Fiercely Independent Pam

Tag: Don’t Let the Hard Days Win!

  • Trials and Tribulations of My Bladder- The Latest Chapter!

    My bladder is quite obnoxious! After my hysterectomy last April, I struggled to urinate. I was told that it was a “Floppy Bladder” and would not be able to fully empty without the assistance of a catheter.

    So, I learned how to self- cath and actually got quite good at it. Fast forward to January when I was hospitalized for numerous things including a very large kidney stone, a UTI, and a picc line infection. When I got home I required the use of a bedpan and slowly relied less on self- cathing. I thought my bladder was finally waking up and I would be cured.

    The fun only lasted a few weeks because I began retaining urine again and having to cath to be able to fully empty my bladder. In the last 24 hours, I am completing a voiding diary where I chart all this liquid I take in, and everything I am able to get out via urinating or self- cathing. I will then send the voiding diary to my doctor and we will meet to talk about it.

    The biggest challenge right now is that I require a riser on my toilet so that I am able to stand up from the toilet. This riser greatly diminishes the room I would have to self- cath and isn’t really possible over the toilet. I tried to get up from the toilet without the riser and it wasn’t possible, yet!

    I am curious about what the next steps are for my obnoxious bladder that gave me false hope. Until I meet with the doctor, I will continue to brainstorm solutions and rise to meet these challenges!

  • Accomplishments All Around: What a Difference a Week Makes!

    Today was a BIG day! I accomplished big things today and feel confident that I will meet my other goals. First off, I successfully navigated using the toilet for the first time since mid January. Secondly, I managed a big walk with the Zeen.

    The combination of the toilet seat riser, extra walker, and my strength, allowed me to successfully get on and off the toilet and take care of business. This is a huge accomplishment.

    After a good nap, I decided to take my Zeen out for a stroll. I made it to the front desk of the building and back. I needed to stop and relax a few times, but it was a successful walk. I have set a goal to make it around the building (1/4 mile) by Easter with the Zeen. I am feeling much more confident in the controls of the Zeen as well.

    I am finally feeling like I am going to be able to make it to doctor’s appointments and getting in a car. If the improvement I’ve made this week is any indication of things to come, I will be in good shape when I need to travel to MUSC.

    I am feeling very fortunate and glad that I am achieving my goals, I have and am working hard and seeing growth is always a good thing.

  • 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.