Brave New Step

[Guest guest]

Hey guys! I totally took a brave new step today! Ever since I had my son 3 1/2

yrs ago, I have not been able to keep my balance while standing in line for

things like the bank. Wel,I've been exercising, etc. thinking that I lost some

strength either in my legs or trunk since having my son.

I could always stand still with no problems, it was just that with alot of

walking I would trip. Anyway, I have either been avoiding places where I would

have to stand in line or taking my son in the stroller.

Luckily, at the grocery store having him in the shopping cart doesn't look

silly, but having him in the stroller other places does especially since he is

big for his age to begin with. Other things like the park, etc. it doesn't look

to bad if you lean on a swing set or tree.

Anyway, MY Brave New Step was that I broke down and bought a walking stick from

Dick's Sporting Goods. It does have a cane like handle, which I don't like the

looks of but it is really the most useful way to hold it.

I did this today as I am taking my son to see the " Real the Tank Engine "

on Friday. I don't want to have him in a stroller while we're waiting in line to

get onto the train. I used it today too.

Well, I was prepared to use it as I thought I would need it in the DMV (Dept of

Motor Vehicles). I carried it in with me as I only need it for balance and not

walking but did not need it. It was a first step anyway; letting people see me

with it. So after I came home, I feel a more secure feeling now and was able to

think more clearly about this balance thing.

I mean I don't think I'm that much weaker and now realize it's that I have lost

some PROPRIOCEPTION and it's not really the strength (but of course I will

always still exercise). So, I have been beating myself up mentally about not

getting that strength back when it's really due to a loss of sensation.

It's ironic but had I not let myself " give in " to a walking stick, I wouldn't

have had the clarity of mind to realize the proprioception is really my problem.

I barely lean on the stick it's more like I can feel the ground better through

the use of my arm with the stick. I know it seems as though I am rambling but I

think this is a big development in my discovery about this disability.

Thanks for listening. Oh, P.S. I also found a new job today and I don't think

this one will be laying people off!

Dawn