Fiercely Independent Pam

Tag: Zeen

  • Some Setbacks, but Mostly Progress…

    It’s amazing how fast we can take advantage of things. Three weeks ago I was barely able to stand or walk and now I get up like nothing happened. I don’t want to forget all the hard work I put in to get where I am now, but it’s amazing how fast you do forget how hard it was.

    Besides my recent fall, I’ve been doing super well and exercising on a regular basis. The fall left me severely bruised (especially on my bottom) so I am taking a break from the Zeen for a couple of days.

    Today I am headed to the rheumatologist for a check-in. He is another great doctor on my team, it helps that I taught his kids and always enjoyed talking with him.

    Yesterday, I spent some time repotting some plants and loved being able to do that. My life as a plant mom is awesome, I really enjoy seeing my plants grow. I have a few more to repot but that will come in time too.

    As I look back at all I’ve accomplished in the past month, I am so proud of myself and grateful for the support of my readers, friends, and family. Hopefully things will even out for a while and I will be able to accomplish even more!

  • 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.

  • Mission Accomplished! One Goal Achieved Thanks to the Zeen!

    I DID IT!!! 1/4 mile around the building a week before my deadline! My Zeen is awesome! Not only did I manage to make the full loop, I felt better in the Zeen than ever! I think I finally managed to find the “sweet spot” for the seat and my legs.

    In addition to being more comfortable, I successfully used the cup holder and managed to find places for my keys, phone, oxygen, and even a flyer that was handed to me as I went out the door! The Zeen is just so perfectly organized.

    I love to set goals, and this week is a big week for those goals. I accomplished a big one today. Wednesday, I am going to make sure I can get in and out of my niece’s car in preparation for our adventure to Charleston to see the ENT at MUSC for my sinuses on Thursday. I have decided to bring my walker and not the Zeen as figuring out the Zeen in the car for the first time and the first time I am getting in a car myself might just be too tricky. I do plan to bring it the following week for my appointment with the Dysautonomia specialist so he can see how well I am doing with it!

    I am so proud of myself for making the 1/4 mile loop with the Zeen today. I need to remember that my body works in its own time frame and that needs to be ok. Rehab specialist, therapists, and even friends and family mean well, but I hold the key and knowledge for when my body is going to cooperate!

    For now, I will continue to use the Zeen and getting my legs stronger. I hope to get on the NuStep soon as well (pending being able to get on and off of it).

    I included some pictures I took on my Zeen adventure today!