Life with Legs

More than a month has passed since my last entry. I haven’t written for two reasons: depression and awe.

As summer wore on, my body wore down. Knee instability complicated normal ankle and hip weakness, leaving me overwhelmed by everyday tasks. Three rounds of transforaminal shots spread over seven weeks (of summer) helped post surgical nerve damage (from winter). The day after I completed the procedures, however, my insurance company approved a muscle biopsy and spinal tap. Nagging symptoms required further testing, but I had no desire to face more needles or procure another scar. So I watched House marathons unfazed by his cynicism.

Two weeks after my spinal tap, and many more before I expected results (muscle biopsy results take up to two months), the doctor’s office called. Tests run on my spinal fluid revealed low levels of 5mthf, a necessary ingredient in fueling central nervous systems. I was told a prescription med could make a big difference. And after a mere weekend on the new meds, my legs worked better than they have in years. The one-eighty turn, from thinking I was headed to wheelchair to walking with liquid legs in less than a week, left me in awe.

I’ve been pondering the change ever since. A few highlights:

I haven’t used my handicap sticker in three weeks. I can walk through Target without spasticity slowing my step and escort my voice and piano students from one building to the next without a cane. I can grocery shop, carry in the bags, cook dinner, and still walk. And it’s probably hard for most of humanity to understand how big a deal that is to me.

I’m living life with legs, relishing them a new.