Fiercely Independent Pam

Category: Accessibility

  • 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.

  • I Took the Zeen Out for a Spin and it Felt So Right!

    For the past couple of weeks, I have been trying to get strong enough to be able to stand up with my walker. I started this process in rehab and never quite finished. I was much more comfortable and motivated at home. All this work was for a very specific purpose- using the Zeen.

    Yesterday, I was able to stand with my arm lift chair at a “regular” height, which I counted as a major victory. It was also a sign that I was ready to try my Zeen. As a side note, I have been wanting a Zeen since I first saw them about a year ago. I tried to get insurance to cover the cost, but it wasn’t going to work. So I purchased my own Zeen. I was so excited on delivery day, but God had other plans for me and I landed in the hospital with sepsis.

    Fast forward to today. I was able to stand up in my arm chair an use my walker to get in position with the Zeen. I figured out the “controls” and in a short bit, I was navigating around my living room and kitchen. The carpet made things extra difficult but a few more times, my legs should be up to the challenge.

    I was so proud of myself for getting into the Zeen and navigating around. It was a goal In set for myself and it feels great having achieved it!

  • The Name of the Game is to Stand at Many Different Heights and Gain Some Strength Too!

    Today was my last therapy session for the week. I worked with the OT assistant, who is wonderful. She and I figured out the best thing to do is stand up several times with one of them consisting of walking to the scale and getting a measurement.

    Each time I went to stand, I lowered my lift chair to make it harder. We have a goal of getting it lower than the toilet so that is not a problem either. Eventually it needs to be pretty low so I can get in and out of cars.

    My goal is to be using my Zeen at least part time by then end of next week. I know if I start using it, my legs will get stronger making my efforts to stand so much easier. It is just a matter of standing long enough to get in the Zeen.

    This weekend will once again focus on whatever I can do to help my legs and arms get stronger to make my efforts to stand easier. I know these extra exercises are making a difference. I will continue to complete the various exercises, especially any that involve lifting my botom

    I really want to be able to not only use the Zeen, but also start using the toilet again. That would be a huge movement towards independence. I don’t even want to try the toilet until I know I can be successful and because it is so hard to stand off the toilet and so embarrassing if I can’t.