from this point forward from both a physical standpoint and a mental standpoint (career ending injury basically).

*big hugs*

No matter what, I'm sure I speak for nearly all of us when I say that we are here for you, hun.

Hi Sky,

You're the champ!!

As the result of the support I received through this site, I was able to push past my pain and fear today, and did really well!!!

I tried to focus on it more as working with a personal trainer today, and it worked. She also listened to what I said as I left on Tuesday. I saw a stationery bicycle, and asked if I could ride it. She started out my session with it. It was the kind with the handle bars that move. It was fun!

You really have to be tough to get through this stuff.

Thank you everyone!!!!!!!!

EJ

Now, I'm going to need a chair for all the dancing I've done today

EJ, I am so glad to hear this! Keep at at, hun!

*big warm hugs and encouragement*

Maybe I should dance in your honor as well.

*dances with Sky*

(((((((((((((((( EJ )))))))))))))))

I'm sorry that I just saw this.

I've never been in an accident, but I can say that EVERY surgery I have does something to me...extreme PTSD afterward. I don't know if it's the feeling helpless and dependent or the anesthesia, or a combo of the two. I think it's a combo.

Know you're always in my thoughts, friend. You're always so giving to others...

KD

Sky, Blue Queen and KD,

Thank you for your dancing and encouragement!!

Part of the problem on the 10th was that I saw a different therapist. So I wound up telling the story of the fall again, which dug it all up again with the trauma.

Right now I'm just glad to be up on both feet again. I need to conquer the fear of doing my exercises at home now, and I'll have it made.

EJ

Hey -

Yeah I have been in PT after an accident. It can be very hard and trying. Alot of pain involved too. I don't like people in my space, so I go to a therapist who is a friend. PT is such an hands on thing, I need someone I can trust. Hang in there, it does help.

Islander

Islander,

Thanks for your note of support!

EJ