lab vs. real world

 My current occupational therapist, Danny, read my last blog about my inability to open heavy doors at the movie theatre.   During my next session with her, she immediately led me to doors that generally require assistance.  We practiced for 30 minutes until I got it right.

 

I love going out to breakfast so I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to apply my practice in the “real world.” over the weekend. I took Uber to IHOP because it’s close.  Entering inside was fairly easy but leaving was a different experience.  I opened the door to the outside and stepped outside with my walker; the walker started rolling down the sidewalk and I now have nothing to hang on to and  in real trouble. Fortunately a man in a car driving by sees this as its happening and hops out of his car to help me.  What did I learn?  Always, always, apply the brake no matter where you are.

 

I’m continuing to practice on opening and going through doors. the IHOP example demonstrates that while therapy in a clinical environment is important, it is no substitute for the real thing.  Danny is the only therapist I’ve had in 10 years who problem solves my issues this way.  She is unique in her approach with me, she understands what I need and how to help me gain more independence and I feel extraordinarily grateful to be working with her.

Confidence

For the most part, confidence is good. However, recently it almost got me into trouble.  I’m so enamored with my new walker, that I took it on a trip to the movies on my own.  I was dropped off early by a friend to start getting the tickets. I made it to the ticket counter fine and on my way to my movie, I stopped in the bathroom. I go to open the door and have my hand on the handle when something pulls me very hard.  It was a man on the other side trying to open the door.  I was grateful to have the door opened because it was heavy but he almost pulled my arm out of its socket.  Once inside, I had to get through yet another heavy door.  I could not open it so I headed back to the main door and remembered this one was heavy too.  So here I am 15 minutes before the movie starts and I can’t get through either door to get to the movie location. I weigh my options:  wait or call my friend.  I elected to wait and someone eventually helped me open the doors.  My confidence lets me know there are many things I can do, but I need to know my limitations and have a plan B.