This Months Abilities

Based on reactions to the last "abilities" update, I will try to get better at posting changes at least once a month so as not shock everyone. :-) I guess I just adjust as the changes come and never really sit down and list what I can't do, but I'll give it a shot.

Just a few items to catch everyone up, but I haven't driven since the end of June. Initially when I quit driving it was because I wouldn't have had the strength to control the vehicle if I had to react suddenly. I haven't tried to drive since then, but I know that now I wouldn't be able to extend my arms to reach and hold the steering wheel. My Mom helps us w/ errands when needed and Tana will be getting her drivers permit in two weeks and her license in six months and that will help out as well. We have also tried the online grocery store shopping w/ delivery as a way to make things easier.

After 18 years of wearing them, I had to give up on contacts and start wearing my glasses back in July. My fingers weren't strong enough to hold my eye open while I put the contact in and took it out. I learned this the hard way and gave myself an eye infection:-)

Also in July, I cut my hair short because washing and combing to was too hard. Once I cut it, I was able to take care of it myself, but this last month that has changed. I can still put my hair in a headband on my own (but it's very hard and it takes me a while), but everyday Tana has to straighten my bangs for me and put in the barrette or bobby pin. If you saw the clip from tv, Tana got up early and did my tv-do by straightening it for me:-)

As of the last couple of weeks I can no longer stand from any public toilet (except for work bcz it's wall mounted and must be higher than the regular handicap toilets). So, this makes going out in public (especially w/ a pregnancy bladder!) a challenge. If Tana is with us she is able to go w/ me and pick me up (she may have a small frame, but she's strong!). The challenge is when Bob and I are alone because there aren't many family restrooms in public, so we try to plan our errands or outings for just an hour or two. The few times we haven't been able to avoid it, the establishment we were at has done a good job accommodating us when I explain that I need help.

As of this month, I can no longer extend my arms out in front of me, making reaching for things a challenge. I struggle to get dishes and cups from the bottom shelf of the cupboard. Turning the shower off & on has become difficult. I have also needed to employ Bob and Tana's help shaving my under-arms bcz I can't do it any longer. (Tana's much better at this than Bob :-)

Sadly, I can no longer pick Joey up more than a few inches off the ground and he gets nervous when I even try. So, since I can't pick up my 7.5 lbs chihuahua, I'm obviously not going to be able to lift Joshua once he's born. Bob is enjoying his sleep now because he knows he's going to be the one getting up in the middle of the night once he's born . . . at least I'm getting one good thing from this disease! :-) Well, that's all for now.