Today’s my first full day at rehab; I am three weeks out of neurosurgery having my spine realigned and refused. The physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, doctors, and nursing assistants have been so kind. Each day, I have three to four hours of therapies. Because today is my first day, the therapy sessions were focused on assessments to determine what I needed to work on.

Being a patient in any form of a health-care facility is quite different now that society is dealing with the COVID-19 virus. Each patient is allowed two visitors a day. When someone comes into your room, you must wear your mask. Patients are unable to interact with one another, so it can feel isolating and lonely. The staff taking care of you are wearing masks and goggles to protect themselves. After someone has touched an object, it must be sanitized immediately.

In my occupational therapy session, we focused on practicing sitting up with the back brace. During the second session, the therapist helped me wash up and get dressed. This was the first time in three weeks that I have worn my own clothes; it felt so good to wear anything else but a johnny gown and hospital socks.

During physical therapy, I practiced sitting up with the back brace, as well as relearning how to transfer from my bed to my wheelchair. During the second session, the physical therapist stretched my legs.

Both of these sessions were exhausting, yet rewarding. Today has been a success, and I’m proud of myself for giving it my all during these sessions. The pain was brutal; however, I knew I could push through. It’s all about mind over matter. It can only go up from here, and I’m determined.