Let\'s get physical..or Look out Rocky, here I come
Ok, if not physical, then at least a bit more active. I went to wallyworld the other day and they are in the midst of changing their store to a super wallyworld. As a result, the store is muuuuch larger than it was.Now you need a guide and 3 days worth of supplies to get to any department that you need. I did my little bit of shopping and started to the checkout area. It seemed as if the check out area was like a mirage...just over the horizon. I kept trudging toward it and trudging toward it but it was always just out of reach. Finally when I was 20 yards away, one of the checkout clerks said that her lane was open. I nodded and kept heading her way. (At this point walking and talking simultaneously was out of the question.) When I finally got there, she looked at me and said "You have asthma, don't you? I was a nurse in the Phillipines and I can tell." (How do I keep running into these people?Is it bad luck?...or is someone looking out for me?) She then said "you know we have motorized shopping carts. Maybe you need to use one." The Filipino lady had me sit on the bench until I caught my breath. Her suggestion that I use the motorized cart was a wake up call. I had not realized just how much my stamina had slipped. So it was time to use it or lose it. For the last couple of days I have been returning to the scene of the crime and walking from the entrance to the ther end of the store. I keep mentally playing the theme to Rocky as I do it. While it hasn't been easy, it is something that I need to do. (Hmm, maybe it would be easier if I had a bull dog like Rocky. Then when I was in shape, I could travel to Philadelphia to run up the court house stairs...or slowly climb up 10-15 of it steps anyway.) I used to be self conscious about what people would say when I used my disability placard. It seems that it was all in my mind.(It's amazing how we beat ourselves up. Maybe it's our own self doubt plaguing us) Now when they look, they are more concerned than judgemental. It's been a rough couple of months but ,as the old cliche states, the first step is the hardest. One thing that I have in plenty is determination. I should be hiking the Rockies by spring....or at least shopping without difficulty. It would also be nice to not be the center of attention. Be well,Tom
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You make me think....use it or lose it? Using devices will help us in the long run but won\'t it make us weaker in the long run? I seriously think along the lines. Just being short of breath makes me floppy in the chest area. Seriously! I feel like my posture is bent forward and this strains my shoulders and back. Asthma wreaks havoc all around.
I totally identify with the placard comments. I feel guilty using is when I am healthy and came so close to turning it in. Now I need it terribly.
Yes, you are very determined and you will make good decisions on how to hike your way through life. If you figure out how to not be the attention getter, pass it on, okay? :-)
oops, first sentence...help us in the SHORT run. Ughh...not enough oxygen getting to my brain/fingers....sorry.
I know it is difficult and infuriating-believe me I know- to accept that you cannot do what you used to be able to do and what others can do.
The same thing happened to me at the mall. In my case my asthma is exercise induced, I cough on the phlegm and need to be in air conditioning. The ambulance drivers looked at me like I was crazy. I was in emergency department for 8 hours, They gave me a couple of puffs of some inhaler. Hello, I should have been given O2 and ventalin (which they had done in the past where I used to live). When I would start to cough they said \"How long has this being going on?\" and when I went to the bathroom, short of breath... well I continued to wait. I can not get a disability placard. (I live in Canada).
Well, enough on me. Keep focused on that people are showing concern and not judgement. Don\'t overdue yourself. Take one step at a time
Tom,
You sure do run into an interesting bunch of people. You must have asthma stamped on your forehead. Have you looked in the mirror lately?
I\'ve read that with asthma it is still important to exercise. When you can and as much as you can. When I feel good, I walk around the block. When I feel blah, I walk around the house. When I feel like I can\'t even lift my head off the back of the couch...I sit like a zombie.
It\'s all in moderation.
Congrats on the Mega-Wallyworld. We have a couple around here and I frequent them often. It is quite a hike to wander around the whole store.
It\'s funny you are talking about Rocky. One of the cable channels has been doing a Sly marathon this weekend.
Breathe easy and shop frequently (even if you use a scooter),
Robin