I got a new wheelchair today which is the equivalent in here to getting a new car out there. Or a new pair of shoes if permabulation is the way you get around. A new wheelchair is a thing of wonder. It’s comfortable light and narrow so it fits everywhere, I can roll it and I can deal with the footrests relatively easily. I love it.
Here I am smiling because Eddy and Elias are going to show me how to pivot and sit on the toilet. At this stage it’s practice runs but give me a few days and I’ll have it mastered I hope. I am still struggling to walk in the walker without putting weight on my left leg; if I had use of both legs I’d be laughing.
I got a care package from Sheila in Key West who baked her backside off and made pounds of delicious sweet crumbly cookies. It was a hell of a gift and she made so many I have plenty to use, as she suggested, as bribes. It is a great morale booster. That and the cards and letters. Glen in Colorado sent me a hand written note on paper and I enjoyed it as much as he anticipated I would. Fran sent me a follow up card and note for display!
Having to be in isolation is a drag but I am still doing therapy. I put clean clothes on, wash my hands and make sure the dressing on the wound is sealed and I am good to go. And I do. In my new narrow chair I can use the rickshaw with both hands at once. That’s a first:
You roll up between the handles and push them down while controlling their return. Over and over again. Which gives me strength to hold on to the walker frame as I practice walking on one leg. I sleep at night I exercise by day. I am tired. It feels like a job and I feel lucky to have it. Every day it gets a little easier to imagine a normal life again. Thank God for that. Thank you all for your encouragement, it means the world to me.
5 comments:
Things must be going well. You have the same, smiling face in the picture as you get ready to learn the toilet dance as you did in the one I made of you at the top of Jack's Mountain in the rain.
Congrats on the new wheels! Do they have a wheelbarrow lift machine? That would be good to use too.
This is a very encouraging column today. Good to see you smiling and getting around. Seems like you are in good hands , and in an excellent facility. Thank goodness for people like your therapists. Best, Michigan.
Hey Steve we’re going to do that again. I will see you I hope next year
with a new Burgman and a new epic ride. I miss you very much.
You could think of the rickshaw as a wheelbarrow machine
I used to have to sit next to it and lift the handle one at a time.
Now I sit and face it and do both at once to increase upper body strength
This place is wonderful. Wears me out! I like being around the people here too
We try to laugh at our various predicaments.
I think everyone who needs to go thru rehab in your facility should be reading this blog. I'm sure the pragmatic attitude you're putting forth during your rehab would be inspiring to others in similar situations. Lately I've seen a true 'caring' demeanor from the health professionals on the front lines, who really want us to succeed. I'm glad I stumbled on your blog long ago, as I enjoy your style. And you have style ! Thank you for sharing with us/me from NJ. And Good Luck !
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