Friday, May 27, 2011

May 27, 2011

Today's lesson: pay closer attention to the wheelchair taxi driver while he straps me in. I booked a wheelchair van to take me to and from physical therapy and they sent me a van equipped with a rear-entry ramp. The driver happened to be the new-hire who had ridden along when I hired the same cab two days earlier.
He did a great job securing my chair with four heavy-duty self-tightening ratchet straps. Neither of us thought to put a strap around my body. You can guess what happened at the first stop sign...
Due to my level of injury I lack control of the core muscles that provide "trunk control",so when the driver hit the brakes my torso and head continued traveling forward sans resistance. Had the middle passenger seat not been in front of me I would still be picking dashboard from my teeth. Leaning my forehead into the seatback and unable to re-erect my body, I thought "if he just hits the gas I can right my self back into my chair." Alas, my driver noticed my precarious position and dutifully freaked out. He sheepishly pulled over and corrected the situation, apologizing profusely all the while. I told him not to sweat it as it was equally my fault- it was my seatbelt, after all.

Be safe out there,
Berkey

Saturday, May 21, 2011

may 20, 2011

Went for my first push around the new neighborhood. My sister Molly expertly guided me through some gnarly urban terrain. Olive Grove park is just around the corner but getting there via wheelchair is an adventure. The curbs I once bunny-hopped easily on my mtn bike are now cliffs overwhich lies certain severe pain. Crossing the street evokes memories of playing Frogger and that bus isn't slowing down...
Our perilous journey brought us to the sanctuary of the park, where green grass and abundant shade trees foretell summer cookouts to come.

While I am frequently humbled by my new perspective on the world, I also see opportunity and potential where I never would have looked before. I also have a new found appreciation for the smallest pleasures- the sun on my face, the sound of wind in the trees. Whatever challenges I face, I realize that I am lucky to be here and I'm grateful for the people who make my very existence possible.

Berkey

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

May 17, 2011

I'm back in San Diego and it's great to be home! Molly and Charlie's new place already feels like home. I'm excited to get settled in here and start up my outpatient therapy program. The last four weeks in Pomona have been productive but I'm glad to be near family and friends again. I look forward to catching up with everyone I've missed this past month!

Cheers, Berkey

Saturday, May 14, 2011

May 14, 2011

When my PT told me we were going bowling on our weekly community outing, I envisioned broken toes (not that I'd feel them) and wheelchair wreckage sliding down the lane. As it turns out, quadriplegics can bowl safely after all. The bowling alley provided us with ramps which we aimed and then pushed the ball down to an agonizingly slow roll toward the pins. Fortunately, the gutter rails were raised, enabling the ball to pinball its way to the pins and a guaranteed knock-down of at least one pin. I bowled a 79, which isn't much worse than my scores were when I was able-bodied...maybe I should have been bowling this way all along.

It looks like I'll be discharged Monday, May 16 and returning to San Diego! I'm looking forward to going home and being close to family and friends. It's been a productive month up here in Pomona but I am definitely ready to get back to home turf.

Keeping it between the gutters,
Berkey

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

May 10, 2011

They said it couldn't be done. They said the SUV was too tall for me to transfer safely into. Dan and I were not deterred. We opened up my climbing kit and started pulling out gear. Using an array of pulleys, slings, carabiners, and a technical ascender, we rigged a 3 to 1 purchase and successfully (and safely) hoisted my carcass into Dan's Range Rover. Leave it to a couple of climbers. All that time spent watching MacGyver is finally paying off!

Don't let anyone tell you what can or can't be done!
Berkey

Thursday, May 5, 2011

May 5, 2011

Off-campus trip yesterday! After wrapping up therapy for the day Dan and I grabbed a cab down to the day spa for massage and "manscaping". I've had very few professional massages but now I'm convinced that a deep tissue rub should be a weekly component of my therapy program...daily would be even better, of course! Afterward we hit up King Kong sushi- for the third time this week...yes, it's that good.

This afternoon, My therapists put me in the standing frame, a device that stands me up so my legs bear my body weight, an exercise that helps maintain bone density. After checking my blood pressure for orthostatic hypotension, they blindfolded me and strapped a stick to my hand. I proceeded to swing blindly at a pinata, something I haven't done in decades. Amazingly, some of my flailing resulted in solid blows to the target and now I'm enjoying a tootsie-pop as I write.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Berkey

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

May 3, 2011

There's a special place in hell with a VIP velvet rope for people who steal from hospital rooms.  Unfortunately, one of them came through my room while I was in therapy, and took the brand new iPad that Mike & Joanne Knapp were so thoughtful to buy for me recently.

On a lighter note, I did play my first card game today.  Actually, it included both cards & chips.  It was a challenging test of dexterity.  I didn't win all of the chips, but I did keep most of my clothes for the duration.

Today I keep in mind that although there are morally bankrupt people that challenge us often, all of the positive people like you in my life kept me smiling & moving forward.

Love all,  Berx