Fiercely Independent Pam

Category: Accessibility

  • Mission Accomplished! One Goal Achieved Thanks to the Zeen!

    I DID IT!!! 1/4 mile around the building a week before my deadline! My Zeen is awesome! Not only did I manage to make the full loop, I felt better in the Zeen than ever! I think I finally managed to find the “sweet spot” for the seat and my legs.

    In addition to being more comfortable, I successfully used the cup holder and managed to find places for my keys, phone, oxygen, and even a flyer that was handed to me as I went out the door! The Zeen is just so perfectly organized.

    I love to set goals, and this week is a big week for those goals. I accomplished a big one today. Wednesday, I am going to make sure I can get in and out of my niece’s car in preparation for our adventure to Charleston to see the ENT at MUSC for my sinuses on Thursday. I have decided to bring my walker and not the Zeen as figuring out the Zeen in the car for the first time and the first time I am getting in a car myself might just be too tricky. I do plan to bring it the following week for my appointment with the Dysautonomia specialist so he can see how well I am doing with it!

    I am so proud of myself for making the 1/4 mile loop with the Zeen today. I need to remember that my body works in its own time frame and that needs to be ok. Rehab specialist, therapists, and even friends and family mean well, but I hold the key and knowledge for when my body is going to cooperate!

    For now, I will continue to use the Zeen and getting my legs stronger. I hope to get on the NuStep soon as well (pending being able to get on and off of it).

    I included some pictures I took on my Zeen adventure today!

  • 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.

  • As The Puzzle Pieces Come Together!

    Things are starting to come together. I can stand without too much assistance from a walker or raised surface, I am transferring without the board at times, and I am able to get “on” my Zeen. All of these things are pointing to more independence and ability to do more tasks.

    I am truly hoping that when I attempt to use the toilet tomorrow, it is a success and I am able to stand up and off the toilet without too much fuss. More than two months with a bedpan is getting quite old for me. It is the last task for independence besides getting in an out of a car. This too needs to be mastered sooner than later, because I have appointments at MUSC that require car transportation.

    I wanted to say something that most didn’t agree with, mainly coming home from rehab unable to stand. I wasn’t really given the choice to stay, but I guess I could have pushed it, but I really felt that I wasn’t going to master the task in that environment. It might seem silly, but if everyone is not on board for the same goals, I don’t see it happening. I knew I could kick my own butt and do exercises that would help me eventually stand. I also knew that being home with my power wheelchair would be so much easier for transfers and such. I believe I made the right choice and glad that I did come home when I did.

    I am thankful for my caregivers who helped me out, especially in the beginning when I first came home. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without their support and creativity. Also, they provided a giant kick in the butt when I needed it most.

    Now, the list of tasks is getting smaller and I am feeling more successful. I know the toilet is going to be a challenge, but something oh so worth it! I look forward to the day that I don’t have to clean out a bedpan!

    Life with the Zeen continues to go well. I took it out for a longer walk this morning and thinking of going out again. I love the freedom of being able to use my legs and still have security from falls.