My New Friend!!

My Little Friend

I have not talked about her much (I don’t think) but for Christmas I was given a Shillelagh because I couldn’t find a cane with a handle that didn’t hurt the palm of my hand.  Eventually, I guess my stepdad found one that was genuine and the correct height, and he got it for me as I was using my canes more and more.

I was excited to get it.  I know that it was Irish in nature, so I started doing some research so that I wouldn’t be ignorant of the beautiful walking aid I received.  Turns out I received a weapon and I am keen to use it someday on that one person…

Anyway, mine is made of the traditional blackthorn and the club handle is a little larger than my fist.  However, the shape of it fits my palm and causes less pressure so I can use it for longer periods of time.  The bottom is thorny, black, and has a copper tip.  We have covered the copper tip (as that is a tip off of it’s weapon status and weather stability matters) and I try not to herd people with Shanaylah (her given name) it actually gets people moving when they decide to clog up hallways and other places.

One of the great benefits of having it is that I can go for walks at night and I am less likely to fall and I have gained a pretty good idea of how to defensively wield Shanaylah.  Prayerfully, that time will never come, I like peace.

Now I am pretty much always accompanied by my third leg and I am so thankful for it.  I know some people don’t like the idea of having to use a cane and I understand the feeling of wanting to just walk.  I have no shame anyway, so using a cane just allows me to live a little better than without it.

I know it is jarring to no longer be able to rely on a part of your body to behave as you have always expected, but at the very least, if you have to get a walking aid, find one that fits your personality and it will blend right in eventually.  The only way to take back control, it so assimilate this new thing into your life and control it for your benefit.  I don’t know if that sounds harsh, but I want so badly for people to know that there is no shame in doing what you have to do to live your best life.

Right now, I am a scared mess because I can’t control a lot of stuff, but with Shanaylah I am able to control my mobility and I have something there just in case my leg gives out so I don’t fall.  It is not what I wanted for myself.  I have been in physical therapy for about six months now and it has only gotten worse with the seizures.  Thank goodness I have a way to get around, and now it is awesome and a little dangerous.  We’ll see if they let me into the federal court with it.  If not, trust me, there will be a post about it!

Neurologist And Neurological Mess

To the Neurologist!

I love my regular neurologist, but I FINALLY got an appointment to see my memory neurologist and I couldn’t be happier.  I called on February 4 and got the choice for an appointment on the 11th or in April.  Trust me, it was not a hard decision.  I had to reschedule another doctor appointment, but it is worth getting to see this man who I have prayed so hard for.  I and really excited to see what he has planned for my next steps.

Going to the doctor is usually not for a fun purpose, but I am just hoping for a productive outcome.  I know that we have a ways to go, but I hope that we have made clear progress in some direction that he can work with.  God willing, we will start on the road to Cleveland and see some super specialized doctors.

Be thankful if you have the opportunity to see doctors and get the care you need.  I know my visits to this particular doctor run about $600, so be thankful for every insurance and discount…I KNOW I am.  I would never be able to afford this care on my own.  Like I have done, use every option and benefit available to you to better your health.  As long as it is in your budget, go to physical therapy twice a week and do the exercises at home.  It helps with just daily mobility and the program is tailored to your body by someone who had to do some schooling.  See a dietitian or nutritionist to help make reasonable meal and food choices that will assist with specific health goals.

I am not saying to abuse the system, any system, for your gain, but if you need help doing your hair, physical therapy helps in a longer term way.  Using your body in a healthy way and eating well can help keep you off a lot of medications later, so take care of yourself and use the resources available to you.  This includes mental health.  It is OK to see a therapist.  They can be very helpful and they aren’t always long term.

Last, if you think something strange is going on in your body, talk to your doctor until they listen (that’s how I got brain surgery!!) because sometimes it takes some convincing, but eventually, you will get the right doctor and things will begin to fall into place for you.  I could have suffered serious damage to my spine had I let the pain continue.  I was lucky that it debilitated me and I was forced to go to the doctor.  Use your resources.  That $10 visit cost about $150K in hospital and surgeon fees, but my insurance at the time paid 100% for hospitalized, necessary surgery.

So, That’s my story.  Expect an update (outside of normal release days) about what happened!