Fiercely Independent Pam

Blog

  • Achieving Goals: Its About Time!

    I have always been a goal oriented person. I like to set goals and work to achieve them. This worked for getting into college, completing a half-marathon, and achieving career goals. I am stubborn almost to a fault and that stubbornness is what makes me persevere through trials when attempting to reach a goal.

    Last fall I wrote a document I called “Why Not Me?” that outlined my 5-10 year goals. I am chipping away at those goals by making smart decisions and working hard. I am determined to make it happen.

    One of the big goals is to befriend/acquire a mobility service dog. This is requiring more patience than I ever imagined, but I know deep in my heart it’s going to work out the way it should. Somehow, someway, I will be sharing a bed with a big lab that loves to work and play.

    Smaller goals keep me going too. Right now I challenged myself to complete the 1/4 mile loop around my building with the Zeen by Easter. I have already completed half of it so I believe I’m in good shape to achieve the larger goal. I really love the Zeen and all that I am accomplishing using it.

    Next steps include getting back on the Nustep (bike) and getting in an out of a car. Both will be a challenge but put me on the positive side of normal activities. At sometime soon I would like to remove the toilet riser as well so that I can get used to a normal height toilet and not be surprised when I am out of the house.

    Behind the scenes, I am also working on financial goals, I have recently finished my Medicaid application. I am also using an AI tool to help me manage my money and try to create an emergency fund as well.

    All of this requires a lot of time and attention, but lucky for me, right now that is something I have a lot of. It’s very unlike me to put myself first, but I recognize that is needed to achieve my goals, both short term and long term.

  • Independence at Last, Well, Sort Of.

    I am truly enjoying my independence to be able to stand and even walk some. I am growing more confident and have given up the transfer board completely at this point. I even have been experimenting with the toilet and standing long enough to undress and not lose my balance.

    I need to keep in mind that I still have a lot of work to do. Balance is a major concern, as is standing tolerance. I am still super wobbly when standing and usually have to hold on to something to keep my balance.

    Without completely oversharing, I am also going to begin the transition out of disposable briefs and into reusable “leak proof” underwear. I am trying a brand call “Everdries” and will hopefully meet my needs and be a whole lot more comfortable, than disposable briefs.

    My last major task is being able to get in and out of a car. I want to practice this before I need to use this skill to get to MUSC. I have a couple of weeks so I am thinking there will definitely be enough time and it might even be a “non-issue” if I get strong enough by then. PT has also offered to help me achieve this goal.

    As far as the Zeen goes, I set the goal that I will complete the 1/4 mile loop around my building by Easter. I think I am going to go outside today with the Zeen and see how I do on the sidewalk. I am excited to meet this goal.

    I also want to get back to using the NuStep, even though I am using the Zeen, I think adding the Nustep back in will be a great plan. I have to figure out how I am going to transfer to the NuStep as well as getting up from it because it is kinda low.

    Rehab is still my first priority in all things right now. I still need to grow stronger, gain better balance, and be able to get up from lower seats. I truly appreciate all of your good thoughts and prayers to make this happen for me.

  • The Case of the Missing Kidney Stone

    Yesterday I was scheduled for surgery to blast the offending kidney stone from January. I did all the pre-op, testing, and office visits. I was scheduled at the hospital and figured out transportation. My close friend even got up early to come with me.

    All was going smoothly minus having to be there hours earlier than necessary. I was brought back to the Operating room and the doctor started looking at real-time X-Rays and began calling different people over to him. I knew something was going on.

    I finally just yelled out, “Is there a problem?” The doctor then came over and told me that they couldn’t find the kidney stone and he doesn’t want to blast something that is not there. He continued to take x-rays to ensure that the stone is indeed gone. Then the OR team packed me up and sent me out. No medications were given, no procedure done.

    I went back to the pre-op area, got dressed, signed some forms, and was on my way home! Easiest surgery ever! Then it was time for lunch and a good nap!