Getting Up From the Floor

If anyone with spastic paraplegia, or another leg difficulty happens upon this, they'll understand completely what I'm referring to. I'm 5'10 so I have no problem reaching items that are stored up in the cupboards. Actually I'm unable to hide items from myself, like chocolate. I know it's there and I can reach it. However, there are several items I use frequently and are down near the floor. All the way down past my knees, past the point of unaided return. It depends on the day, some days I'm able to retain good positioning and just push up. Thank goodness I'm flexible, my hands stay on the floor to help. However, there are those other days. Perhaps I had done too much on the treadmill or a great deal of walking else were. In any case I become stuck. I find myself down on my butt working to get my legs under me while reaching for the counter or perhaps working my way over to the walker for assistance. (I love M.P. and liked that they were down on their fanies.)

Is exercise causing the weakness or progression? Most likely it's a combination of the two. At the gym, when I have to come up from the floor, my trainer will offer her arm. I seldom take it, explaining that I can do it, she high fives me once I'm up and steady.

Sometimes being down on the floor isn't only physical but mental. Some days the shuffling and stumble will send me down. That's when I have to figure out how to handle it. It often occurs as dinner time approaches and I haven't many choice but to 'soldier on'. That's when I often put in a favorite DVD to help me escape while preparing supper.

One time, recently, I called my closest friend who lives six hours away. I was on the verge of tears and she listened. As I talked I started joking. Her laughter was lovely. Her friendship is precious. She's great medicine. I'll be calling again.






Actually I'm planning a trip to Scotland and England with my friend next summer. We're looking to visit Edinburgh, York, and then London! I'm excited and intimidated at the same time. Yes, it's all about the legs. I plan to call her in hopes to arrange a visit this spring. That way we can have a good talk. She wants to go. I just want to make sure she's cool with everything.

As I wrote that last sentence it sounded silly. Yet it's easier to be on the 'helping and working with' side of a situation than the 'needing and hoping everyone's happy' side. I'm sure someone out there understands.



6:00 p.m.