Fiercely Independent Pam

Category: Accessibility

  • 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.

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

    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!