Fiercely Independent Pam

Category: helpful products

  • 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!

  • Discharge Day: Accomplishing Goals And Getting It Done! It’s Really Time to Go Home and Live My Life Again!

    Today is my discharge day from acute rehab. I have been working super hard the last week or so. Therapy has been three hours a day plus other work. I still didn’t meet all my goals, but it’s time to move on and reclaim my schedule.

    This time has given me a chance to build different kind of routines, most notable goals being my prayer/bible time each morning. I am absolutely loving following along with the Adventure Bible.

    I also have been enjoying reading or in fact listening to a book through Audible (right now I’m “reading” The Four Winds by Kristen Hannah. It is a long story but helping me reach my goal of reading a book each week.

    I feel a little disappointed that I didn’t reach all my goals, most noteworthy of being able to stand completely on my own, but it is time. I will use the slide board if needed, but I think I will have that behind me soon enough.

    So, my goal moving forward is not to panic or get stressed about the transition back to my apartment. My brother, Tim is going to meet me and help me get a little settled. I have a lot of packages to open and put away. Then, I have a special package to deliver to Yvonne (I ordered her a copy of Wicked), I want to print the newsletter and deliver it,

    The next steps are going to be busy, but good. It’s a lot of waiting too- I need to wait for my Aflac payment as well as waiting for my plan G documentation.

    I put in for extra help from Home Instead including an extra laundry shift, I think it will help on Monday when laundry will be due again.

    I will need the tech to help pack up my clothes and assorted stuff that I’ve collected over the last couple of days. It’s a goal to have it organized. The plan is coming together.