Fiercely Independent Pam

Blog

  • The Honest Truth of Where I am… the Good and the Bad!

    So, I’ve been pumping out blog posts and making sure they match the highest SEO, which means I have to write with a specific pattern. I feel like I’m not able to simply write anymore and I don’t like that. I want to connect with my audience and the truth.

    Here is the honest truth. I feel like a squirrel having to use the transfer board to go from chair to wheelchair to bed to wheelchair and all over again. It is less than fun. It’s a lot of work to line up the transfer and then make sure all is set to go. Luckily I’m getting good at it, but It truly is not fun.

    Second truth, I am unable to use the toilet. It is super low and I am not strong enough to lift myself off of the toilet. This is going to take the most time and I really miss using a toilet. The OT helped me order a 5 inch lift so when the time comes that will be helpful.

    I desperately want things to go back to normal, or even better than normal when I use my Zeen. It’s hard to fight the urge to create timelines in my head for when everything will happen. The more I do that, the harder it is to meet those goals.

    Until then, I will do everything I need to to get in exercise, rest my bottom, and dream of days of taking my service dog out for a walk with my Zeen- This is the image I need to focus on!

  • A Weekend Full of Exercise on my Own… and Some Other Random Thoughts

    Weekends bring a different feel. There are no appointments or therapies, so exercise must be self-done. The good part is that relaxation can happen and I can catch up on tv shows and such.

    I am struggling with my tech class and getting people to come but all in good time. I will just use the time to exercise on my own.

    Besides exercise, I enjoy helping residents with their technology, and setting up In Touch on their computer if they want it. I find those willing to let me help them set it up really enjoy it. Let me know if I can set it up for you!

    The rest of my day will be filled with exercise and trying to get some fresh air at some point. I greatly enjoyed getting my nails done the other day, and they are ready for St. Patrick’s Day!

  • Frustration: What it is and How I’m Dealing with It!

    Frustration… it gets the best of me at times. I try to do things and get tangled in the oxygen line or forget the transfer board and have to go back and get it. These are little things but they sure do add up to frustration level, and then you blow!

    I have such amazing caregivers who do not deserve to even see my frustration never mind the anger that comes with it. But nevertheless it happens. Everything takes so long when you are only using transfer boards. You would think it’s the ultimate motivation to stand.

    With the weekend coming, I don’t have any therapies so it’s up to me to keep exercises going to get stronger. I am by myself a lot which means I only torture myself with frustration. Flexibility and strength in my legs is getting better which are key ingredients to standing up.

    I also finished my Medicaid application, which was a big feat and a cause of major frustration.

    So, I continue to exercise in order to stand up with PT/OT this week. I will ignore the frustration, and always hope for the best!