Fiercely Independent Pam

Tag: strength

  • 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!

  • Rough Times Ahead! Working Oh So Hard At Building Strength!

    So, things aren’t going as smooth as I thought they would. I am definitely on the struggle bus for strength and ability to transfer. I’ve gotten stuck in more places than I chose to share but I cannot say enough good things about the fire department (lift/assist). They have been wonderful in getting me out of unique situations. It is a combination of not enough strength and complete fear of falling and being on the ground. I started with PT yesterday and just need to keep building strength so that I can stand on my own. Once I can stand, all will be fine. In the meantime I am using the transfer board as needed.

    On top of all of this, I am dealing with a crazy amount of thrush in my mouth mostly from the steroids. It’s quite painful and limits how much I want to eat or drink. I have medication, so I am hoping that makes a big difference today.

    I also am almost caught up with my Bible in a Year Podcast- I fell behind while I was in the hospital and it’s a lot to catch back up, but this is happening too! I got so much out of the Rosary in a Year, that I thought I would try the Bible in a Year!

    Then, once I have gained enough strength to stand, I am looking forward to trying out my new Zeen. It has the ability to move me from sit to stand, so that is a good thing and I can even get some exercises done on it.

    I also have a lot of organizing to do and unpacking of some shopping adventures- looking forward to seeing what I was able to get. The biggest adventure for today is to not get stuck anywhere(especially on the toilet) and not end up falling on the floor.

    I GOT THIS!!!