May 21, 2012

Goal setting and struggling

I'm heading to Newfoundland this summer. I can't afford it, and probably shouldn't, but I've always wanted to see the glorious island, and I want to go while walking is still possible for me.
It's becoming increasingly evident that walking is slipping away.
My MS seems to have settled in my "spanx" area, neatly encompassing the Monty Python naughty bits, creating numbness and spasms and weaknesses by turns. My hip flexors, while toned, refuse to propel me forward affectively - they pull oddly, knocking my knees off balance and causing knee pain. Right now I can walk less than a kilometre most days.

The boat cruise I want to take to see the fjords of Gros Morne Provincial Park (the one on all the wonderful tourism ads) requires a 3 km walk to reach the boat. I am travelling alone, so getting someone to push me in a wheelchair isn't an option. Instead I'm investigating using my walker, Nordic Poles, canes, etc. And practicing walking in the gym. http://www.bontours.ca/galleries/index.htm

I know I'm strong. Yesterday I carried an over 100 pound exercise bike out of my apartment (with help) and raised it over my shoulders to put it in a truck.

It's just the conversation between my muscles and nerves that lets me down.

So I continue to practice, knowing full well that it may mean nothing in the end, if my nerves shut down.

Back from the gym: managed 15 minutes on the treadmill, 15 on an elliptical ARC trainer, lots of core exercises. It was a good day...today.
Toes crossed it continues.

http://youtu.be/Rqh8Jqu8tIk

May 7, 2012

Exploring - how do I do it?

I'm plotting a trip to Newfoundland this summer, while I can still walk a bit. But even with the "bit" left, I'm wondering how best to get around. I hate my giganto unsexy walker. It looks old-lady-ish and is huge. A three wheeled one is smaller but doesn't come with the welcome seat. Canes are difficult to manage if you want to use your hands. I don't have a scooter.
Went looking on Amazon to see if I could find a sexy all terrain walker. Yep. It's there. Cheaper one costs tons. More expensive one is around the $1000 mark.
This being a crip ain't cheap.
So I'm emailing the people in Nfld and asking them how I can see as much as possible given my limitations. And they are coming through, charming folk that they are. The place where I'm staying near Gros Morne, Entente Cordiale, gave me a whole list of places I could see "just from your car". Others give me hints of activities still open to me.
I suspect I am going to like this place.
I just wish I had the right equipment to get around there.  Any suggestions?