My doctor doesn’t want me to become wheelchair bound. Relying on a wheelchair would cause the muscle in my right leg to atrophy! (I don’t have a caregiver to look after my needs or a family member who has free time during the day to take me outside. Medicaid would cover the expense of a caregiver, once a week, only if I’m hospitalized due to an accident, etc.) The injury that crippled me happened in the bathroom during the first week in February 2008. I had a spell after taking my BP meds and fell backwards into the side of the bathtub. That fall dislocated my hip. Due to other medical problems, hip surgery was not recommended; hence, I couldn’t qualify for a caregiver.
Because there are so many people worse off than I am, I would feel very guilty about praying to God to ease my suffering – I just can’t do it! God didn’t cause this injury. The onus falls on me. It was my mistake going into the bathroom so soon after taking my medication knowing I might have a sudden drop in blood pressure and pass out.
I’ve adjusted to living as a shut-in and have managed to get around, this past year. without falling. I do not move around after taking my BP medication, thus avoiding the chance of passing out/fainting. I work in my kitchen sitting on an adjustable-height rolling lab chair and have another adjustable rolling seat to use in the bathroom. There are many things that most of us take for granted that I am not able to do such as bending over and reaching for something or picking something up. I have a handy tool to take care of those problems. Getting dressed is too difficult for me now. I have to live in loose fitting robes! Making my bed is an impossible task; I’m still trying to figure out how to sleep in my bed without having straighten the sheets and bedspread when I get up! I also have problems getting in and out of the bathtub; therefore, I have switched to sponge bathing. Trying to get comfortable in bed has been a problem from the beginning – my hip hurts and wakes me up! Lately, I’ve made my couch and ottoman my bed – I don’t lie down, I sleep sitting up with my legs resting on the ottoman. I have to keep my right leg bent otherwise I’m not able to stand up due to stiffness and pain.
I’m thankful for the quality of my TV programming and my computer. Both keep me in touch with the outside world. I’m using the computer for some of my personal shopping, comparing prices, keeping in touch with my 2 sons and my eldest daughter who lives in NJ, etc. I appreciate having my youngest daughter stop bye once a week to do my laundry, clean the apartment and do my grocery shopping. Most people would find my lifestyle too confining so I’m thankful that I am able to enjoy life in spite of being house bound.
My goal is to remain independent and stay out of a nursing home!
Sheilla… Isn’t there anyone who could take you outside in a wheelchair??? I have worked as nurses’ aid for
many years and that is what we do for people who are confined to a wheelchair… We also bring them to a window to watch the birds in the birdfeeder… How about bringing you to a porch to see the wonders of the
world??? How about indoor plants to take care of and see them magically grow… Listening to the great music on the radio??? Telephoning a friend that probably needs someone to talk to, also… Pull up the shade and see the clouds again and the sun and the moon…They are all there, waiting for you to enjoy…
I am 82 years old and also enjoy reading something interesting… I am slower getting to places, but I GET THERE !!! Keep me posted Sheilla…
Your email friend, Elizabeth W.
I am 80 years old, will be 81 next month, and have always appreciated the simple joys of life. When I was a child, my world was filled with wonder as I discovered each new simple joy of life. Due to an unfortunate accident that left me crippled and in pain, I am no longer able to venture outside to enjoy the warmth of the sun on my back, the sparkle of dew on the grass, dandelion seeds blowing away in the the breeze, looking at clouds and imagining what they look like, enjoying a gentle spring shower, watching the flowers as they break through the dirt, watching the birds as they build their nests, watching the moon rise, riding the ocean waves on an inflatable raft, coasting downhill on a sled or a bike, listening to the spring peepers and, later, the Katydids, enjoying the night sky full of stars, running, jumping, spinning around until I fall, and countless other simple pleasure I have enjoyed in the past.
I am 82 years old and am still learning… I have always enjoyed the simple things in life…
Observing discontented people, I find that television, radio, newspapers, magazines, etc. seem to
influence them that they should not be happy unless you use their product… NOT SO people !!!
Live life simply, and pleasantly and be thankful for all of your blessings… Of course enjoy things,
but do not be discontened if you do not have IT ALL… GOD IS LOVE…
January 26, 2013 @ 4:09 am
Elizabeth W.,
My doctor doesn’t want me to become wheelchair bound. Relying on a wheelchair would cause the muscle in my right leg to atrophy! (I don’t have a caregiver to look after my needs or a family member who has free time during the day to take me outside. Medicaid would cover the expense of a caregiver, once a week, only if I’m hospitalized due to an accident, etc.) The injury that crippled me happened in the bathroom during the first week in February 2008. I had a spell after taking my BP meds and fell backwards into the side of the bathtub. That fall dislocated my hip. Due to other medical problems, hip surgery was not recommended; hence, I couldn’t qualify for a caregiver.
