Change is good... and scary

This week I left the Mayo Clinic for Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute in Minneapolis. After 64 days at Mayo, this was pretty tough. I was comfortable at Mayo - I had a routine, knew the nurses and nurses aides by name, had great relationships with the therapy staff. I knew my way around and had things set up the way I liked them in what was essentially a dorm room. The day before I left I was pretty crabby … I mean, really pissy. At everyone. I couldn’t figure out why or what was wrong. I argued with my dad about ridiculous things. Poor form when you have amazing parents like I do who put their lives on hold to be at your bedside for months at a time. Clearly, it was the stress of change. 

Leaving was actually pretty emotional – the bonds with the staff and therapists had grown strong and I’m so grateful for the time and energy they put in getting me functional. But change is also good – a new environment with different therapists, different equipment, and the requirement for more independence. Courage Kenny is licensed as a skilled nursing facility, so nursing ratios are much higher. One nurse usually cares for 12 patients. In my case, that’s ok because I require less nursing care and more nursing-assistant care – with the goal to become as fully independent as possible. So this environment actually works well for me. The therapists, similar to those at Mayo, excel at neurologic conditions – spinal cord injury, stroke, etc. There’s a pretty big gym here so I can do more endurance and weight work. There’s also a pool, which allows another range of therapy activities. (Next week!)

Ultimately, I goal is to return home as independent as possible. While the change from Mayo to Courage Kenny was scary, this is an important step in my rehabilitation and my eventual return home. For that reason, I’m thrilled. (Also, it’s 15 minutes from my home and many of my friends…which means reconnecting with my crew without them having to drive!)

I can’t thank all of you enough for your support during this process. You’ve visited, donated generously, sent art that you or your children have made, sent books, candy, and other awesomely ridiculous items. I’m so grateful to have a network of incredible people in my life – and honestly, I don’t even know all of you. So, thank you.

On to the next step….