After giving this a lot of thought, for you to understand what Ilonka was working with you need to know some of my history. In 2006, I had a heart attack, kidney failure, went on dialysis, unable to dress myself or take a bath by myself, turn over in bed, and I also had to walk with a walker. When I started dialysis I cramped twenty four seven (think of your worse muscle spasm this is what happened to my hands, chest, back, legs and feet). The first eighteen months I did dialysis three days a week and physical therapy twice a week. I was in dialysis for five years. I received the gift of life from a young lady that was twenty seven years old, who had two small children, and died while riding on the back of a\r
motorcycle. After the transplant, my immune system and white blood count were so low that I spent fifteen months at home. After working for forty five years, I was not prepared for being home. The year I received the transplant we started helping a children home in Arkansas and for the last four years I have filled my time, at home helping the children, and setting up a new clothing room for them.\r
This would have been impossible without Ilonka’s help.\r
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About my third year in dialysis I meet Ilonka. What a blessing she has been to my life. I went every week, my feet and legs were swollen, from the arch of my feet to the end of my toes were locked together. She worked so very hard trying to move the fluid and slowly with great effect, on her part, she was able to unlock each toe on my right foot, one at a time. Now I can flex my right foot from the arch to the end of my toes. Ilonka, has been able to release each toe on the left foot and is now working on my arch. It has been a long journey, but because of Ilonka’s, knowledge, concern, dedication, I can now balance myself, no longer use\r
a walker, I only use a cane when I go out and inside the house I walk by myself. Now, when I come to see Ilonka my shoes are a size to big when I leave. I do one and half hours every other week. The nephrologist said being able to move the fluid is very important in reducing the swelling in my feet..\r
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Ilonka, has been my guardian angel in disguise, she has touched my life in a million ways. I always look forward to coming in for my appointment. Ilonka's generosity and willingness to help others is a sign of a great soul. Her kind deeds have changed lives. With her help and encouragement over the past few years we have accomplished great things and major changes in my life. Remembering how I walked when I first started\r
coming to FootBasics, I was in a survival mode and now what an improvement. We have laughed, cried , shared things and became great friends. My “Thank You”\r
seems so small compare to all Ilonka has done, but it comes from the heart.\r
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Ilonka has been a great gift to my life.\r
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EHixson
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