Note: This is a post by Eric

Today Hannah had her first real physical therapy session. This one involved more testing than had been done before, identification of areas to focus on, and new exercises. The therapist, who had an impressive way of seeing and knowing the cause of issues, noticed that Hannah's right foot was dropped (think of how your foot is positioned in heels) rather than in neutral (your foot in sneakers). This explained why, before surgery, that foot was chronically sore. At some point, nerve damage had caused her right foot to drop this way.

The therapist showed us some stretches that I need to do with Hannah to help the tendons in her leg come back to normality. Hopefully, as her nerves heal and regenerate, her foot drop will correct itself. Other exercises that we were shown focus on bringing strength back to her legs. Her right leg had become noticeably and visible weaker than her left leg. You could see this pre-op in the way her foot dragged, her leg was also smaller in musculature than the other.

Hannah and the therapist practiced standing up and sitting down a few times. During this time, Hannah had particular trouble with putting weight on her right leg. She was nervous because she cannot feel it. I was nervous because her right knee was locked back and I imagined her hyper-extending her knee if she put weight on it the wrong way, but I trusted the therapist's expertise and no such thing happened. Unfortunately the therapist and I noticed that her foot tended to turn outwards causing Hannah's heel to roll if not stopped. Obviously this could cause injury, but beyond that the therapist seemed very concerned about this new observation. She told us to make sure the surgeon knows about it the next time he visits.

Overall, the session was somewhat discouraging and a strain on Hannah. She has slept most of the day. If you're looking for ways to pray, please pray for Hannah's continued progress with her rehabilitation. You could also pray for some regularity. Hannah has been on constipation inducing medication since Wednesday and is in a bit of discomfort despite receiving an impressive list of laxatives. For those wondering, she directed me to ask that you pray for that last bit. She has no pride and is only concerned about getting better and being back home.

God is good.

Thank you all for your continued support.