July 13th, 2022

Alyson West, July 13, 2022

Wow, wow, wow! The past 9 months have blown by so fast. I don’t even know how to

describe it because it has been from one side of the spectrum to the other and

everything in between. I cannot thank my support system enough for all the love,

support, prayers, and good vibes throughout this time. From immediate family to those

I’ve only met once or haven’t even met at all, I am so appreciative of everything you

guys have done for me for me.

I made a lot of big strides at the beginning of my rehab (having full control of my left leg,

walking with assistance, etc). Since then, it has been a lot of smaller accomplishments,

like being able to do my hair, driving (ok not really small), cooking meals, and even

being able to open chip bags by myself. The little victories are definitely more noticeable

to me than anyone, but grateful for my coworkers who are usually around when one of

these happen and hype me up for it.

I am still doing PT and OT twice a week for an hour each and am grateful to have a job

that allows me the flexibility to do so. I am still working full time (with some overtime

sometimes because that’s just how it is sometimes) so usually have a jam-packed

schedule. Luckily, I have friends that are more than happy to work around my schedule

and include me in their plans, despite me killing the vibe with being “high maintenance”

(as if I wasn’t high maintenance before). My friends trying to make me feel as “normal”

as possible has been a huge blessing, but let’s be real, even if they didn’t include me, I’d

include myself.

Overall, this experience isn’t the what I expected it to be (because I never expected to

have this experience lol), but I will forever be grateful for this time I have had to myself

to work on myself not only physically, but mentally too. 2021 was a tough year even

before the accident. I was struggling with past trauma already (unsuccessfully) and then

this traumatic experience happened. Thankfully, once again, I’ve had an amazing

support system through this all. Looking back at prior entries and seeing how far I’ve

come since then is crazy. I honestly don’t think I would be where I am without all of you.

It doesn’t matter if you have observed silently cheering me on from afar during this time

or been by my side 24/7.

For the next 3 months in PT, we are going to be doing an intense treatment focusing on

strengthening my leg muscles. We have been doing a lot of electro stimulation targeting

my quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and glutes to assist with muscle buildup of these

areas with the hope that building up these muscles will assist in making my right ankle

functional again, without any braces. I still have a long recovery in front of me, but I

know one day I’ll be able to show off my sick dancing moves to all of you again. I’ll try to

do more updates as they come or just share my thoughts on here, but for now please

continue to keep me in your prayers, thoughts, and keep sending the good vibes.

Sent from CaringBridge iPhone app

Comments

You’ve made amazing progress Alyson!! As always keeping you in my prayers and

cheering you on during your recovery! You got this!

—Haley Gilliland, July 13, 2022

Oh, she a rockstar?!???!!!

—Brandi Griggs, July 13, 2022

You are in my prayers🙏🏻

—Lori Usrey, July 13, 2022

Great update and love hearing from you! Sending love and keeping you in our prayers.

—Jackie Eckert, July 14, 2022