Fiercely Independent Pam

Tag: Zeen

  • 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!

  • Achieving Goals: Its About Time!

    I have always been a goal oriented person. I like to set goals and work to achieve them. This worked for getting into college, completing a half-marathon, and achieving career goals. I am stubborn almost to a fault and that stubbornness is what makes me persevere through trials when attempting to reach a goal.

    Last fall I wrote a document I called “Why Not Me?” that outlined my 5-10 year goals. I am chipping away at those goals by making smart decisions and working hard. I am determined to make it happen.

    One of the big goals is to befriend/acquire a mobility service dog. This is requiring more patience than I ever imagined, but I know deep in my heart it’s going to work out the way it should. Somehow, someway, I will be sharing a bed with a big lab that loves to work and play.

    Smaller goals keep me going too. Right now I challenged myself to complete the 1/4 mile loop around my building with the Zeen by Easter. I have already completed half of it so I believe I’m in good shape to achieve the larger goal. I really love the Zeen and all that I am accomplishing using it.

    Next steps include getting back on the Nustep (bike) and getting in an out of a car. Both will be a challenge but put me on the positive side of normal activities. At sometime soon I would like to remove the toilet riser as well so that I can get used to a normal height toilet and not be surprised when I am out of the house.

    Behind the scenes, I am also working on financial goals, I have recently finished my Medicaid application. I am also using an AI tool to help me manage my money and try to create an emergency fund as well.

    All of this requires a lot of time and attention, but lucky for me, right now that is something I have a lot of. It’s very unlike me to put myself first, but I recognize that is needed to achieve my goals, both short term and long term.