Yesterday I took the bus, which is actually a van, that is transportation for our small town, as my car is broken, to the nursing home to see my dad. It was a first for me, this bus, and a little scary. I always worry that I will get into a situation that I can not physically handle with my RSD foot and bad back.

They had a ramp for me to walk up instead of steps into the van. I took one look at the steps and how high that van seat was, there was no way I could do that.

Another first I wanted to try was to go in the back door and up the elevator as the last time he was there, for a very short stay, I really hurt my hip, back and foot going up this long ramp.

There was a back door to the service elevator marked employees only at the back of the nursing home, as I arrived two employees were coming out, one took me to the elevator, and all the way to my dads room as I did not know where it was, or how far it would be. The employees were all so helpful. When I went to leave another employee entered the code in the elevator for me, that was another one of my concerns, a lot of unknowns. It was a lot of walking, and I was tired and hurting when I got home.

I was so happy to be able to see him, as he had just went into the nursing home. It is so sad for me, to see him there, and I was so happy to see he was better than I thought he might be. He was so glad to see me.

There were kind people, willing to help me every step of the way. It was a good experience, thanks for letting me share it with you.

wow a good experience yesterday and another good one today. It is so important for me to give value to the good experiences and build on them.

I want to thank you Catra, you inspired me to share the good.
:-)
peace
zinnia

Zinnia,
Thank you as well. I give you credit for the effort you put forth; then to be given a bit of special help getting to your destination. To top it off; both you and your Dad had a nice visit. Best of all; you shared your day by posting.


Gerry

I'm so glad you had had a good day yesterday and today. Thank you for sharing.

Thank you so much Gerry and Catra.
:-)
peace
zinnia

hi zinnia. i'm so glad that you had a positive experience during your travels to the nursing home where your dad is staying. i agree that it's good to try to see and value the positive experiences that we have while dealing with rsd. it not only lifts our spirits but helps reduce our stress which (imo) keeps our rsd pain levels a little lower. since i've been diagnosed with rsd i have found that even though there are some people that don't understand what i'm going through with rsd, that there are still kind and helpful people out there who want to help. i try to focus more on the good people because its makes me feel a little better both phsyically and emotionally. i hope that you continue to have good experiences. my great aunt always used to say that "out of something bad comes something good". i believe this to be true too. i hope we can all find some good out the bad. soft hugs my friends.

Thank you RSD ME your words of encouragement are just what I need to hear. The bus trips are getting easier. I had to go to the hospitol this week for some exrays and tests. I was exhausted before I went, wanted to cancel it, my job was to get me there. I walked in with the cane, it was quite a ways to registration, by the time I got there I was dizzy and weak and told them so. They were so kind and brought a wheelchair, very caring people the whole time. The exrays were uncomfortable as she had to twist me into positions that hurt, she was so kind.

My husband was unable to go with me. I am learning how to not need his help, as it is not always there to give. I actually feel good now about being able to do the doctor visit last week and hospitol tests this week, and going to the nursing home to visit my dad, with out him. I need to have some independence and gain some self-confidence too. Hey, guess that would be out of something bad comes something good. Will keep an open mind and heart to see more good coming out of the bad.
:-)
peace
zinnia

i am so proud of you zinnia for gaining the confidence to go to the hospital on your own! i know how scary it can be at first but with time it gets a little easier. my husband can't always take me to my medical appointments either because of his job so i sometimes have to take a cab. it's a little scary at first but i feel good each time i am able to do it. i use a cane too and it comforts me to have it. i don't want to fall and break anymore bones because that is how i got rsd in the first place. i don't want it to spread. just take things one day at a time with baby steps. another one of my favorite quotes is that you're don't realize how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have. you are strong. all of us dealing with rsd are strong and brave. we inspire each other by sharing our journey with this disease and how we face it head on with courage. i admire all of you for being so brave and positive and am proud to call all of you here at NT my friends. keep up the good work. being positive makes coping with rsd a little easier. and the good that comes from being positive is that it makes us stronger. congrats again my friend and soft hugs to all.

That is wonderful to hear Zinnia. Sorry that you have to go through any of this at all...but I am so proud of you for being so strong and doing what you need to do. You are an inspiration...seriously...and I wish you all the best in your continued efforts. Every time I feel myself wavering...I come here and read your words and feel strengthened by them in this difficult time for me. Hugs.

Thank you so much RSD ME and Catra I appreciate your encouraging words, it has been a long day in many different ways and coming in here and seeing what you both said has strengthened me tonight, mentally, spiritually and physically. sending soft hugs, sweet dreams.
peace
zinnia

Hi Zinnia,

Wow! Thanks so much for sharing!
I agree with our friends, your accounts are very inspirational!

It's easy to become dependent upon others, and sometimes it's truly warranted, at least during the most trying times. It's often a challenge to regain our confidence and independence.

Thanks for the reminders:
- It's often very rewarding to move beyond our fear and challenge ourselves.
- The world is full of good-hearted people, willing to help us if we need help.

You have been very courageous in challenging yourself and in sharing openly here. I deeply appreciate your sharing.

Love All Around,
DejaVu