As a recent amputee, every day I seem to meet a different challenge. In this recent heat that we have been experiencing this liner that I must wear sure makes me hot. And not the kind of “hot” that I would like to be at the ripe old age of 58!
My husband Don and I flew to Wisconsin recently for a visit with relatives. We flew into Minneapolis airport and it is ginormous!
I had been worrying if I would be able to walk though this airport to even get my baggage. First, after getting off the plane, we must have walked at least a half mile to get to the tram that ferries you to the baggage claim. There were 24 baggage claim areas. Ours was No.2 ó with the numbers starting at 24 and going down down. So, I figured we walked at least another half mile to get the baggage, which luckily was waiting patiently for our retrieval.
Once we had the baggage, including Wally, my wheelchair, we had to walk another half mile to get to the tram to take us to the car rental service. By the time we arrived, we probably tallied two full miles. When I was finally seated in that car, I was wiped out! I must say though, that I am proud of myself for walking all that distance on my prosthetic ó thanks again to Noel for fitting me properly.
When we arrived in Eau Claire, my family marveled at how well I was walking. The last time we visited them was last November, and at that time I was not wearing a prosthetic successfully yet. It felt good to be able to greet them standing up ó boy, you sure get a whole different perspective on how things look not quite so large when you are not sitting in the wheelchair!
We loved the weather; it was in the mid-70s with virtually no humidity, and my husband Don and I declared that we want to move back to Wisconsin. We are no “snowbirds.” that fly the coop when it gets too cold. We both grew up with the cold and snow and love seeing the distinct four separate seasons. Here in North Carolina, we seem to have two seasons ó cool and hot. I will NEVER get used to this HEAT!
While in Wisconsin it was so pleasant to walk outside; for the first time in months, my hair stayed looking good for the entire day, and trust me, that is really a challenge. After 11 surgeries in less than two years, I have lost almost half of my hair. They tell me that the anesthesia used is terrible on hair growth. A neighbor suggested folic acid, so I’m giving that a try.
We had a wonderful time in Wisconsin visiting with the family . On one day, I walked deep into the woods behind my in-laws’ home and felt so free; there was a cool breeze and the mosquitos left me alone ó guess it was not their suppertime yet. I just sat down on a log for quite awhile, marveling that I was able to finally walk into the woods again, free from the constraints of Wally. For those out there in wheelchairs, I know what you are going through and my heart goes out to each and every one of you.
Losing my leg has changed me quite a bit. Now, when I see a person in a wheelchair, I put my hand on their shoulder and tell them that I have been there. They ask me what happened and it is very difficult to give a full synopsis of what has transpired through the last two grueling years. After they hear my story, I have been told so many times that I have inspired them. The saying, “It takes one to know one,” sure rings true with me now. Losing a leg has definitely made me more cognizant of the handicapped and my compassion and empathy for people with disabilities has increased tremendously.
Every day my husband tells me how proud he is of me of what I have been able to accomplish since getting out of my wheelchair. Still, there are struggles. I gained over 25 pounds being in a wheelchair for two years and I just cannot seem to get the weight off, though I am trying. I guess I need to get back to the YMCA and at least walk around the cool track inside.
One thing that I really miss is getting into the YMCA pool. Right now, my leg is too raw for me to even think of getting into the pool with this tiny little stump that I have left. A friend I know named Cindy told me she called her stump “my little leg.” My doctor tries to say “residual limb” but in honesty I still call what is left of my leg “my stump.” I’ve been told that there are two women that swim at the YMCA minus a leg and please ladies, get in touch with me and let me know when you are swimming so I can join you in the pool. I need that extra encouragement so badly.
Doering lives in Salisbury.