Category: Uncategorized

I’m a PERSON who uses a wheelchair

I’m not here to disgust you as I live my life and I don’t want to hear that you feel disgusted by my wheelchair because it sounds like a YOU problem and I’ve got plenty of my own issues thank you. I’m a PERSON who uses a wheelchair.

Also, it’s not my job to be your inspiration from the seat of my power wheelchair. I don’t want your thumbs up as I transfer from the passenger seat of my car to my wheelchair. Or worse, you telling me that some nonexistent deity loves me to make yourself feel like you’re a good person all while conveniently forgetting that I’m a PERSON who uses a wheelchair and not every person believes what you believe.

I’m not a child. I’m a 57 year old stroke survivor, and I don’t appreciate being talked down to like I’m 5. I’m a fully grown, educated PERSON who uses a wheelchair

Just because it’s a power wheelchair doesn’t mean that I can’t speak. I can’t tell you how frustrating it is when people assume that I can’t speak just because I’m sitting in a power wheelchair. Ask me if you’re not sure, and I’ll happily tell you in paragraph form that not only can I speak, but you should listen to me when I do because I actually have something to say from my experiences that you might just need to hear. I’m a PERSON who uses a wheelchair.

So treat me like a PERSON. The wheelchair is not me. I’m the PERSON sitting in the wheelchair so treat me as you would any PERSON. Or better yet, treat me like you would want to be treated.

If you have issues with people who use wheelchairs you’d better make sure that you never end up in one because I can guarantee that you’re not emotionally strong enough to handle it.

Thumbs up for the best and most complete YouTube channel for stroke rehab exercises at home

I recently found this channel on YouTube. The physiotherapist takes you through issues and solutions to whatever you might be dealing with LITERALLY from moving your thumbs to running! This video is a short one, but there are longer form videos as well. I only wish that I knew about the channel when I was released from the hospital, I’d be further along.

https://youtube.com/shorts/jDXiMSiuuzc?feature=share

Ch ch ch changes and a confession

Starting with the confession. I’ve been chickening out of doing something that I’ve wanted to do for well over 40 years. Which, if you know me, is very much out of character . At first, I chickened out because it went out of style, and then it came back in vogue about a decade later and I chickened out because it was something that I felt like I couldn’t wear to work, because it was a bit rebellious for a woman and not considered feminine.

I came close to doing it a few years back when my mom and I saw Cher in concert, but it was only close but not quite the thing I’m talking about now.

Do you think you know what it is? The title of this post should give you a clue. If you still aren’t sure, just scroll down, and you’ll see…

I finally got a mullet!

Yes, I’m a bit embarrassed to say that I’ve been lusting for the mullet haircut ever since David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust album šŸ˜³ This year, I decided that it’s time. I’ll be 58 in July, and it felt like a good time to do it. Nothing is stopping me, and it’s very much in style ,thanks to Miley Cyrus and Stella Cini from YouTube.

I only hope it doesn’t make me look like I’m desperately trying to look like I’m 20.

A bit of good news amongst the bad

So it turns out that I’ve been sick since Sunday and I had no idea. Don’t worry, it’s not covid, but a bout of norovirus, aka stomach flu, making me nauseated and dizzy, and it’s making me either super hot and sweaty or frozen to my core.I’m still dealing with some symptoms, but they’re not nearly as bad as they were. In case you didn’t realize it, that’s the good news.

How is that good, I hear you asking. Well, it means I might be able to use my Zeen after this passes. My body is feeling stronger today, and I’m looking forward to feeling fully better so I can get my butt up onto the Zeen and maybe be able to walk a bit. At least, that is my hope .

Also, I did mention that I’d be posting story posts, and that is still going to happen. It’s just going to be a little longer .

Wow, my brain is more damaged than I thought!

So the Zeen arrived yesterday, and I quickly got on it and tried to walk, but the carpet was the enemy,so hubby wheeled me out to the tiled hallway, where I almost puked immediately. I sat there for a while and tried it again, but I was too dizzy .it was at that point that I came to the realization that I need to slow down and take each step of the process as a goal in itself. Step one is sitting at barstool height without becoming dizzy and nauseated. This may take some time.

Sat in my Zeen for a half hour today. Hope to have another sit later this afternoon.

Yes, 7.5 years after my stroke and the brain is still an issue. It feels as if my brain is floating around in my skull at this new higher height, and it’s not a good feeling . It’s definitely going to take some time before I’m going to be able to get outside with it. But I did promise video today, so the below is a video of the chair I use for outdoor and transfers into the car.

Also to view the video just click the YouTube button

Watch “ā™æļøSELF DEFENSE IN A WHEELCHAIR” trigger warning

This video is mostly preventative tips for staying away from scary situations. I included a trigger warning because she discusses both violent and sexual attacks. The reality of the situation is that if you’re in a wheelchair, you look like the limpy gazelle in the herd,so you must be aware and prepared. She does mention a few things that I’ve not thought of myself , like the foot plate being at ankle height. Her tip for sexual attacks is good, but what if you’re too old for a period, I guess herpes outbreak or genital warts or something might work. A personal alarm would be a good thing to have on your person at all times, or if you’re really scared, dial 911 on your cellphone and keep your finger ready to hit call,assuming you can.

Something exciting is happening here on Tuesday, January 7th

If you’ve been with me for over 2 weeks, you may recall the blog posts I put up about the Zeen, and you might have even wondered if I ever did order one. My Zeen arrives on Monday. On Tuesday, I will be posting my first story post in a series about the Zeen and how it can work for me physically to help me walk, potentially hands-free. If it sounds like my expectations are high, it’s because they are. I do fully understand that it’s going to take time for me to get used to it. HENCE THE SERIES

You’ve likely noticed that I’ve been posting daily blogs and that they’ve been themed under the same subject matter of disability. Yes, my blog is taking another turn, and if new and cool stuff helps physically disabled people enjoy their lives ,is something that interests you ,I hope that you will enjoy what I have planned.

Remember the kid rig? Not a wheelchair makes it for adults, too!

This video was filmed on Vancouver Island, just a few hours north from where I live . It shows us a very cool adventure over a new suspension bridge in an off-road wheelchair made by Not a wheelchair. There really is so much to see, and it’s not easy to do in a wheelchair. I’m about to film my own little outdoor adventure this spring. It’s so good to see more accessibility on the island that I call home.