Help
Posted 02 September 2009 - 03:12 PM
I am a partial quad. In 1978, I was a passenger in a car accident--suffered whiplash but didn't know it. In 1992, woke up in the middle of the night with bad neck pain--had laminectomy C6-7 where arthritis set in (the area of the whiplash). In 2000, had bone fusions C6-T1. In 2003, had bone fusion C5-6 with metal plate. So, I have lived with being a quad for quite some time.
Over the last few years, I have noticed my hands/arms not working very well... just having a bad day here or there. Now, it's 24/7 (more than a year). How do you know when it's time to give up independent living and move into an assisted living facility? I no longer cook... or do laundry... even hate to take trash out due to the spasms... or maybe not be able to throw the bag of trash into the bin... my arms, neck, face, and shoulder muscles spasm when I lift my arm to put eye drops into my eyes... and, I need help to shower. So, is it time for me to move into an assisted living facility?
I wish I were a little kid and my parent was making the decision for me. I rely on family...maybe too much to help. I would like to enjoy time with them vs. them being here to get something done for me. It's all work to survive at this point vs. having fun. That's why I love this forum so much. It has brought so many laughs into my life. Can you relate to this?
Anyway, I would appreciate all of you who read this to post to me with your experiences with assisted living... pros and cons. I am making my own personal list. Thank you for listening and bless you.
-Barb
