Yesterday my sister and I drove to the hospital for a bone mineral density test. This is the next step to understanding my recent diagnoses of osteoporosis. The next step will be a referral to a speciality clinic in Toronto for assessment, and education.
As far as tests go, I have had a few, this one is usually painless and easy. That is for a healthy person. As we pulled into the parking lot I noticed how different everything was. For one thing, I wasn't driving. I have not been cleared to drive yet. As always I noticed the handicapped spaces were full. Usually that is not a big deal for me, I park as close as I can and make my way in. Yesterday, however we were trying to get through that test without running out of steam, so I was dropped off at the door. Once inside, the very corridors I walk Whinnie during our therapy dog sessions, seemed long and daunting.
I got to X-ray department, registered and was called for the test very quickly. She showed me to the change room, told to change out of my clothing and into a gown. She left.
I went to go into what seemed to be a handicapped change room but my walker didn't fit. No matter which way I turned it it wouldn't go in. I was feeling a little my uncertain of my mobility yesterday, therefore I was reliant on it. My sister thankfully wasn't far so she came to help me. Once changed I was taken to the room for the test.
Up onto a table lift legs a certain way, get down from the table and back to change. I needed assistance with every component of that process. It is difficult to realize how far you still have to go when you feel you have come so far.
The other issue is how important it is to remember, no matter how someone looks, their abilities are varied. The technician was very helpful to me aside from the change room. She helped and was considerate every step of the way.
The worst thing about the test for me was afterward. I had pain immediately from lying on that hard surface. I still have to support myself with pillows while I lie down and for the test that's impossible so that was painful as well. The walking into and out of the hospital as well as having the test exhausted me. At another time I would have fit that in on a busy day and gone on with my day. Not yesterday. It was all I had in me to get home and lie on an ice pack and have a rest.
So I have a ways to go on the recovery spectrum, but I am getting there. I am now at week five, I have been given 12 weeks as a marker, so almost halfway! Whew, can't see the finish line yet but I know it is there.
As far as tests go, I have had a few, this one is usually painless and easy. That is for a healthy person. As we pulled into the parking lot I noticed how different everything was. For one thing, I wasn't driving. I have not been cleared to drive yet. As always I noticed the handicapped spaces were full. Usually that is not a big deal for me, I park as close as I can and make my way in. Yesterday, however we were trying to get through that test without running out of steam, so I was dropped off at the door. Once inside, the very corridors I walk Whinnie during our therapy dog sessions, seemed long and daunting.
I got to X-ray department, registered and was called for the test very quickly. She showed me to the change room, told to change out of my clothing and into a gown. She left.
I went to go into what seemed to be a handicapped change room but my walker didn't fit. No matter which way I turned it it wouldn't go in. I was feeling a little my uncertain of my mobility yesterday, therefore I was reliant on it. My sister thankfully wasn't far so she came to help me. Once changed I was taken to the room for the test.
Up onto a table lift legs a certain way, get down from the table and back to change. I needed assistance with every component of that process. It is difficult to realize how far you still have to go when you feel you have come so far.
The other issue is how important it is to remember, no matter how someone looks, their abilities are varied. The technician was very helpful to me aside from the change room. She helped and was considerate every step of the way.
The worst thing about the test for me was afterward. I had pain immediately from lying on that hard surface. I still have to support myself with pillows while I lie down and for the test that's impossible so that was painful as well. The walking into and out of the hospital as well as having the test exhausted me. At another time I would have fit that in on a busy day and gone on with my day. Not yesterday. It was all I had in me to get home and lie on an ice pack and have a rest.
So I have a ways to go on the recovery spectrum, but I am getting there. I am now at week five, I have been given 12 weeks as a marker, so almost halfway! Whew, can't see the finish line yet but I know it is there.
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