[julieanne43]

We live at the far northwest corner of Montana about 15 miles from the border of Idaho. SandPoint Idaho is bout 45 min. away. We have contacted social services and they will help with medical and food assistance but that is about it. It is sad because my son recently had to put in a restraing order against the mother! She is suicidal and needs counseling but has refused to get help. It also is hard because my son just turned 18 and is trying to get his life straightened out, he just got a full time job is trying to learn how to be a father, and they are both just so young!! I know what you mean about pushing yourself with the pain, but for me my legs quit and if I dont get off them I fall down. I cried the other night and told my husband that maybe it is time for a walker!! For me that is really a hard decision because I have felt that if I did that somehow that meant I was giving in or giving up somehow!!
Sorry that it takes me so long to post I am slow slow slow!!

[MelodyL]

Hi there.

Re your beautiful grandson. This will either add stress to your day, or make it so peaceful. Grandchildren (at least I see this with all of my friends), well, it makes them a completely different human beings. My friend had a lot of trouble with her daughter. She's 27, living yet again with a different guy, and just gave birth. Well, you would think the sun has come up over the rainbow. I met my friend in the supermarket and she said "I have the baby with me this week". I thought to myself 'How can a person give up a baby for the week".?? But it seems that things today are completely different than 40 years ago.

My friend told her daughter "I'm not having the baby on Thanksgiving or Christmas so I want him for this week". The girl said "no problem" handed over the baby and my friend is in joyous moods like I've never seen. I peeked in and there was the most adorable 4 month old little boy smiling up at me. It really does make you feel better, babies, and gooing, and cooing, and just acting stupid around them. It would drop my blood pressure (and I don't even have high blood pressure). What I mean to say is, this (taking care of your grandchild), will either give you joy or and I say this with caution, because I have no idea what your situation is with the mother, it might give you more stress.

This also happened to another friend of mine. Her own daughter told her to care for the baby, promising her never to take the baby away. Well, she had the little girl for 3 years. and everybody went nuts over the kid. The grandmother never filed for guardianship (an important step to be thinking about sometimes). She figured that her daughter was in no position to be making demands so she felt safe. Well, there was no more safe.

The girl came back, took the baby and the grandmother almost lost her sanity. She should have filed for emergency guardianship. See, people don't think ahead, they think in the moment.

So I have no idea what your situation is. It might be temporary. Your grandchild is so lucky to have you in his life. And your 18 year is growing up. At least he's trying. That's good.

Like I said, this new little person in your life can give you hugs and kisses and bring down your blood pressure. Let's hope you feel well enough to put something pretty on, put the baby in a stroller and go for a walk.

The baby will smile and you'll feel better. Babies tend to do that.

So enjoy your grandchild. I wish I had one, believe me.

Melody

[daniella]

Hi, Its ok never feel rushed to reply. We all have are up and down days so we understand. As for the walker I think you need to discuss with the new doc what fits your needs. There may be alternative or the treatment may help you be stronger. I'm sorry about your family and really hope others will come to help you. Stay strong as you can and take care of you.

[Silverlady]

Julie Anne,
I recently had a fractured sacrum and spent several weeks in the hospital. My last week was spent in the rehab part of the hospital and the first thing they brought me was a walker. The nurse said "meet your new best friend". I sat and cried. But it truly turned out to be one of the best things that happened to me. I was able to walk and get strong again. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and have been able to get a walker with the 4 rolling wheels and a seat. It is truly one of my best friends. After I rehabbed I still place it beside my bed and when I wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, sometimes my feet and legs won't work but the walker is right there and gets me moving after a few steps. And if I have a long distance to walk from the car to the doctor's or lab area, the walker is wonderful. It is just so much easier to do it and so much safer. It also saves wear and tear on the body because you are moving smoother. I bought my rollator from Dr. Leonard's catalog. You can find it on line too. Here's a link to the rollator: http://support-mobility.drleonards.c...tors/28005.cfm If you can find one with larger wheels it will roll over carpet. They used to have one with larger wheels but I don't see it now.

Don't consider it a defeat. Consider it a way to get on your feet and maybe moving safer and easier.

Billye

[BEGLET]

Hi Julianne,

Totally agree with Silverlady and others - do whatever it takes to keep you safe and more mobile.... I too have a "rolling walker" that has brakes, a seat, and on really bad days is a huge help. I also use a cane when needed - and a wheelchair when I got out to docs for a period of time because its better to be able to move around then take a header (I've had my share)... My insurance paid 80% of the walker and a rep was sent to the house to fit it to me to be sure to get the right one - will your insurance pay part? Also, if you do get one with a seat - I'd try to get one with a strap across the back to keep you from flipping off the back if you do sit on it....

Hang in there...