Each of our podcasts opens and closes with the same responsive phrase:
Dan: “We’re A Couple Takes on MS. I’m walking.”
Jennifer: “And I’m rolling.”
Dan: “But together, we’re moving forward.”
One of the ways we keep moving forward together is participating in Physical Therapy-Chippewa Outreach in Neurorehabilitation and Education with Community Teams (PT-CONECT) each year.
This engaging program at Central Michigan University offers hands-on experiences for CMU Doctor of Physical Therapy students to develop individual programs and work with and provide care for local residents living with chronic illnesses such as Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis.
For three weeks beginning the end of November and into early December, Jennifer, her caregiver Jenn and I drive to the nearby CMU campus for four fun and challenging physical therapy sessions with compassionate PTs in the making.
Our respective two-member PT teams promptly and enthusiastically greet us at the doors of CMU’s Health Professions Building and then chat with us as we make our way down the main hallway en route to the PT wing.
Then, just like two close grade school friends assigned to different classrooms because they would never get any work done if they were in the same room together, Jennifer and I break away into our separate PT labs.
And we each get to work – intense, purposeful work to improve our physical function to thwart the impact of MS progression. Our respective co-leaders collaborate in assessing each of our strengths and weaknesses to develop the PT exercises that will help us get closer to reaching our individual goals.
Here’s a look into Jennifer and my PT-CONECT experiences, how it benefitted us, and why we are grateful to participate each time we’re invited.
Jennifer’s criss-cross applesauce adventure
Student physical therapists
• Kamryn
• Cameron
Most difficult challenge
It may be hard to believe, but proper breathing was my most difficult challenge. I was holding my breath when I needed to use it to help me complete an exercise. Also, I realized that my breath was shallow and I was not using my diaphragm to help my breath. For something that is so automatic, I learned a lot about deep breathing. I even downloaded a free app (iBreathe) to use now that PT-CONECT is finished.
Most memorable moment
I always will remember and appreciate the accomplishment the team had the first time they managed to get me on the table from my wheelchair all by themselves. The students were able to use a harness system in the ceiling of the building to safely transfer me as I no longer can transfer myself. This transfer is tied with being able to box while sitting cross-legged on the mat, a.k.a crisscross applesauce.
Biggest health benefit
This short four session PT program keeps me moving and reminds me of everything I still am capable of accomplishing.
Dan’s extraordinary evil expedition
Student physical therapists
• Haven
• Michaela
Most difficult challenge
MS has made me weaker on my left side and, as a result, I start dragging my left foot when I get fatigued. My PT duo developed an obstacle course where, in the final phase of walking down the hallway, I had to high step with my left leg and knee a punching pad that Haven positioned in front of me each step of the way. I knew it was helping me, but I remember on several occasions telling her, “You’re evil.”
Most memorable moment
The one thing I wish I could do again was go head-to-head with Haven and Michaela in a competition using app-triggered lights. We faced off in a push-up position with a line of four lights in front of each of us and had to tap the light when it illuminated. It was exhausting, but it also was something that strengthened my arms and core, which will help Jennifer and me make transfers.
Biggest health benefit
Every exercise I did, no matter how easy or difficult, involved movement. This is so key to maintaining my strength, flexibility and stamina. I haven’t been as active as I need to be, so the biggest health benefit of PT-CONECT for me was seeing that even engaging in simple sit-to-stand movements for one minute three times a day can make a world of difference.