Since having the fall that completely messed up my knees, actually the damage and problems it caused deserve a far more descriptive word than “messed” up but this isn’t the place to use it. Anyway that happened thirteen months ago which basically means that apart from a 45 to 60 minute bathroom break each day I’ve been in bed for over a year…
I know there are many others who’ve been confined for longer but I’m describing my own personal situation.
Looking back to March 2020 I really didn’t think I’d be laid up for so long so I’ve drawn deeply on my personal resolve to stay active in my mind by reading, researching and quizzing as much as possible.
The physical negative effects of being bedridden have meant using several different ointments and eventually finding one that’s more effective than the industry standard of Cavilon…
Another seriously negative aspect has been muscle atrophy in my thighs, the damage done to the meniscus in my right knee has limited any constructive movement.
It’s very much a catch22 situation, the muscle takes up the slack when the knee is damaged but being bedbound has meant the thigh muscle is neither use nor ornament at this time…. oh bugger it looks like my backside and my bed are going to be close companions for a long time…
Or are they?
I bought one of those small pedal machines and although I used it for a couple of weeks there didn’t appear to be any improvement. So I came up with another plan… while sitting on my bed, my carers moved the commode so the back was facing me then they put some weight on the arms. I then stood up holding the back of the commode, the fist time I was able to do six before my legs were exhausted.
Now this is why I’m excited, each day I’ve pushed myself to do more.
The progress has been like this:
Day 1……… 6
Day 2……… 8
Day 3……… 10
Day 4……… rest
Day 5………16
Day 6………20
Day 7………25
Day 8………26
Day 9………30
Yesterday was day 10…
I did 15 without stopping, then a one minute rest then 10 more then one minute rest and 10 more, so 35 in total is brilliant. If I can continue with the same progress I honestly believe…
I’m so close to walking again..