Please don’t disable me before my time….

I was having lunch the other day with some of my colleagues and I was talking about how my husband caught me climbing on a ladder in the garden. I had looked up while putting some netting on my cherry tree, when I saw him looking through the window in our bedroom. When I went inside, I asked if he was concerned for me being on the ladder. He expressed some concern, but I assured him I had been very careful and would not have done it if I had felt unsafe.

I was recounting this story at lunch and one of my team mates recoiled in horror, and so did the others all joining in and saying I should never climb a ladder and it was too risky. Now, the thing is, I do not have any balance issues at the moment. I feel I am still quite strong and able and I argued against them. They all saw this activity as being too risky.

The same colleague also went on to say, ‘I’m not particularly happy with you riding your e-bike either!’ I advised her that again, I have good balance at present and that I am very careful. I choose my routes so that I am not cycling anywhere too remote, so that if there is a cycling mishap, people will come across me and give me help. I have also done some research and have found that in fact riding an e-bike is very good for general health and for balance for someone with Parkinson’s. I pointed out to her that far from being detrimental to my health, that riding my e-bike is certainly beneficial. See https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-ebikes-for-people-with-parkinsons-and-more/ or https://www.fastcompany.com/90341686/the-unlikely-way-e-bikes-could-transform-how-we-age

I understand that my colleague is concerned for my welfare. I understand too that they like to give me a hard time – we are always giving each other cheek – but at the same time, I need to be trusted that I am careful and that I can do these things at present. Sure, I could fall off the ladder or fall off my bike. Anyone could, even without Parkinson’s. I get that it’s a risk. But all of life is full of risk and we can’t always avoid it.

The thing is, what I don’t want or need is for anyone to be actively disabling me, by saying that I shouldn’t do these things. If I need to get something from a top cupboard, or climb a step-ladder or ladder to paint a fence or other job, I need to be able to do that. There will come a time, when this is not advisable, but for now I need to be supported and trusted to do these things and that I will take as much care as I can to try to minimise risk.

As to my e-bike, there is no way I am going to give up riding my bike. It gives me too much pleasure for me to give it up. Again, if I am feeling too tired even before thinking about hopping on my bike I won’t ride it. Simple! I monitor how I am feeling when I am riding and will stop for a rest and a snack if needed. I also take into account when on the outward leg, that I will have to find the energy to return.

Last night, my husband was at work and I had a spa. No-one else was home, as I carefully climbed into the pool and sat down and relaxed. Thinking about other people’s risk adversity in relation to what I should and shouldn’t do, I had a thought as I lay there, that they would most likely say I shouldn’t spa if there is no-one else home! I think if you look hard enough, you can find risk in many of the things that we do in life!

So, I will continue to use a ladder on the rare occasions that I need one. I will take great care and be as careful as I can. I will ensure it is on a solid footing before I set one foot upon it’s rungs. I will continue to ride my e-bike for the enjoyment and physical benefits it provides. I certainly will also continue to indulge myself at the end of a busy day by sitting in my spa pool.

One day I won’t be able to climb a ladder.

One day I won’t be able to ride my e-bike.

One day I may need someone to check on me in my spa.

Today is not the day!

Do not disable me prematurely and take away these freedoms!