Chondrosarcoma – ah shit, bob's sick

This week the realization of having less mobility then I’ve had in the past, set in, and I’ve been working on solving this problem before it becomes an even bigger problem.

In general, most of us travel the same distances, the same places, and in the same ways, every week. For example, we stop at the gas station to fill up, we shop generally at the same stores, we go to work etc etc. Most of those things I’m still able to do in the same manner I always have. I have a walking cane to help if I need it.

But for medium distances of travel, still on foot, but longer, I have a problem. I can’t really walk much more then across a parking lot (tops) without getting tired and having to rest. No, I’m not out of breath … my leg simply runs out of energy and won’t freakin’ move. The muscles cramp, knee won’t bend, and I have to stop. So, if I want to take my son down to the bike path, or Sher to a shopping mall, or take the dog for a long walk, or even more common for me, to attend a protest or vigil … I can’t. I simply can’t make the distance walking. Well, not without driving anybody who’d with me, crazy by having to stop and rest every five minutes. So to solve this, I’ve gotten a wheelchair. This enables me to make those mid-range distances on my own, under my own power, in my own control.

The chair was given to me by a friend …yes, I could’ve have gotten one from the insurance company, and I still may do that if I find myself needing it more then I think I will, but for now, this is great. Alberic and I re-named the chair “Bentley” after a character in one of his video games, that uses a wheelchair. And of course he can’t wait to find some stickers and decorations for it. Bentley helps solve this mid-range distance of travel for me, just perfectly.

Of course, for long distance I have my car, which even though it’s standard shift. five speed, I can still drive for several hours at a time … so the travel problem is solved. It means I can get anywhere, any time, on my own … and yes, that means a damn lot, to my family and I.

OK … so I can get around, big deal. It is a big deal! Try it sometime … go somewhere you can use a wheelchair and try moving around through the stores and aisles, down sidewalks, etc. etc … you see, it’s a hell of a challenge if you’re not accustomed to it. It’ll give you a new found appreciation for what a disabled person goes through to do something, or get somewhere. Don’t just try it for a few minutes …. Try it for half an hour or so … see what your arm muscles feel like.

Here’s a pic of the current chair. If I find myself using it a lot, then I may order a nice custom chair .

And now, it’s time to get ready for another week in Boston!