Sam update - physiotherapist appointment.

[reading_is_in]

So the physio came to see Sam. I'm kind of overwhelmed, but basically as she put it, the more I do with him, the better his chances. So I have to balance work and doing as much as I possibly can with him without driving him insane, and not neglecting Zara too much. At least I have the run for her now. He actually scratched me - I don't know when it

Comments

[nrrrdy_grrrl]

I have complete confidence. Try using mindfulness to change your energy- even if you just do it for 2 minutes before you go to work with him, it makes a big difference. I also talk calmly and say lots of positive things. Misha doesn'y *like* any of this, but now we don't struggle for control when I have to do some cat mommy thing that she won't like. We're both calm even if she's annoyed.

I am certain you will make excellent strides back to health this summer- wait- is it summer in Wales?

[reading_is_in]

Today it's summer. Yesterday it wasn't. Tomorrow who knows? :). Of course you are right - anything is better than nothing. But I'm such a perfectionist and want to keep everything in order and planned out, which isn't exactly happening. It's all very chaotic :S

[nrrrdy_grrrl]

But it really isn't chaotic, you're just very worried. Do some simple things to center yourself and to vent your stress and you'll see it's actually going fine. Caretakers must take care of themselves first.

It's about making progress not perfection. Don't be so hard on yourself.

[reading_is_in]

Yeah I've just decided actually that I'm gonna have to make my research less of priority - for a month, at least. Cut the full days to half days (which is frankly still more than some PhD students do ;) ) because I need to start sleeping more, eating better, going for walks etc - if I'm gonna do this. And in a month, I'll really know if he's going to make a good recovery or not. If not, and his quality of life is poor, then I'll know I've really done all I can. The physio is fairly sure that having them pull themselves around is not a lifelong solution because eventually they damage their legs. If yes - and I think if I put a lot of work in now the odds are on yes - then I can ease up on his regime. Cos I can't do everything perfectly and something's got to give - if I get stressed, he gets stressed, et infinitum.

[sophie_deer]

Of course I will :) just let me know which days you're stuck for help.

Sorry that Sam is being a cranky bean with the physio - he will get more used to it, and it's for his own good. I'm optimistic that he can meet the therapist's challenge.

[reading_is_in]

got the stim machine going on his right leg right now. He doesn't mind it once you get going. :). Got position 1 sorted, just have to figure out 2

[reading_is_in]

Monday please! And literally any other day you can because twice a day is better than once. What you have to do is pick him up and lower him over the towel roll, then hold him in place, because I have to be at the back to position his legs. He will fight you at first. You just have to not give in. You don't have to grip him super tight, just hold him in a position that he can't get away.

[game_byrd]

Sammy is a very lucky cat to have someone like you taking care of him! Good luck.

[reading_is_in]

I will do my best. Of course with an animal you can only do as much as they'll let you. This morning I've already discovered that you can't do anything very early cos he's too active after the night.