I came down sick in 2001. I needed a way to transport a power chair and a power chair at that time.
But, I kept thinking I would get better.
In 2007, I was donated 2 power chairs. One is big and bulky and comfortable...I can lie down in it....it is good for outdoors and when I need to lie down.
The other is smaller and easier to get around in. I use it in my small apartment and in stores.
A friend donated her 1993 Nissan Pathfinder to me around this time too. it has over 200,000 miles on it.
I received a lift to put on the pathfinder and treansport the smaller power chair earlier this year.
But, tying it down did me in. I could only use it about 20% of the time as I am usually too weak to tie it down and load and unload it.
Yesterday, a lady drove me down the hill to have the lift exchanged for one that I can just drive on and has a self locking system.
I am so grateful for the organization that provided this and for the batteries they provided and the elevated leg lifts adn the motor for the smaller power chair.
The larger power chair needed a inboard charger system replaced and they did this too.
I did not need to drive down the hill to have this done. A business owner from down the hill stoppped by on his way to stay at a place here in the mtns for the weekend and took care of things ...wonderful.
I also started seeing a primary care doctor last year who is cmpassionate and accepting of lyme disease.
My treatment plan has not changed much since seeing her with the exception of starting on tramadol. I did not think it was helping much until I went off of it.
So started back on it. I have been on generic biaxin since 2008, generic sleeping meds, gabapetin
Last I saw the primary doc she agreed wtih me I needed to be on a different abx and rocephin was mentioned. She gave me a rocephin shot but nothing was followed thru on.
I thought perhaps she was going to put me on IV rocephin. She said that she wanted it to be IM. As I am typing this I realize the ball was in my court.
I needed to go to the local hospital to see if they would give me a shot. I don't know how often she wanted this down. Not sure what the next step is for this. I need to contact her again.
At least I have a way to transport my power cahir so I can easily get to the hospital.
Ok brain is fading...I need to continue things to be thankful or grateful for in 2012 later.
How about you??
Posted by Garden (Member # 31671) on :
I am grateful in 2012 for:
My youngest has shown improvement since starting Lyme treatment. Her migraines are far less frequent. Her energy level is much higher. Her gait problems/ataxia has become rare.
My older one had many achievements this year despite the lyme. I don't see improvement yet, per se, but she keeps fighting through. She learned some basic swimming techniques and stuck it out as a member of the pre-swim team. She auditioned in June for the local Nutcracker, and did an incredible job a few week ago - 4 performances in a weekend! Without me backstage even between performances! I'm really proud of her.
I've worked hard to get myself and my kids treatment, getting them in to see Dr J and then more recently finding myself a strong LLMD. I'm grateful for making more local friends and for deepening friendships I've had for a few years.
Everything has been 2 steps forward, 1 step back. The step back has been frustrating, maddening, depressing, but when I can step back and see the big picture, we are still moving ahead.
2012 has brought both challenges and blessings, and we have much to be grateful for.
Posted by kam (Member # 3410) on :
Garden..hugs to you and your family.
Posted by Dove7 (Member # 39546) on :
What blessings I truly have.
This site and all of you. I thought I was crazy and alone with all the various aspects of this until late one night I stumbled upon this place.
A workplace who gave me FMLA when I was felled by Lyme and coinfections.
A family who helps me function. We decided we're in this together, though there are those moments that I recommend they just put me on an ice flow and let me go. (We practice gallows humor quite a bit.)
My faith and church family who care and love us.
Our two golden retrievers who have made me laugh, allowed me to hug and cry on their "shoulders", and who comfort me before I even know I need it.
Our backyard with flowers, huge shade trees, the beautiful sky, and, right now, the grand blanket of glistening snow. Nature is a blessing for me,
Good days, and even the bad ones. The bad ones so help me appreciate the hours that peek out with illumination that life will (and must) get better.
Posted by kam (Member # 3410) on :
Dove...this site is a blessing and having a computer to connect with others
Posted by kam (Member # 3410) on :
Dove...my first home had a wonderful backyard. I miss it.
I miss having a yard and hope to own a home and have a yard again. So many times, I have wanted to lay out in a fenced in yard since coming down sick.
I also miss having a fire place and a bath...but not sure I would have the strength to get in and out of a bath tub.
I miss a garage too. And having my own washer and dryer.
Posted by kam (Member # 3410) on :
Thankful for Rosie and for the warm mittens and coat and winter shoes that lyme friends provided for me.
I live here several years before I took Rosie out to toilet and did not turn into a popsicle...
Couldn't figure it out as I had on the same clothes that I wore when I went to stay in a cabin in the Sierra's in the snow.
But, guessing system has changed and being in a power chair is different than skiing down a dhill or walkign to the lodge to eat when I was able.