I left the apartment building today for the first time since I came home from hospital on the 17th. Since I’m still sort of, kind of, pretty weak and easily worn out, we decided to take the wheelchair for a spin instead of using my walker or either set of crutches. I’ve been scaling back my pain meds and I’m taking them down even more tomorrow but there’s no way I have enough stamina to get to the sidewalk much less 10 blocks round-trip. However, I’ve been sleeping a lot, about 12 hours a night, and taking a spin in the chair sounded like a lot of fun.

I thought I might be able to wheel myself but it became immediately apparent that I would need substantial amount of help from my mom to get around. Here’s a photo of us having just left the apartment building and in the courtyard.

Our trek took us down to a local bakery called Choice. A few things to know when first using a wheelchair: 1) you’re going to need help; 2) it is practically impossible to get over any sort of crack, no matter how small it is, without someone pushing you [as an aside, I love that my phone tried to AutoCorrect “of crack” to “Crackville”]; 3) figure out how to configure the settings in your wheelchair before you leave the house; and 4) have a positive attitude because it’s going to be absurdly ridiculous the first time you try.

In any event it was really nice to get out of the house and to feel a little less confined.

We’re hoping to take another jaunt outside sometime tomorrow, even if it’s just to go around the neighborhood and look at the decorations. This is definitely going to be one of the least traditional Christmases I’ve ever had but the house is warm and lit with Christmas lights and I know that I’ll enjoy hanging out with my mom and watching endless episodes of NCIS.

Wishing everyone the merriest of Christmases!!