Emily from PT stoped by to discuss mobility options with Alex. We have been planning to use a knee scooter at home, but after some conversation with Emily, Alex decided to give a walker a try. Even though he has little strength on his right side, the walker gives him more stability. Emily also pointed out that a walker could be fitted with an extension that allows his right arm to provide quite a bit of support. We also decide to rent a wheelchair to help us get Alex up and down the porch steps, though frankly if the weather forecast holds out this may be a very challenging exercise when Alex is discharged (we are expecting a blizzard this weekend).
Alex got to practice both the walker and wheelchair with Emily this afternoon. He was very motivated to get to the bathroom, being no fan of the commode that he had been using thus far. Alex was a champ, keeping his right foot off the ground, stepping carefully with the walker as he pivoted to the wheelchair, and reversing the whole process in the bathroom.
He has since twice more gone through this routine. The walker looks like a keeper. Thanks, Emily!
2 replies on “Up and at ’em”
First, let me say how amazed I am at the thought process you are using to make these decisions. Who’d have thought there could be so many options? And second, Don’t you think it might be tough to get a wheelchair up the stairs? ?. and what?!!! A blizzard?!!!! Ugh!
Yup, the steps will not be easy. That will be a two person operation (well, three person including Alex). Note that we will use the chair only on the outside porch steps. He will take the inside stairs one by one sitting down while one of us holds his right leg.