Fiercely Independent Pam

Tag: transfers are HARD! Working hard! Need to stand!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Working Hard, Focus on the Goals of Independence and Success!

    I am a big believer that goals are only as good as who you share them with.I spent a great PT session today standing and walking a little bit from my arm chair and gradually lowering the arm chair. I did this until I was exhausted. I felt good about being able to stand on my own. Its all a matter of focus on what needs to be done.

    Looking forward, I would like to try being on the Zeen next week or the toilet. I have to decide where I am going to focus. It would be huge to be able to actually use the toilet and be able to get up from it unassisted. At this point the unassisted is the most important part.

    I still have a OT session this week and hoping to work on some transfers (pivoting instead of using the transfer board.) Again, it’s a matter of focus and energy conservation to get this done. This will be most possible from my arm chair to wheelchair and bed to wheelchair.

    In other news, I managed to completely get ready on my own today. I managed to set my clothes out and other than that, I was able to do everything!I needed to focus and make it happen. I am finding my independence one way or another!

    I even had maintenance install my new toilet riser so it set up for when I am ready. I got them to do it while they were here changing light bulbs. I am setting myself up not only for independence but for success as well, all through focus.