Living Life In A Wheelchair

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This is a difficult question to answer. I don't know your individual medical history. What I can give you is a list of the types of things you should be doing that will give you the best chance at improving your mobility. However I'm not your doctor. I'm not trying to be. It is important you not be taking this journey alone. I am not out to shame you. It is just that this isn't an easy journey. Having a health care professional helping guide you through this will help this be an effective life line. I suggest printing off this list, take it to your health care team and form a plan. Change isn't easy. Tackling one item at a time will help you assess the impact it has had.

Strategies

  • I think your first step is faithfully doing seated exercises. There is a really well done series here on YouTube called "Sit And Be Fit". It is credible. This is led by a physiotherapist. The reason I bring this up as the first item is to eliminate stiff and sore muscles as a cause of your challenges walking. I doubt this fixes everything. But on the other hand you need your muscles being fit for purpose.
  • Take a long and hard look at your nutrican. I am talking about a few tenants of nutrican: One is a healthy body weight. The second is not eating foods that induce arthritis reactions. Third is eating foods that promise health (that have a nutricial punch). Fourth is having a backup plan for when you don't feel well enough to prepare your meal but allows you to maintain a healthy diet. (Meal alternatives). I am not out to judge you about any of these items. I am also not out for you to feel shame. Overall it is to optimize your body so it is able to give the most possible.
  • I'd suggest you consider arch supports. These are put into your shoes. This is to help the mechanics of how you take a step. Wiiv is a good source to buy an inexpensive version. These are 3D printed. You aren't paying a fortune for manual labor. It would mean wearing shoes throughout the day to really benefit from this. There is also the possibility of using a gel insole in your shoes. This is to help absorb vibrations. Several years ago I purchased Impact Gel. It did legitimately help me. It gave me a bit more mobility. These might help your leg joints a bit more.
  • I'd take a long hard look at the layout of your home environment and be asking if you have a good layout, furniture that makes life easier for you (such as the placement of your plates, bowls, cutlery, etc.) where you aren't straining your joints and inducing pain by reaching, bending and lifting.
  • There is the complicated topic of things you do yourself and others you have done for you to help you maximum your independence. Know where your personal limits are. I think it is far better for you to do 4 things well in a day than 9 mediocre and really suffering from pain as a result.
  • Having an honest and hard look at your bed and mattress. The question is to assess if your mattress is right for your needs. I am talking about supporting your body and improving quality of sleep so you aren't fatigued and help as a holistic approach.