Because there are so many people worse off than I am, I would feel very guilty about praying to God to ease my suffering – I just can’t do it! God didn’t cause this injury. The onus falls on me. It was my mistake going into the bathroom so soon after taking my medication knowing I might have a sudden drop in blood pressure and pass out.
I’ve adjusted to living as a shut-in and have managed to get around, this past year. without falling. I do not move around after taking my BP medication, thus avoiding the chance of passing out/fainting. I work in my kitchen sitting on an adjustable-height rolling lab chair and have another adjustable rolling seat to use in the bathroom. There are many things that most of us take for granted that I am not able to do such as bending over and reaching for something or picking something up. I have a handy tool to take care of those problems. Getting dressed is too difficult for me now. I have to live in loose fitting robes! Making my bed is an impossible task; I’m still trying to figure out how to sleep in my bed without having straighten the sheets and bedspread when I get up! I also have problems getting in and out of the bathtub; therefore, I have switched to sponge bathing. Trying to get comfortable in bed has been a problem from the beginning – my hip hurts and wakes me up! Lately, I’ve made my couch and ottoman my bed – I don’t lie down, I sleep sitting up with my legs resting on the ottoman. I have to keep my right leg bent otherwise I’m not able to stand up due to stiffness and pain.
I’m thankful for the quality of my TV programming and my computer. Both keep me in touch with the outside world. I’m using the computer for some of my personal shopping, comparing prices, keeping in touch with my 2 sons and my eldest daughter who lives in NJ, etc. I appreciate having my youngest daughter stop bye once a week to do my laundry, clean the apartment and do my grocery shopping. Most people would find my lifestyle too confining so I’m thankful that I am able to enjoy life in spite of being house bound.
My goal is to remain independent and stay out of a nursing home!
Thanks for thinking about me.
January 25, 2013 @ 5:13 pm
Sheilla… Oh yes, how could I forget… renew your relationship with GOD… He is always there to listen to you and to make your life better…
Elizabeth W.
January 25, 2013 @ 5:08 pm
Sheilla… Isn’t there anyone who could take you outside in a wheelchair??? I have worked as nurses’ aid for
many years and that is what we do for people who are confined to a wheelchair… We also bring them to a window to watch the birds in the birdfeeder… How about bringing you to a porch to see the wonders of the
world??? How about indoor plants to take care of and see them magically grow… Listening to the great music on the radio??? Telephoning a friend that probably needs someone to talk to, also… Pull up the shade and see the clouds again and the sun and the moon…They are all there, waiting for you to enjoy…
I am 82 years old and also enjoy reading something interesting… I am slower getting to places, but I GET THERE !!! Keep me posted Sheilla…
Your email friend, Elizabeth W.
January 25, 2013 @ 2:29 pm
I am 80 years old, will be 81 next month, and have always appreciated the simple joys of life. When I was a child, my world was filled with wonder as I discovered each new simple joy of life. Due to an unfortunate accident that left me crippled and in pain, I am no longer able to venture outside to enjoy the warmth of the sun on my back, the sparkle of dew on the grass, dandelion seeds blowing away in the the breeze, looking at clouds and imagining what they look like, enjoying a gentle spring shower, watching the flowers as they break through the dirt, watching the birds as they build their nests, watching the moon rise, riding the ocean waves on an inflatable raft, coasting downhill on a sled or a bike, listening to the spring peepers and, later, the Katydids, enjoying the night sky full of stars, running, jumping, spinning around until I fall, and countless other simple pleasure I have enjoyed in the past.
July 25, 2012 @ 11:01 pm
It is the most simple things in life that bring us much joy, and pleasure,
For they usually do not cost anything……
Simplicity is my way of life…..
July 25, 2012 @ 9:17 pm
I am 82 years old and am still learning… I have always enjoyed the simple things in life…
Observing discontented people, I find that television, radio, newspapers, magazines, etc. seem to
influence them that they should not be happy unless you use their product… NOT SO people !!!
Live life simply, and pleasantly and be thankful for all of your blessings… Of course enjoy things,
but do not be discontened if you do not have IT ALL… GOD IS LOVE…
July 25, 2012 @ 2:37 pm
i am greatful 4 life no matter what it holds!thx 4 the chance of life god!
July 25, 2012 @ 12:44 pm
Everything God made…is perfect…
March 2, 2012 @ 8:22 am
I LOVE YOU MY GOD.
February 29, 2012 @ 3:55 am
Thank You, Lord for your LOVE
February 28, 2012 @ 3:40 pm
Wow, brought tears to my eyes…………………….beautiful
February 28, 2012 @ 1:00 pm
I like netbugs approad of sharing God’s love.it’s this love that makes life worth living
February 28, 2012 @ 10:21 am
very creative
February 28, 2012 @ 10:04 am
We are always happy…when we know to enjoy every moment spent…seeng in everything…thr great love put by God in entire Creation…