Sunday, July 13, 2008

Okay, so we learned how to do car transfers on Friday and we did really well. Fortunately, Mark does most of the work, I just guide him and create a barrier so he won't fall. Jim, the PT, was quite surprised at how well Mark managed it, since my car seat is a bit higher than the wheelchair.

Then we were on our own. Saturday, after pool therapy, we held our breath and headed toward the parking lot. Our first transfer into the car worked well, and it was off to the mall. We managed to get Mark out of the car smoothly as well. There we had a wonderful big lunch and did some shopping. Mark and Jess went their way and I went mine. I felt a little lost without my sidekicks, but we met up in time for some gelato. Then it was back to the car and our third transfer. Again all went well, as it did when we got back to the house. Boy, did I give a sigh of relief. The only drawbacks are that we do not yet have a handicap plaque for the car so we have to pull up in front of the store, do the transfer and then I have to go park. Or we pull into a handicap spot, do the transfer and then move. Then we have to disconnect the backrest on the wheelchair, take off the cushion (both of which do not fold) and then fold the wheelchair and put it in the car. Then reverse the procedure. Whew!!

Today, we were more confident, but had a little harder time with the first transfer than we did yesterday because we didn't allow enough room for me in front of Mark. We managed okay, and the other transfers into and out of a restaurant and then into and out of Wal-Mart and home went just fine. By the time we were getting the chair in the car at the restaurant, Jess and I were all over the folding bit and just took the footrests off the chair and chucked the whole thing into the back of the car without folding it.

For a very rapidly approaching "old hen" I did quite well in the strength department but I must say I slept very well last night and figure I will again tonight!

Please wish us luck tomorrow. The Undersecretary of Defense and a fact-finding committee are coming to the hospital to discuss the Poly Trauma Unit with the patients and families. They want to hear our concerns and suggestions. We have gotten together to make a list of issues we would like to see improved, etc. and will be meeting with them for several hours. We will let you know how we make out.