This afternoon at physio I managed my first slide-board transfer - a huge milestone for me! And I managed it mostly on my own. This opens more doors than anything else will, like travel for example. I didn't think I'd get this far for another 2-3 months.
A slide-board is simply a slick piece of plywood about 10" x 2 feet. With a wheelchair set at right angles to another chair or a bed for example, the board gets stuck under your butt at a 45° angle leading to the other chair. Then, without falling over forwards or backwards, you hitch yourself sideways using all that strength in your arms. I managed this almost by myself today, and it was a lot easier than I expected.
After 5 months in the hospital last July, I could hardly lift my arms, let alone lift anything with my arms. Now, 6 months later, I'm able to shuffle my body sideways using those arms, moving over 100 lbs. of deadweight in those paralyzed legs and trunk.
Three cheers for myself!
100 cheers, babe! This just shows you can do anything you set your mind to!!
ReplyDeleteWell done!
ReplyDeleteWhat a milestone!!!! Congratulations!!
ReplyDeleteA milestone for sure, Congratulations!!
ReplyDeleteBravo! You really are doing so well!
ReplyDeleteDo they have something slippery so you can slide easier? And what about a " skid sheet" that goes over the sheet and mattress to make it easier to skid in bed too? What a huge achievement.A bit like when the catheter is taken out and you can go by yourself!!! Body functions that we take for granted are SO important.I think you should celebrate with Hugh together as it is his birthday down here, and your day to slide up North .Ditto to RedPat's words.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! all your hard work is paying off.
ReplyDeleteWell done. Presumably you're doing some weight training to build up your arm and shoulder muscles; as you get stronger things will become easier and easier. It just takes longer for us old guys.
ReplyDeleteGood stuff Stu and here I now sit with an image of you in mind whereupon I see you with a jumbo can of spinach aptly transferring yourself along your slide-board with big muscly Popeye arms. Say you wouldn't happen to smoke a pipe and wear a sailor's cap would you:))
ReplyDeleteYour hard work is paying off.
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful. Good for you! - Margy
ReplyDeleteHard work, great incentive, congratulations. Three more cheers !!!
ReplyDeleteJoy
Well done. I know just how difficult that manoeuvre is having tried it myself, in the interests of research, while working with someone who was struggling to use one - I struggled more than he did!
ReplyDeleteHip, hip, hooray! x 3!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
ReplyDeleteThis is great news and a huge milestone indeed. Congratulations and all that. :-)
ReplyDeleteWoohoo!!! You are awesome!!
ReplyDeleteA thousand cheers!!!!!! Congrats!!!!
ReplyDeleteA major accomplishment. It takes baby steps to get something like this done. Happy for you.
ReplyDeleteYou are THE MAN!!!!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely three cheers for you :)
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Oh that is great to hear. Good for you. 🏆
ReplyDeleteWay to go Stew! Great progress!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! Glad you are stronger.
ReplyDeleteOh, how exciting!!!! I actually know a little of how you feel. But sure not fully. I am so happy for you. You might get stronger by leaps and bounds now. When I first got free of my splint, then free of walking boot, I thought I would never get my energy back, but I did. I sure hope you do, too.
ReplyDeleteWay to go! I am familiar with this transfer, good you can do it alone! :)
ReplyDelete