I initially contacted MVP for core strengthening and general fitness. It had been years since I had done anything remotely “active” and needed and lifestyle change. The staff at MVP was just what I needed and they really kept me plugged into the program. It wasn’t long before I was making my appointments earlier and looking forward to the workout. I was not a morning person and even less of an exercise freak. I found myself in the best shape of my life after only four months – at the age of 44!
Four months later (I seem to run in cycles of 4 months) I found myself paralyzed from the waist down. I was diagnosed with MS 13 years ago, but never had any symptoms of this crazy disease. So my first “flare up” was a doozy. The worst news was that every neurologist, physiatrist and therapist (and there were MANY in my month-long stay) in the hospital told me that the odds of my walking again were very slim. My time spent there was spent focusing on making the most of my life from a wheelchair. PLEASE STICK WITH ME!
I contacted Andrea the moment I was discharged from the hospital. After her evaluation, she told me that she was very optimistic about getting me back on my feet. Finally, some good news. I arrived walking with a walker, albeit literally dragging my feet. Some six weeks later the therapists had me doing exercises without my walker. I was able to stand at my son’s graduation without the walker. Another six weeks, I am walking without the walker around the house and able to do simple things like laundry and cooking. And one month later (again that 4 month milestone) and I have ditched the walker altogether. Woohoo! I still have a lot of hard work ahead of me. My friends say I resemble a partier just leaving Happy Hour at this point. But things are looking up.
Now I feel so optimistic about my future and I owe it all to MVP. The vanity in me would love to think that I am a special patient. But I am proud to say that they treat all of their patients the same way. The therapists are so young and ingenuitive. I am amazed at how they are so tuned in with their clients. It is interesting to watch how they interact with all different types of patients and injuries.
I truly hope that you never need physical therapy. However, if you do, you owe it to yourself to get an evaluation from MVP. You’re worth it. Live life!
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