Overdue Update

People keep asking me why I haven’t blogged in so long. I used to do it almost every day or when I had a chance. It gives me great joy to write and share my story along with get my feelings out. My blog is kind of like my diary in a way. I’ve definitely thought about taking all the posts I have written and creating a book using them. Although, to be honest even if I start one it’s been difficult to finish a blog post because I get distracted or lose my thoughts. Sometimes I’ll go back to the same one I’m writing multiple times before posting it.

 

Another reason why it’s been hard is because I have a lot of other things going on in my life right now. Here’s an update about myself and the things I’ve been doing. First, I haven’t been getting out as much as I used to. I am usually able to take my dog, Brody, out for a walk and roll just about every day as long as it’s nice out but that’s about the extent of it. There are different issues that hold me down as well.

Getting infections is no fun, especially in my situation. As I stated in other posts, last year I unfortunately got pneumonia five times, a couple of them that actually landed me in the hospital. Then, earlier this year I had bouts of pneumonia a couple times that held me back from doing things. It seems that I’m constantly dealing with these chronic infections tying me down, where I am unable to do things like I wish. On a good note I haven’t had a respiratory infection since February now!

As far as family goes, my mom underwent reconstructive surgery on Monday the 24^th. She was diagnosed with colon cancer a couple of years ago and as a result went through chemo and radiation. Good news is all the cancer is gone although the chemo and radiation damaged tissue. This is the reason why she needed to reconstruct the tissues that were damaged. Everything went well and after she spends a week in the hospital, she’ll then come home and be in the recovery process.

On a separate note, 2 posts ago I talked about my new wheelchair I was supposed to get. Unfortunately, it still hasn’t arrived yet. It’s now due to be delivered within the next week or so. They’re waiting on a cord that connects my ventilator to the wheelchair for power. I’ve been in the process of trying to get it for over 1 ½ years. It has the capability to stand, allowing me to take pressure off of my body. Constantly sitting isn’t easy and in my current wheelchair, I’m always in pain and have muscle soreness due to lack of repositioning along with strength. I also think it has to do with the way the chair is wearing down; I’ve had it since 2010.

I started using the Easystand Evolv standing frame in 2008 because of the health benefits it gives me. Having my new wheelchair will replace needing to use the standing frame. One thing I have to watch while standing is my blood pressure. It frequently drops and sometimes gets so low that it doesn’t read on the blood pressure cuff. It’s been a constant issue on a daily basis. I’m on two different medications to help raise it although they don’t always seem to do anything. It’s with hope that standing every day in my new wheelchair will help with this issue.

It’s even more vital that I get my new wheelchair as soon as possible. Monday I was outside with Brody and accidentally ran my wheelchair into the curb. I busted my front right wheel so the rubber is split in half. Although there is a gap, we were able to duct tape it to keep it together so I can at least roll in short distances. I was stuck indoors until someone was able to come out today and fix it so I can start getting out and about more often. When he looked at my other tires, he said that if I don’t get my wheelchair within the next few weeks, I need to have them replaced. This is because they have worn down to the point where I could start damaging my rims.

That’s all for updates now, but as far as my wheelchair goes I will definitely keep you posted!

Jenni