Fiercely Independent Pam

Category: Updates

  • The Ground Sure is Hard!

    I still can’t believe it happened! I was simply transitioning from the sink back to my wheelchair and BOOM! I went down, and HARD! I reviewed my video footage afterwards (no video of the bathroom but sound). I definitely shouted some expletives and some other unmentionables!

    Sometimes, like this time, I know I am going down. Other times, especially when I pass out from blood pressure, I simply find myself on the floor. I really want to make it a long term goal for PT that I can manage to get up by myself considering that, while I love the local fire department, they don’t need to be coming to my assistance if I can do something on my own.

    So, I am left with several bruises, Including a large one on my bottom, and some scrapes from my wheelchair. It could’ve been worse and required a trip to the ER. I know I was lucky.

    I don’t think other people realize the emotional toll of a fall. Your whole world is untrustworthy instantly. You hesitate to stand again, to transfer again, or even leave your chair or bed. It is totally more mental and physical. I have found that it requires me to challenge my thinking pattern and be willing to take the chance of falling again.

    Yes, it is scary, and yes, it is “easier” at first to stay in bed or my chair, but the show must go on and I need to try again. The first transfer is the worst and then a few hours later you are barely thinking about the chance of falling because muscle memory took over.

    No matter what, the ground in a first floor apartment sure is hard!

  • An Adventure With My Zeen…And An Appointment Update!

    I don’t often say that a doctor’s appointment is “fun”, but yesterday’s visit back to Charleston to see the wizard (the dysautonomia specialist) was a blast. I knew that in the back of my mind was always the desire to bring my Zeen with me since he was so supportive about getting a Zeen.

    Since I have been working so hard, I successfully brought my Zeen with me to Charleston. With some help from my niece to load it in and out of the car. Using the Zeen in new places was quite the adventure. I successfully navigated the bathroom, elevator, parking garage and more! I even had a couple stop me on our way out to ask how I liked the Zeen as they did a virtual appointment with Zeen to help them determine if it would be right for them.

    While I was with the Wizard, he rounded up the residents and medical students in the neurology clinic and then had me “show off.” I had so much fun talking with them about the difference the Zeen has made in my life in the last month.

    I, of course took notice of the small differences. I enjoyed being able to see the person at sign in and sign out instead of staring at the wall like I do in my wheelchair. Also, I can make it go low and be eye to eye with people sitting down. Its nice to not stare at belly buttons all day.

    I’m not quite sure where I would be on my rehab journey without my Zeen, but I am sure glad that I have it!

    As far as the appointment went, I was given the green light to use the Droxidopia as needed based on my blood pressure in the morning. My goal is to get to 45 minutes of standing exercise, using a combination of seated and standing exercises to train for that goal. He released me for 6 months, but he reiterated that he is always available via messages on MyChart.

  • The Trouble- Making Bladder

    Before my hysterectomy last April, I only had one episode of bladder (uti infections) issues. Now, it’s a full time job. Yesterday, I went to MUSC in Charleston to see my urologist who is great! He put me on a 7 step plan for straightening everything out.

    The most important step is to self-catherize more often. This means I have to give up the lift on my toilet and struggle to get up from it. For now, I am keeping the same catheters but if this plan fails, then I will start using a closed system that prevents infections better.

    I am also starting an estrogen cream to prevent future infections. I was told when I asked, that I shouldn’t have any symptoms from using the cream. I am all for not being on daily antibiotics!

    I was also strongly encouraged to do the Botox treatments. I hesitated last time I was scheduled mainly because I didn’t think my condition was “bad”enough. I have learned that it certainly is and the Botox will make a big difference. I am never one who is scared by needles or procedures, but the idea of 60+ injections into my bladder with only local anesthesia, doesn’t thrill me!

    I also have to go for a ct scan to accomplish two things. The first is to confirm that the kidney stone is truly gone. The second is to ensure nothing else is going on, especially with my bladder. Luckily, I can do the scan here in Myrtle Beach and I don’t have to go back to Charleston for it!

    See, a full-time job I tell you! When I am not going to an appointment, I am dealing with the various medications and/or catheters. Wish me luck!