Our Stories: Wendy Whetham
"I couldn’t walk; now I can."
Wendy Whetham is living proof that learning is a lifelong occupation.
“Three years ago, I injured my knee,” Whetham explained. Soft, gray curls frame her face, and her voice, quiet and articulate, has a quality that makes you stop and listen. Really listen, because you know she’s not exaggerating, she’s just giving it to you straight.
“I had torn my knee’s meniscus connective tissue. An MRI revealed that I also had arthritis and osteoporosis throughout my body. I couldn’t walk without crutches and was in a lot of pain. I was only 57.”
When her doctor suggested they postpone surgery on her knee until she had strengthened her muscles to improve her recovery success, Whetham contacted Courage Center St. Croix. That’s when a new chapter of learning began.
“Like most people, I swam as a kid, but I had not continued into adulthood. So when aquatics exercise was suggested to me, I had to be open-minded and willing to learn.”
Learn she did, through stretching, balancing, walking, floating and swimming movements. “I now swim freely,” she said, “and I can do most anything in the pool.”
With her muscles strengthening, Whetham set to work on strengthening her bones. She learned how to use the elliptical cycle, the tread mill, recumbent bike, upper body equipment and more in Courage Center St. Croix’s Fitness Center. And she learned that sticking with her program pays big dividends.
“In three years, I went from painfully hobbling on crutches to walking with a cane to walking totally unaided. My blood pressure has dropped so far that my doctor has reduced my medication. I’ve strengthened my bones, built up muscle and lost fat cells, all because of Courage Center. I couldn’t walk; now I can. Courage Center and its knowledgeable, encouraging therapists have brought joy back into my life.”
Whetham, who works at 3M, has a well defined five-year goal. “I hope to be retired and fit enough to visit our country’s wonderful state and national parks and walk in their beauty. In the meantime, I’m a ‘lifer’ at Courage Center. I’m going to continue my fitness work, further reduce my blood pressure, and trim a little more weight to benefit my knees and walking.” She smiled, “If there’s one thing I have learned, it’s that, if you provide the determination, Courage Center and its physical therapy experts can turn your life around. I’m very grateful for that lesson.”
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