[nrv-hams] Carter Craigie 2nd PT Visit (long)

[Carter Craigie]

Today's (Wednesday, March 20, 2013) PT session started with a second try at the Eppley's maneuver, since my right ribs had been hurting too much on my first visit for a successful test. I was laid back on a flat examination table with my head turned all the way to the left; then I was raised up into a seated position and then laid back down on my back, with my head turned all the way to the right. At neither time did my eyes flutter or jerk uncontrollably, nor did I get dizzy. This test proved that my problem was NOT with my inner ear, but the problem was elsewhere.
Next I was made to do all sorts of vision "tracking," that is, following a card with a word written on it. (I chose the word "Frodo," by the way, the name of our old dog!) When quickly moving my head extremely to either right or left, while still looking at the card with the word on it, I would "lose" my focus, and even get a little "fuzzy" in my head--just for an instant, right at the most extreme points.
The PT then gave me a whole series of movements to do with tracking while following the card, now held at my arm's length, to improve that vision problem. He also showed me how the problem lessened when I tucked my chin up and in! I will work on all the exercises and movements while at home. He also suggested going to www.vestibularseminars.com, and then navigating to the Gaze Stability exercises--and to try doing them, using the computer. Obviously, I haven't done this yet, as I am just back home.
Next, Glen had me go over to the waist-high parallel bars, and to do some body-lowering exercises designed to strength my knees. Then I had to do some exercises on my toes, and then more on my heels--each time working to maintain balance. I wasn't very good doing these.
Then I had to stand on my right foot and try swinging my left foot out to the side (and then to change for the other side while standing on my left foot. Again, I was to attempt to do these and balancing at the same time. I wasn't very good at these either.
Finally, I was to raise one foot and try to balance on the other (and then to switch). I was better on my right foot than on my left.
We then practiced all the exercises I had been doing at home, and he corrected some of my positioning, which was a good thing to do.
All in all, it was a very rigorous session, and I am a little tired from doing it all. I treated my driver/friend Pete to a coffee and a muffin at Our Daily Bread, a neat little French restaurant nearby.
I am still not allowed to drive a car. And I think I will take a little nap now!
Lovings to all,
Carter