The "Chariot of Fire " - accepting the change

As you know in my last post I was going to take the next big step and use a wheelchair to get me out and about in the "land of the living".

Well, it was a blast!!!!! The morning started off with my husband, Mark, and Caroline, my cousin, getting me into the chair and then pushing me to the centre of an empty carpark ....where they left me to fits of giggles and me realising that this could actually be fun. By laughing at our situation I was allowed to face this difficult moment, in my own time, and accept the change.

Change is the most definitely the correct word!!! People were much more considerate and gave us time to manoeuvre around the shops. I was vey concerened that people would stare. (This has been a real stumbling block for me when out using my walking stick, some people can be extremely rude which in the past has upset my children)  Much to my surprise people stared less with the chair, this was a shock, maybe the the fact I could be pushed at a normal speed helped this. The shopping trip was most enlightening and for the first time I had to consider what other disabled people have to face when entering a shopping mall. For instance; did you know that a wheelchair creates electric shocks on certain floors and I was "zapped" several times in a very popular retail store, even when using my stick to press the lift button. Thank goodness I have short hair at the moment or my "look" could have been very interesting. Space is another factor that retailers have not considered. It may have been a coincidence but it was the shops with the little accessories, that flew off of the islands like bullets, that had not left enough space for the chair to get through. This was amusing though I did get concerned for my limbs one or two times, it was after all, a first for Mark and Caroline aswell.....

To introduce my children to this new concept of transport we have named the wheelchair the "Chariot of Fire" and both the kids have been in it with me, laughing at Mark who has almost had a coronary trying to push along a windy Hove seafront.

This is not the first change in my circumstances I have had to face since falling poorly, but most definitely the one I rejected the most. Everyone deals with change in a different way, and for me it was to laugh at it. I realised it wasn't such a big deal, but in fact, it gave me so much more freedom. I have not completely given up my reticence and only consider the "Chariot" if I know I cannot make it on foot, but I now know its not the end of the world if I have to get my four wheeled steed out of the back of the car.

On a more personal note

We have a fabulous two weeks including a close friend's wedding on the Royal Wedding day. The weather held and the bride was beautiful, the groom obviously looked good too!!! Boo, my daughter, was unwell but the hospital sorted her out, she is currently waiting to be tested for HUVS as it can be hereditary, she already has Urticaria.

My appointments continue coming and frustration seems to build from a lack of understanding of HUVs. I am now up to the full meds and we find out tomorrow if I can stay on them. The jury is out for me due to reactions but I will take guidance from my Professor. He is after all the man who knows best.

I would like to thank everyone for their positive reviews of my Blog. The whole idea behind this page was to introduce and support others who have this rare condition. I am pleased to say that this has been successful and I am in conversations with people who are on similar journeys to me. Others have used the "Spoon Theory" in their own lives, it is funny to hear our conversations regarding "Spoons", and the looks we have received from passers by.

I, as ever, remain strong and positive, in my approach and will continue to do so. Hopefully it won't be too long before I am walking my big black dog, Roxy, over the Southdowns on a sunny Sunday morning.

I would love to hear your views on my page. If you have any tools that you think may help please feel free to comment.

Until next time

Sarah

PS: please let me apologise for any typos I have missed, the medication does impact my typing, actually it was always pretty shoddy!