Ice and snow mean an inside day for me and my wheelchair
What was going to be a busy day has become a quiet day at home
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It is spectacularly beautiful outside.
A wintry mix early this morning has left a coat of ice on everything, which the sun is now illuminating, leaving me stunned by the beauty around me. It’s a snow day here in my part of New England.
Of course, I hope it melts soon. The ice isn’t healthy for the drapey cypress trees.
My husband, Dave, a teacher, is home for the day, with school being called off. What was going to be a busy day — my cleaning lady in the morning and a medical appointment the afternoon — has become a quiet day at home.
Wheelchair on ice
I use a power wheelchair due to symptoms of Friedreich’s ataxia (FA). My wheelchair is great. It is my mobility, not my confinement.
It doesn’t like ice, however. On ice, it skids around in unsafe ways, and even though Dave has done his best to clear my ramp, going down it is scary. Skidding off is a possibility.
But while my own ramp and sidewalk might be cleared off, I don’t know how well things will be cleared beyond that, so staying home is my safest option. Rescheduling my bone density scan is a no-brainer.
Osteoporosis is likely one of my symptoms of FA. I’m not looking forward to the scan, but it is essential for my health, and I’d rather just get it over with. But with the weather and ice, I’ll just have to roll with the punches and postpone it.
So today, I will work out with my home equipment to get my exercise. But I won’t be walking around the neighborhood with my service dog, Wendy, so she can get her exercise in. Wendy will have to make do with chasing a ball that I throw down the basement stairs. She doesn’t love this, but she will have to make the best of it.
After I exercise and draft this column, I hope to cozy up with Dave on the couch and watch a good movie. I appreciate the beauty outside my window, but today I will enjoy being cozy inside my home. Today is an inside day.
Note: Friedreich’s Ataxia News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Friedreich’s Ataxia News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Friedreich’s ataxia.
Clester oda
Hoping this helps....I know it has made a massive difference for us.....when I paint the ramps I add simple cheap sand to the paint ....no more slipping and sliding ....once the majority of the snow and or ice is removed. And our camper ramp is slightly steeper than it should be....both ramps are almost 4 foot wide...that also makes a huge difference.
On a funny cute note....when it's just snow , our dog ( an 11 pound havnese ...tropical dog that does great in high temps that would kill most dogs) loves the snow and often will stand at the top of the ramp... Take quick jump and slide down the ramp multiple times, removing most of the snow for me. First time I saw her do that I almost fell from laughing so hard.
A great super smart well behaved service dog that also loves , and I mean loves to constantly entertain....best of both worlds , never has failed to do her job as a service dog and can be treated as a most lovable pet.