Am I Doing the Right Thing?

[ZOOM4522]

I am seeking some reassurance that I am making the right decision so that I maylead a somewhat normal life.

I was diagnosed with Parkinson’ s ten years ago, I am 77 years old and currently, I am a burden to society. All I’m asking from God is to be able to walk by myself using some type of aid (walker, rollator, cane). Being able to walk by myself, with an aid, will allow me to lead a somewhat normal life. I just hope I am not too late in making my decision.

Since a fall in August of 2019, which resulted in a fractured kneecap, I have been pretty much wheelchair bound. Since I’m considered a fall risk due to balance issues, I need assistance anytime that I want to leave my wheelchair. My present physical condition is the worst my body has ever been in; with almost two years of sitting in a chair, my balance nonexistent and my legs are so weak that I have difficulty sitting and standing. The only physical therapy I’m getting is walking with a walker with assistance about an hour per week. I cannot practice on my own because I’m a fall risk.

I just hope that I’m not too late in getting physical therapy that will enable me to walk by myself with some type of aid. I am talking to the head of physical therapy tomorrow and demand the therapy I want; if he refuses for whatever reason, then I’ll be going home for my public local physical therapy. The wife will not be happy, but my rehab will be over soon.

I just want to contribute to society which I will not be able to do if I stay here with no changes.

My Thanks to All for Understanding,

ZOOM

[Gallowglass]

thanks for sharing your story. You have great patience and strength. Not sure where you live, or what your insurance might be, but Physical therapy is an important way to go. Starting with in home if possible. Sounds like you may need a more knowledgeable doctor who specializes in Parkinson’s. Look for an MDS movement disorder specialist.

[ZOOM4522 in reply to Gallowglass]

Thank So Much for your words of wisdom and encouragement. My wife is ex remely pararoid about ny faling and breaking a hip, Sh e has to realize hat God has had me survive five falls in which thee was head trauma, each of owhicg resulted in a triip to the ER and stitchhes; I did not even have a headache after any of those falls.

I can only hope and pray Parkinson's progresses very slowly so that I can enjoy walking again.

[JayPwP]

I believe in you, your resilience and your will power. All is well.

I realise your goal is to walk, which you will.

I think till the time you are unable to walk, why not strengthen the rest of your body? As a whole, strengthening other systems of your body will also have indirect beneficial effects on the systems which are not in functional condition.

So go ahead and exercise those parts which are working, to your optimal best. You will see that the non-functional systems will start to improve over time, and you will be able to use them slowly.

It's a long process, so don't lose heart. Stay at it.

If you feel lost or depressed, come here to the forum to discuss.

[Juliegrace]

I believe you can come back from long term infirmity if you are very determined and willing to work hard, which it sounds like you are. If intensive physical therapy is available, take advantage of it and work out extra at home. Good luck!

[Boscoejean]

you might want to ask the physical therapist about the standing walkers with safety harnesses I wanted to post a picture of the unit but it does not seem to be allowed. The mobile standing device has a frame that goes around the person and there are safety harnesses that can prevent a person from falling and even if the person were to lost their balance or footing the safety harness will catch the person. If you go on youtube you can probably do a search for standing mobility walker with a harness system and you may be able to see a video of how it works because I certainly cannot post it here

[threezees]

My husband with PD fell and fractured his sacrum and was wheelchair bound for a few months. We added 2 things to his workout routine. One was a Cubii (seated elliptical leg exerciser) or equivalent. The other was setting him in front of YouTube videos for wheelchair bound people doing cardio arm exercises. After it healed, he was able to slowly build up to walking again and can do up to 4 miles/day. Here is the link to a Cubii: amazon.com/Cubii-Elliptical...

[JeanieBeanie]

Try one of these from Amazon. My husband exercises in his chair.

Exerciser

[JayPwP in reply to JeanieBeanie]

Has your husband benefitted from using this? Did you notice any improvement? If yes, what makes it a improvement tied to the use of this exerciser?

Thank you in advance

[JeanieBeanie in reply to JayPwP]

Just to get some exercise and good for his circulation. And you sit on a chair to use it.

[JeanieBeanie]

My husband has one of these. Uses it in his chair.

Exerciser