Items to Make Limited Mobility Easier

It's been quite a few days since I wrote a new post. I've been busy and my energy each day still varies quite a bit. Now I've got some catching up to do!

Some items that I have received lately that help immensely (and I highly recommend!):

1. Shower Chair (with back): This makes taking a shower much less uncomfortable. It fits in the shower properly. I don't have to sit partially on the shower curtain to make sure water isn't spewing out onto the floor. The back supports me and allows me to sit up and not awkwardly lean back, especially when I am washing my hair. A hand held shower head with hose is a MUST. The back on the chair also helps because you can drape the hose on it and keep it closer to you. I can't wait until I can stand up to shower - and more than anything, just let the water run down on me for the entire shower. It gets cold sitting there and only being able to wash small parts of your body at a time. I definitely recommend putting your shower items as low as possible so you can reach them (and don't forget a trash bag to cover your knee!).

2. Wheelchair: If you're home as the space, this has been a lifesaver! I was able to get a script to rent the wheelchair until I am weight bearing again (2mo). The place where it is the most helpful is in the kitchen. For me, I was able to move my bedroom to the main floor for the time being. My wheelchair only can fit between the kitchen, living room, and dining room. Due to the layout of our stairs and where my bedroom is, I can't fit it through that particular hallway. However, I can tolerate using my crutches around my bedroom. In the am, once I'm ready I crutch to the main part of the house, and then I can transfer to my wheelchair to use for the majority of the day. It makes cooking much easier since I am able to sit instead of stand awkwardly on one leg for an extended period of time which causes me pain in the foot of my injured leg and the hip of my good leg. It did take some getting used to in terms of maneuvering. You have to be strategic how you move and how to place things to cook. But, once you get a few major items arranged in the kitchen to where you can reach them - you are able to cook for yourself. (This is imperative for me because I live alone!) I won't lie - cooking is much more time consuming this way. My stove is in an awkward location so I do a lot of turning and rotating to cut/chop food and then transfer and stir things on the stove. I do my best and try to make fairly simple dishes. One of the most important goals for me is to still eat healthy and make sure I have my veggies.

3. CrutchBuddies!: I recently ordered a set of crutch covers, grips, and a pouch from Crutchbuddies.com These have been another lifesaver! The covers for the part of the crutch that goes under your arms is so soft and cushioned. It also has a fleece covering so it is soft against the skin. This has really helped calm the irritation and chaffing I was getting. The hand grips are also very soft and comfy. Lastly, I got a pouch as well. It is a great way to be able to carry my phone, keys and other small items that I take around the house and into and out of my bedroom. I got mine in leopard print! Gotta be stylish!!

4. Lap Tray (for wheelchair): If you get a wheelchair - I recommend getting some type of lap tray/table as well as possibly as pouch or bag. The tray for me is helpful because I can carry drinks and food that is hot much more easily from room to room. My set up doesn't allow me to eat in the kitchen so I have to take my meals to the living room so I can sit comfortable with my leg elevated. If I have a plate that isn't hot, I just set in on my lap - but that's not always the case so the tray is very helpful. And now I can bring hot tea to the couch and enjoy it at night! The pouch is nice here too - just as it is with the crutches.

5. Temp Handicap Parking Tag: Luckily, I can still drive because my surgery was on my left leg. As I've mentioned, I live alone so I don't have anyone to drive me to regular doc and physical therapy appointments. (Yes, I do have to recruit people to take me grocery shopping because I can't carry things into the house). I spoke with my doc about a temp parking tag so that while I am non weight bearing I can park closer when I am at the store, etc. Being on crutches is exhausting in itself, and even more so when you're non weight bearing. If you're able to get this - it's a great help and also a good way not to over strain yourself while you're in the most important phase of recovery.

Do you have any at home items or layouts that have helped assist you when you're in the recovery phase??