This is your journey, and yours alone.

Others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you.

(From: Spiritual Awakenings.com)

I cant walk so well anymore.  Peripheral neuropathy from a herniated disc limits me greatly. 

I used to love to hike for miles with the dog.  Now I have to rest after about every 200 yards.  Also I do not do so well on hills, especially if carrying anything, like a pack.

At first it only affected my feet, especially at rest, but now it is a tightness or stiffness that goes above the knees.  My feet are numb.

Got any ideas, Woodsman ?

Quote:

rest

massage

companionship

warmth

stretch

wheelchair
.........

Thanks !!  They all look good, except that last one.

Quote: "I'm sorry to hear about the physical problems, Don. Woodsy's ideas do look helpful. Actually, you might enjoy an ATV (an electric one, if you can afford it...less noisy). They have hand brakes and thumb throttle, so no problems with foot controls. "
.........

Thanks.  Im not that bad off yet, Im just not sure how bad it will get.  The muscles of my feet and legs still work, I just cant feel them as well.

The thing I really miss is not being able to go out dancing as much as I used to.  I can still dance, as long as I can keep track of where my feet are, because I cant feel them.  Whirling and twirling is out of the question as I will fall down.

When I operate the foot controls of the car its not so much that I feel the pedals, but rather that I feel what the car is doing.  Not really a problem.  Driving by the seat of my pants a bit more literally, thats all.

I do have an electric scooter with a nice big basket on it for short trips to the store, to save on gas.  I can ride it to the store, up and down the aisles, through the check stand, and part way home.  Its not strong enough to carry me and a load of groceries uphill, so I have to walk it part way home.

Life is a process of adapting and readapting as we go along.  Thats okay.

Quote: "oh, well, I can push it out of the way
take off the foot rests and pull up on the seat to fold it up
and stash it in the closet

just frequent rests in a recliner, or rocking chair then

and touch/massage therapy is great!
"
.........

Ive got a rowing machine kind of exerciser.  I do better when I do 120 or more reps a day on that thing.  Its like I can pump myself back up again when I get deflated.

Also just got an air pump leg massager that I havent tried yet.  It has high boots and separate bands that go around the upper legs, which inflate and deflate alternately to provide a massaging action. 

I also go to the Chiropractor and get a massage once a week, due to injury in a car accident in Dec 11.  The insurance pays for it.  My massage thereapist is really into Zen, has participated in Zen Centers in Seattle and elsewhere, and is planning to start one here in our little town.  Ive offered to help in any way I can with that.

Im not attracted to her, but I think she asked me out.  Women are funny about that.  She didnt ask me to go to a concert thats coming up, but asked me if I was going.  As it happens I have to work, but Im not interested in dating anyone.  I have everything I need internally with the Spirit and Im sticking with that.  Self sufficiency.  Simplicity.  Longevity.  When I die Im going home to the Void, and the Spirit.  What more could I want ?