4 replies to this topic

[jetski]

A NEW APPROACH TO WALKING

I know that this is not a new approach to walking, but as the title states, it is a new approach for me. This last weekend I decided to be adventurous and attend an antique tractor and trashing show just across the Mississippi River in Iowa. The weather was picture perfect and the only reason I could offer for not going was the fact that I am confined to my wheelchair for the most part when I am out of the house.

So, as we Northerners say, it was time to get “out and about.”

Since I am a walking quad, I decided this would be a good time to try something I have been giving a lot of thought to, but haven’t had the opportunity to try it until now. So, we loaded my wheelchair into the car and drove out to the fair grounds with my son. Once there, I had my son push me around the grounds for a little while and then I jumped into my plan. I stopped, got up out of the wheelchair and began pushing it, much like one uses a walker. It rolled very nicely and soon I was covering a lot of ground. I didn’t even attract as many stares as I thought I might. When I got tired, I would sit down again and my son would resume pushing me. When I had rested enough, I went back to pushing the chair again.

Consequently, I spent a great day of outing, experiencing a little bit of freedom because at times I was my only motivation. I am now planning on taking advantage of the experience and try this more often.

Well, now that I have had the opportunity to share this with you, maybe someone else will be encouraged. Please, do not try this alone. All ways make sure someone is with use and use caution.

Blessings, jetski

[Kwag_Myers]

The down side is that if you lose your balance falling forward the chair just keeps on rollin' and you do a face-plant. But then, there are hazards with a walker, too.

Anyway, keep at it, and keep your face above your feet!!!

[gsp23]

Thats great that you are able to do that. Unfortunatly my balance isnt good enought to do that and I rely too much on my crutches so this isnt an option for me. We tried it out in rehab and I have since tried it out post-PT but either the chair just keeps goin and I do a face plant or I put too much pressure and the chair flips back and I land on top of it. Thats great though that you are able to do that, gives you more of an opportunity to walk instead of either having to choose between walking or using the chair when you go out.

[jetski]

Hi gsp23. I'm sorry that the furniture walking doesn't work for you, at least not at this time.

I also started out using the BIG stuff, like recliners and the coach, dinning room table, then later moved to lighter pieces, but I still must be very careful when leaning on the lighter pieces because as you describe, they can move.

I HATE the falling down process. My wife has had to call the ambulance people more than once because of that.

I'll be pulling for you, jetski

[gsp23]

jetski, on Jul 24 2008, 10:30 AM, said:

Hi gsp23. I'm sorry that the furniture walking doesn't work for you, at least not at this time.

I also started out using the BIG stuff, like recliners and the coach, dinning room table, then later moved to lighter pieces, but I still must be very careful when leaning on the lighter pieces because as you describe, they can move.

I HATE the falling down process. My wife has had to call the ambulance people more than once because of that.

I'll be pulling for you, jetski

The falling down, ah thats not so bad I guess it helps having a boyfriend who is 6'2" and 250lbs though to help pick me up when I fall. My orthotics place tells me that they talked to my physiatrist and they both agreed that I am a bit of a spitfire, just cause I fall down as much as I do. I tell them that sometimes you have to fall down to find out just how far you can make it. Each step seems impossible much of the time so if you stopped when it felt impossible you would never walk so sometimes you have to keep going till you fall cause that way you know that you actually did more than you could handle! Not that I make a goal of falling but sometimes I just keep going till I do cause otherwise how would I know if I am getting any better at it right?

I can do some heavy furniture walking if I have a crutch in one hand then I can use heavy stuff like couch, counter, etc to walk. So that some progress anyways. Walking behind a rollator even never worked for me but a walker I can do, its just that uncontrollable sliding that doesnt agree with me and my bad balance.

Having talked about every other issue on these forums, it seems weird to talk about walking related issues with someone and the fact that just like everything else, its the same types of issues for everyone. Sometimes walking specific tips and concerns get lost on the wayside cause we are all talking about other common issue slike B&B, skin breakdowns, seat cushions, chairs, fatigue, nerve pain, etc.