Friedreich’s ataxia

Updating the blog was more of a challenge than I thought it would be. Our schedule (treatments and physical therapy) kept us busy everyday and China blocked my blog, so I decided I would do it after we returned home.

The trip was amazing, and I’ve seen so many improvements. In fact, I’m still seeing them every day after being home. Physical therapy there was fun, hard, and rewarding. It was all one-on-one, but nearly everyone on the floor had it at the same time. It was neat to see others making improvements every day.

I brought home some of the physical therapy I did in China. We video taped a few of the sessions so I could continue it once I got back. I do the exercises daily and can see a huge difference from where I was before in terms of strength and stability.

The first day at the hospital, my biggest challenge was my balance; the final day of therapy, my therapist told me once I get my left knee built up (enough to support me and not hyper extend), I would be good as new. That’s been my objective since getting back; we purchased a stationary bike and elliptical machine to help build my knee strength, in addition to the balancing exercises I learned in China. The doctors in China said I will continue to make and see progress for up to 18 months. If I don’t get where I want to be within the 18 months, I will go back for more treatments.

We met some amazing people at the hospital, and that made the time go by fast. Thirty-three days is a long time to be in a different country, let alone in a hospital. We had some fun times there, too. The guys played poker. My mom screamed when Joe and Matt brought her back a dog’s head, crocodile, or squid on a stick from the local market. Some people there have an odd diet. The local night clubs also kept us entertained one night. The people that we met, became a second family, as well as the staff at the hospital. I remember walking into the hospital the first day and fighting back tears thinking, “Oh gosh, what am I doing?,” and the day I left fighting tears thinking, “I’m ready to go home but I want to bring so many people with me!”

Thanks again to everyone who supported and followed me through my journey. I think FA once had a hold on me but because of this experience I am conquering it.