I love a chalebge but . . . really?

I just returned from a 5 day Colorado vacation and concluded all the therapy the world (both cognitive and physical) couldn’t prepare me for my travel experience. during this trip.  Please let me explain 

I was visiting a friend in Durango and travel required a stop and plane change in Denver. Also, I travelled with my walker, Hope.  I thought it was essential to increase my mobility on the trip.   All was going very smooth in

Denver when I boarded my plane for Durango. I had plenty of time to board so I plugged in my phone charger.  The flight was delayed from a 6:00 departure to 7:30.  The wheelchairs in this airport are not self-propelled so I have to wait for an attendant go to the bathroom. The attendant came very late so I almost missed my flight and we had to remove the connection to the charger.  I pulled the plug but needed the USB part so they had to bend down on all fours to get it.  All is well and we are halfway to Durango when the captain say says we are turning around and going back to Denver due to a mechanical error. 

Dealing with Hope adds a layer if complexity and I have to keep track of my carry on and Hope and remember to gate check her each time.  We had to deplane in Denver and wait for them to fix the plane.  There was as shortage of bag handlers so Hope was delayed the reason I can’t leave the gate area is the wheelchairs are not self-propelled and I have to watch hope While searching for my boarding pass in my carry-on I noticed all my pills fell out of the container.  Also I lost my boarding pass.

I think its worth repeating that all the therapy cannot prepare or substitute from doing.   The challenges occurred throughout my trip including challenging terrain and stairs during a train ride to Silverton and an outdoor concert, and walking the streets of downtown Durango.  There is no substitute for getting out and doing.  Challenges and all I had a wonderful time and appreciative of my friends for putting up with me.

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. 

freedom part 2 -from guest blogger, Bobby Bacon's perspective

Annie named her new three wheeled Invacare walker “Junior”. It isn’t a complete replacement for “Velvet”, her larger walking support device, but an addition for short hauls. I had looked at these lighter weight devices over the years but had concerns about providing enough support if she lost her balance. Velvet is too heavy and large for most Uber vehicles and certainly too heavy for frailer companions to pick up. Enter Junior.

We decided in a “what the heck” moment to pick up one of these. They’re about 1/10 the cost of a Velvet and 1/3 the weight. Three wheels versus four was the decision as Annie has to control everything with just one hand. You get the picture…

We always like a “so what?” moment. In the last couple weeks of getting used to this Annie has broadened her horizons three fold. She is taking Uber (please don’t leave Houston) to shop, to get nails done, to pick up small items at the store, to meet with friends and is able to actually walk on her own to restaurants in the area. This is a huge boost to confidence, independence, ease to hang out with her friends (who might “postpone” due to the challenges of supporting Annie) and in one additional word FREEDOM! It’s freedom for both of us. Annie can do what she wants.

Of course I still cringe at the thought of her crossing a busy street or plowing forth on the train or bus. But we’ll get there. Annie wants her independence as much as I want it for her. Personal pride and a less grumpy pal (who me? Yeah, Houston traffic…) make for powerful medicine. Now Annie is just a text or phone call away from a meet up.

So the “so what” is a wider range of activity. It’s fewer responses of “no’ when she says “Can I come?” It’s a sense of owning her own space and commanding her own time. That's progress. I suggested we might call Junior “Hope”. It seems to be sticking.

Freedom

They say “any job can be accomplished with the right tools” I’m on path to prove this. First, a little background last month my tools for walking included my 4-prong cane for short trips and my 4-wheel walker with a built-in seat and off-road tires for longer trips. Even though the cane gave me mobility, I was still often holding Bob or my caregiver’s hand upon leaving the car.  My balance and confidence was low.  Also, the bigger walker was an issue when going go our gallery because the size was so inconvenient and obtrusive. So Bob suggested I look into smaller walkers which I did and now have a 3-wheel, 8 pound, collapsible walker.  In two short weeks, this “tool” has been the biggest confidence builder since I started being able to walk 8 years ago. It is difficult to express the emotional benefits.  Prior to having this walker, I could go anywhere in a cab, Uber, etc. but once I get there, I need help with walking so my activities were limited.  Now I can go anywhere.  For example, today, I took Uber on my own to the drug store and to get a manicure.  I’ve never done this on my own bore and the freedom it affords me is so huge .I love to go to the movies, restaurants, shop, etc. independently but until now did not have the confidence. The new walker is giving m hope to look beyond my current routine and activities such as travelling. Tithe bottom line is I now feel I can go anywhere without having to plan

Strokelife, liberty and the pursuit of aging happily

When I exercise on my indoor bike I routinely watch one of two shows, either Stephen Colbert or Jimmy Fallon. On a recent show, Cameron Diaz was pitching her second book, “Longevity, the Science of Aging.” She writes:  “Aging is a privilege and we should feel lucky to be able to age.” At this point one might question my judgment in referencing Cameron Diaz in a stroke blog. However her four pillars for successful aging resonated with me because I often wonder as I feel the effects of aging is it age or stroke related?  It’s probably both. I fight daily to make sure the effects of stroke don’t hasten my aging.  Her four pillars of aging successfully are:  “nutrition, rest, exercise, and laughter.” I give myself an average grade of C minus or lower on adapting these pillars.   I exercise and laugh every day and my nutrition is decent. It is rest that lowers my grade.  I suffer from insomnia and don’t really sleep without some nightly aid.  I also would add a fifth pillar, which would be meaningful work.  If I had meaningful work, I believe rest would be manageable.  I am envious of my brother-in-law, Tom who has meaningful work-- the relentless goal of improving Houston Parks and park access.  He inspires me to find my own meaningful work as the fifth pillar on my own aging quest. Again, what does Cameron Diaz know about aging and science?  Probably not a lot, but she gave me material for my blog.

Mix it up

My daily routine consists of morning coffee, breakfast, newspapers, email, errands, therapy, exercise, cooking, volunteer work, etc.  When I have an opportunity “to step out” of my comfort zone, I immediately jump on it. This was the case recently when I tagged along with Bob to drive to Austin to accompany him on a few appointments. We delivered a piece of furniture contracted by one of my friends.   It also was one of my best friend’s birthdays and we were able to go to lunch. I believe it is important to mix up my routine. The plan required that I get up early, shower, sit for an extended period in a car, walk in unfamiliar territory more than I do when at home, socialize (which I think is always important) and maintain my close friendships in Austin.   As I was leaving, my friend said to me:  “Thanks for making the effort.”  That said it all and meant the world to me.  My new mantra:   Mix it up and often!