A way forward for me

[Newtonpovey]

I kept trying to walk and it was all too uncoordinated, since the accident I sort of lean to the left when I walk with my cane. It’s mostly because they couldn’t operate on me straight after the accident because I had bad head trauma and bleeding inside my head (there’s a name for that but I don’t know what it is) so with broken ribs, shoulder and a few more bones they straightened what they could but the rest just had to grow better together. Anyway I got used to leaning to the left so I didn’t try to change much. I was sitting near the Rhine and watching ships and people walking and I saw loads of them with what they call Nordic walking sticks and that made me think. I looked on eBay and found them not far away and not expensive so I bought 2 and the very next day after getting them I tried walking a short distance and what an amazing change for me. Before I was using one cane and now with a stick in each hand I was walking better, not fast but more upright for heavens sake. That’s my way forward because I start walking after breakfast, stick the MP3 player in my ears and try to get a bit further. So I’m trying to get fitter and stand more upright and before I got those sticks it wasn’t possible. The Rhine river isn’t too far so I walk there, then sit down and watch birds and boats and then start back. Okay I ain’t a marathon walker but I truly feel better in myself and this morning I sat down by the riverside and a big damn container ship came by with the name Excalibur and I really liked that. So I’m trying to get fitter and look at the world straight on, still got problems but I’m still trying to beat them.

[cat3]

Phew.......your post makes me feel quite emotional ........the start of triumph over adversity perhaps ? But I can picture you pushing at your boundaries and taking pleasure in your progress, and in the world around you.

Bravo Newton for spotting something so simple yet ingenious ! 😏

Onwards & upwards..... Cat x

[Newtonpovey in reply to cat3]

Thanks cat I get quite tired but it feels good when I’m walking more upright and docs just say keep taking the tablets.

[Kirk5w7]

Hi Newtonpovey.

I too use walking poles, they encourage you to walk upright as you say. I wouldnt be without mine.

You are doing great, walking is the way forward as is swimming, you dont fall over in water!

Take care

Janet

[Newtonpovey in reply to Kirk5w7]

Swimming is crazy for me really, I can swim underwater or on my back but on my front I just sink and I’ve got this dumb fear of being out of my depth so it’s walking for me

[1949liz]

👋 how utterly amazing and inspirational you have found a simple yet successful item for your life well done. I also need a walking aid as I did just what you said with a walking stick I lean to the left so I bought a rollator and with it you have to walk upright and having four wheels I feel so much better and I am in less pain also a seat so when I get tired I just sit down for a while and start again. I wish I had such a wonderful view but just being able to walk around to shop I feels so good. God Bless You-and as the saying goes Carry On Love Liz xx🌹🙏🇬🇧

[Newtonpovey in reply to 1949liz]

Oh thanks Liz, that rollator sounds good because you’ve got a seat as well. You can tell everyone that you’re out and about in your Coupé

[sospan]

I am on my 5 or 6 cycle of "learning to walk"

The one thing I found that helps but is the most difficult - head and eyes level !

If you can master that, the process becomes much easier.

When I went to a neck specialist several months after an injury, he not only broke the news of a broken bone in my neck but also that I was standing at an odd angle - leaning forward and to the right.

In disbelief he brought out some full length mirrors. It was then he mentionned the best way to start to walk properly is to get your head and eyes level as they are key to posture and balance.

Good luck with the walking, you will need the poles for the snow in the coming months

[Newtonpovey in reply to sospan]

I’m sure trying to walk a bit more upright, I went up to the docs today to get my usual vaccinations for stuff here and I was much quicker than usual and had to have a sit down on the way back.