My First Wheelchair

I guess it technically was not my first ride in a wheelchair--just my first wheelchair ride outside of a hospital.

Today my best friend wanted to buy some new clothes. She lost weight! I was really not up to it, after one of the worst weeks ever. So I borrowed a wheelchair from guest services. It worked out great.

My main issues are fatigue, dizziness, some vertigo, poor balance, difficulty walking (kind of ataxic), and decreased sensation in my left foot, leg, and buttock. Or crazy pain. It goes back and forth.

But I also have a mild sore throat. Maybe I am normal-people-sick, which is making my MS flare up? Too bad it is a holiday weekend, and my doctor comes in late on Tuesdays. I will not be seen for at least three days, maybe a lot longer. Hopefully I will feel better by then. I have felt absolutely awful since Monday--six days.

Oh, I also have a headache. Not a migraine which I had for eight continuous hours yesterday, after I took a full Nuvigil. I was glad that my heart did not pound and my hands did not shake, but the migraine was pretty awful. I did have a bit more energy than I would have otherwise, and I was walking better. But I spent the day sitting down, mostly writing email (seriously, almost all day). I need to weigh the pros and cons of taking Nuvigil. Including the fact that it is a stimulant with the possibility of dependence.

While my friend pushed me through the mall and through stores, some people stared. I felt weird and a uncomfortable with the attention. I do not generally look for attention. I remembered my yoga teacher commenting that standing in tadasana or sitting with that kind of alignment demonstrates confidence. I decided to sit up straight and smile at people, especially children. They were closer to my level! I felt happy, because I was able to stay in the mall for three hours, and I doubt I would have lasted 30 minutes on my feet, even with my cane. My arms were not strong enough to wheel myself more than a few feet, but my friend did not mind pushing me. It was a good experience for both of us.