Tools of the trade
Today marks 7 weeks AC (after crash) and I’m making good progress thanks to the team here:
- I can get to standing on my left leg from chair height
- I can hop about 10m using the gutter frame and a lot of concentration
- I can transfer into my wheelchair using my left leg and only occasionally need the slide board when I’m tired or my wheelchair parking was dodgy
While thinking about this, I realise I use so much equipment every day to get around and perform some relatively basic tasks. So I thought I’d share a bit more about my experience at the Epworth and give an insight into the range of gear they’ve provided me with on my journey to walking.
Firstly, my trusty wheelchair…
The physio team searched far and wide for this chair. It’s pretty unique because I can steer it using only the left side - the little wheel pushed forward turns left, the big wheel turns right. It’s a bit of a mind game turning because it’s the reverse of what I’m used to on a normal chair but just being able to roll around the corridor is enough for me. Hills, badly cambered paths and ruts are my enemy but sticking to carpet and wide paths works well. It’ll be interesting to see how I go on it at Bianca’s wedding on the 3rd April, not long to go…
Then there’s the commode - similar but different.
For all bathroom purposes, same entry/exit criteria as my normal wheelchair but it requires some careful navigation because I have to use my left hand to control both left and right wheels. I’m proud to say I’ve nailed the move from my bed to bathroom in one push on a handful of occasions…
Other bits and pieces organised by the physios and OT’s also get me through my day.
From left to right…
- My ‘built up’ cutlery - absolutely hideous yet totally practical, this set gets me through my meals rather than leaving me to try and guide a fork near my mouth using my left hand. I have a tube grip that goes on my toothbrush to help with the equal struggle to brush teeth.
- The cryo-cuff ice esky/pack - this thing is genius, the esky not pictured takes a litre or so of icy water and fills the pack with cold water, perfect for freezing a sore leg after physio.
- The plastic bag over arm in shower trick - it’s starting to get very old, especially on hair wash days.
- The gutter crutch - I couldn’t stand up without it, it’s taught me to get on my left foot and start to hop without putting weight through my right hand, big win.
- Patient transport - a service more than a tool, yet still really helpful. Greg is the trusted driver and to be honest I really only trust the Epworth team. I’ll be damned if I take a maxi taxi and get loaded into the back. Never going to happen in a million years, read ever.
- Last but definitely not least, my favourite - the “slider” slide board. This thing is the most useful piece of perspex I’ve ever held onto. Another incredibly simple yet much needed bit of gear.
There’s quite a bit more gear - the handy picker thing, the stick with sponge for the shower, the stick with towel to dry the lower limbs I can’t reach etc. I’d need a long photo gallery to cover all of it. I guess it’s my way of saying there’s so much equipment the nurses, physios and OTs provide that I didn’t even realise existed until they suggest it. Although my room often resembles a parking lot with all the gear, it’s all really helpful and it gives me a lot more independence.
I get asked quite a bit when I’ll go home. I think the short response is once I’m no longer dependent on all this gear to get around and once my fractures are confirmed as being healed enough to regain weight bearing status. My appointment on the 7th April will be a big indicator for when this will be.
My left leg has made quite a bit of progress, here’s how it’s looking now…
Dad came down on Sunday and we went to the park - I met a dog called Cookie :) One of my fave nurses Sheridan is getting a mini dachshund soon called Arnie and I’m hoping she brings him in for a visit (wink wink Sheridan, I know you’re reading!)
Lastly, thanks for reading and thanks for all the visits. Although I might not always be as bright and bubbly as you’d like to see, it’s really appreciated and it all helps :)