A window into the future?

For some weeks now, I have been battling very sore legs. I have shooting pains down both legs, but especially on the left-hand side. At times I have described the pain as ‘excruciating’ and being the worst pain, I have ever felt. Apparently, it stems from an injury to my back. The pain is up there with childbirth, so that may give you an idea of how bad it is.

The other night we called an ambulance, and a paramedic came to our home. She gave me some stronger pain relief and an injection to stop the nausea I had from the meds I was already taking. At this point I was barely able to stand and taking two steps was so painful, step by step. I was trying to help myself by using a walking stick, but that really didn’t help much.

So, the paramedic asked me if I would consider using a walking frame. I recoiled in shock and horror at the mere thought of it. It just felt too soon to introduce a walking frame into my life. However, she wisely counselled me, saying that this was a tool to help me to be able to walk. Most importantly, she assured me that this was only a short-term situation and not envisaged that I would need to have one permanently at this stage. I was still reluctant but thought about it overnight. My husband also reiterated that it might be a good idea so that I could get around safely and it may even help the pain.

The next day, my husband and I went to pick up a walker and a shower stool we had hired. Prior to getting the walker I was furniture walking, holding the walking stick in one hand and with the other on a wall, or bed end of whatever was handy. Not good for balance or safety at all.

I have to say, despite my reticence, that the walker has been a huge help. I am sure that I feel less pain since using the walker and feel safer. I have even walked outside to look at our garden.

My husband pointed out to me a couple of things to be grateful for in this situation:

• If we were in our previous two storey home, things would be a lot worse and I wouldn’t have been able to go upstairs to our bedroom.
• If I was still working I wouldn’t have the luxury of time to be able to focus on my recovery without having to concern myself with taking leave etc.
• With my husband working less shifts he is able to be here to help me as needed and drive me to most appointments.

So, the decision to get a walker has been a good and very useful thing to do.

As my husband emphasizes, the walker is a temporary aid to get me back on my feet and minimize the risk that I may lose strength in my legs if I don’t get up and walk enough.

It has also given me an opportunity to assess how livable this house will be when I need a walker full-time. The house has passed with flying colours. The hall is wide, the main toilet has a good turning circle and both the lounge, and our bedroom have double doors, so it is easy to get through with a walker, or – if needed in the future – a wheelchair. If nothing else, the current situation has reinforced that moving was the right thing to do at the right time. We have found the perfect place to be for us.

The main thing for me is that this is a temporary situation.

I will get back to walking unaided in the very near future.