It has now been 7 weeks. A very long time with limited mobility. As is typical for me, I have surrounded myself with options - and accessories.
For my trip home from the hospital, I rented a wheelchair. I haven't been back in it since that day. My challenges in connecting with the rental company to come pick it up seem to be daily annoying phone calls - all of which are answered by someone who seems to be unable to transfer me to whomever I need to talk to without disconnecting me.
Now, let's talk crutches (my least favorite but useful when I gather the strength to go up and down the stairs). I remember 2 years ago when I had to be on crutches for weeks on end. The soreness of under arms, achy wrists and hands, severe limitations in what I would carry. Pads don't help nearly as much as the advertisers would want you to believe. The upside of crutches is that it does enable me to go downstairs on occasion and is helping me build my triceps.
I also have a walker. This has been quite an amazing discovery for me. I don't know why they ever make a patient use crutches (other than the aforementioned stairs). A walker is more stable, easier on my arms, and with different accessories, allows me to carry books, cell phone, water bottle.
But, my absolute favorite is my Voyager scooter purchased from www.goodbyecrutches.com. A not-so-comfortable bicycle style seat, a foot peg for my casted appendage, a basket for books, food, keys and cell phone. I load it up and I am on my way. I can push myself down the hall faster than my friends can walk. I am able to go across the street and sit in the park, I can put my scooter in my car and get around. Granted, curbs are the challenge of my existence.
I have asked several times if I could have a motor for my scooter. Yea, my fiance won't go for that. I do think I need a horn and a cup-holder though!
Perhaps that it goes without saying, but I am looking forward to the day when my mobility device is my own two feet. I am grateful for the lessons I am learning - slow down, ask for help, be patient.
I continue to remind myself that "this too shall pass"; that I am healing at the rate that my body is healing and the best I can do is keep my spirit up, laugh every day, be my goofy self regardless of how I am getting around.
