The Tools of My Trade

I thought that I'd show you guys a bit about how I make things work in my somewhat difficult situation. These are the things I have to use to do things for myself.

Firstly, of course, my crutches.

Not being able to put any weight on my operated leg means I can't walk without 'em! Not even two steps. I will admit to a couple of awkward moments on slippery floors where one has come out from under me, but thus far I've managed to avoid total disaster (falling over)!

Probably my second most used thing - my grabber.

I think it's called an "easy-reach" or something like that, but I like "grabber" better. I'm not meant to bend, reach below my knees, or twist my torso around... so this is used to grab things off the floor, or far away, and I have to use it to get dressed and undressed when pulling things over my feet. Very very handy indeed! Not so handy when it falls on the floor.

The trolley!

I love this thing. Used to cart things from one room to another, as my hands are always full of crutches. Food, drinks, books, computers and cats all get carried on here (my kitten, Patch, loves to take a ride). I just push it out in front of me with my body, feet, or hands in between steps when walking around.

The toilet seat.

Handles needed to get on and off the toilet, cos my other leg and hip are too sore and weak to hold and move my body weight on their own.

Shower bench.

Not being able to bend and such, it's hard to get in and out of our shub shower. On here, I sit on the end, push myself back along it and then (carefully) turn myself around. Downside: I always have one cold side of my body from it not getting much water!

Kitchen stool.

Allows me to sit and prepare things at the bench, or even sit there and eat it. My other hip hurts too much for me to stand in the kitchen with all my weight on it for more than about a minute (bummer). The handles help me get in and out of it.

Entertainment!

To see me through the long dull days stuck at home. Books, DVDs, knitting, a hard drive of movies, and magazines.

Computer, comfy hoody, bed.

Spending waaaaayy too much time on the computer lately, looking at complete crap online. The hoody is a double whammy - snuggly, baggy and comfy for ultimate awesomeness, and also a great shield when certain mothers decide it's a good idea to take pictures when one has just woken up. Bed... no explanation needed. Beds are just awesome, especially when moving's a bit tricky.

The kitten cat - Patch.

Provides snuggles, company and comfort. My adorable wee bunny has no tail cos he's part Manx, but he has heaps of character. He likes feet and shoes, chasing just about anything that moves, and sitting on my chest.