Well, I'm very happy. I was accepted in the Los Angeles Paratransit (Access) services, a transportation service for people with disabilities that offers door to door pick up and drop off. A few weeks ago I was evaluated and then the city decides if I am a candidate.
It may not seem like much, but it's a big deal to me. I stopped driving at the beginning of this year and lost alot of independence. Not having the freedom to pick up and go can seriously do a number on your spirit. It's something we take for granted. Like, going to the bathroom on someone else's schedule. I hate being at the mercy of others and that's exactly what it is.
There are a few logistics to I have to figure out in terms of getting myself to the curb to meet my ride. Like how do I get myself from standing position into my wheelchair, over my door threshhold, that's only 1/8" high but remarkably makes it hard for me to push myself over it, roll myself down, into the elevator, out the apartment complex door, into the handicap lift and down the ramp to the curb. Sounds like alot of steps. Every step of every day has to be considered and planned.
I'm looking into different wheelchairs and still waiting for my sensor activated wheels (that will help with some of the propelling over thresholds and curbs). The front wheels of my current chair are proving to be too small to handle slight thresholds so, I need to improvise.
The paratransit service isn't a complete answer nor complete independence, but it's a step toward more independence. Paratransit won't work for every scenario, but ithelps a great deal. It's much easier to get around this way. It's all new to me and every stage of progression throws me into an unfamiliar land of not knowing how to adjust. It can be physically and emotionally tiring, but gotta keep going. It has been great to come back to Los Angeles and see what friends are there to help me get through these stages. It's an advantage to see who is there for you when the chips are down.
In addition, today I start my physical therapy semester. Every week it's two days land (gym) and two days aquatics. I'm very geeked. Lack of physical activity means lack of endorphin release. Without endorphins there's a chance of depression. When you can't get out of your house for some sun intake, the lack of vitamins can lead to sadness, too. An HIBM patient can't go crazy with exercise as it risks muscle damage, but something is better than nothing.
Lately, I've been trying to eat better and stretch and exercise as much as my body will allow me. I'm even losing weight O-0. It's been awhile since I've been in full workout attire. It's kinda nice.
If I'm not moving in some way, mentally, inspirationally, creatively, intellectually or physically, then I get down. So here's to getting up.