puppylove Posted April 4, 2012 Report Share Posted April 4, 2012 Tommrrow my friends and my sister are going to the zoo. They really want me to come and I really want to go because for the past six months I have basically been a hermit and I miss my friends. But the zoo is A LOT of walking. And I won't have any way to get home if I feel terrible. I don't pass out so it's not really a danger thing I'm just scared because when ever I push myself I end up thinking feeling this bad is not worth it. Any suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rubytuesday Posted April 5, 2012 Report Share Posted April 5, 2012 My grandson begged me to be an escort for his class to the zoo last spring. I knew (remembering 4 years ago before my diagnosis) how much of a struggle with me. At our zoo there was not only a lot of walking, but little inclines (some big inclines), few areas you could sit (unless you just sat at the edge of a walk and little shade. I had purchased a wheeled walker with a seat so I could go on leisurely tours, but I knew I would hold the class of little ones up, so I didn't go. I did venture out to our local supermarket yesterday morning, feeling fine; intending to do some serious grocery shopping. I had not made it 1/2 way around the store when the BP started to bottom out. No shelves were cleared that I could sit on and I rushed using the cart as a walker to get to a chair in the photo center at the end of the aisle (I was close and carried bottled water with me). I had my little grandson with me and didn't want to panic him. I just told him I had to sit and rest a few minutes (which was longer than a few minutes and my whole bottle of water). There was a customer standing there when I'd grabbed the chair. Once I sat I was a bit muddle headed/oblivious as the blood flow to my brain was interrupted. A clerk that had seen me at the one end of the store saw me, stopped, asked me if I was alright and if he could get me a drink. After some time I could feel the pressure being back up enough to continue (but still didn't get all the things I'd wanted). As we started to continue with our shopping that customer who had been at the counter must have stayed there to keep an eye on me. She was right there, smiled at me (came up to me) and asked me if I was feeling better. I say if you feel up to it, go for it. Plan for the unplanned. Borrow a wheelchair or wheeled walker with a seat if you don't have one. I also have a sling to carry water in so I have hands free and my walker has 2 baskets. But at our zoo some of the 'houses' are not very accommodating to strollers and wheelchairs so unless you trust people to leave it parked and still be there when you get out, you may not get to go into those places. When I'd gone years ago, I stayed out of those 'houses' to guard our stroller. Drink, drink and drink. Have fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janiedelite Posted April 5, 2012 Report Share Posted April 5, 2012 Sometimes you can rent wheelchairs at places like the zoo. Also, a seat cane may be useful, especially if you want to walk but can't stand still to watch the exhibits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WyomingGal Posted April 5, 2012 Report Share Posted April 5, 2012 you do what feels best to you! if it doesn't feel right, maybe you could plan something with them after the zoo, like a bite to eat, etc so you can feel more comfortable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monstrosity Posted April 5, 2012 Report Share Posted April 5, 2012 As stated do whatever suits you best. BUT, I try to fight back as hard as I can to regain/sustain normality in my life. I think you should try to go. I do stuff sometimes and regret it and other times I'm glad I tried. Are your friends aware of your medical situation? Can you get a ride back home if need be (always have a plan B in line)? If you let this condition control you it will... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FarmerAmy Posted April 5, 2012 Report Share Posted April 5, 2012 If it were me...I would bring a blanket and plan on finding a grassy area to lie down if needed. You can rest and your friends can meet up with you later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
POTLUCK Posted April 5, 2012 Report Share Posted April 5, 2012 This may be after the fact as you said tommorrow. I am west coast time too.I can not say for you, this depends on how you handle and react to things. I was pleasantly surprised in being forced to walk around in a nonstressful environment at a reasonable pace for quite a long time yesterday that I felt better not worse after. Will there be a way you could break on a bench or something, someone who would stay with you if needed? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puppylove Posted April 5, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 5, 2012 I decided to go. I had to take a lot of breaks but I had fun. It was so nice to be with my friends again. Thanks for you advice everybody. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janiedelite Posted April 5, 2012 Report Share Posted April 5, 2012 I'm so glad you had a good time with your friends. That sounds like good medicine to me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
songcanary Posted April 6, 2012 Report Share Posted April 6, 2012 I'm so glad you were able to do this. The first time I left the house I was scared to death because I didn't know if I would crash or what. But I made it and it was the beginning of little tiny steps toward feeling better. I am so happy for you Puppylove! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
targs66 Posted April 6, 2012 Report Share Posted April 6, 2012 So glad you were able to go! I find it makes such a difference if I manage something challenging: it makes me feel like my life is not over despite this rotten condition. Good for you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monstrosity Posted April 6, 2012 Report Share Posted April 6, 2012 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chipper Posted April 7, 2012 Report Share Posted April 7, 2012 I am so happy for you! That will be such a good memory.. As time goes on taking a chance can help us get better and keep our sanity. Paying for an outing is usually worth it. Love, Mary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mwise Posted April 7, 2012 Report Share Posted April 7, 2012 I am so happy you decided to go. It makes a big difference spending quality time with friends and family that understand. Keep setting small goals. Take each day as it comes and enjoy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rubytuesday Posted April 7, 2012 Report Share Posted April 7, 2012 So glad you went for it and had a wonderful time. You go girl! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martiz Posted April 9, 2012 Report Share Posted April 9, 2012 Glad you went and had fun! I have a walker that has a seat - it is useful for carting everyone's junk then if I need to sit down, everyone grabs their bag and I can sit. If I'm really bad, my son will push me (not advised but we're careful). If I'm okay but a little tired, then I will push it (my balance is bad). If I'm feeling good, then someone in the group will push it (kids love these things).For quickie trips, I use a seat cane. When I get where I'm going, I just sit down. Everyone who sees it love it - I should buy stock in the company. I bought it for $18 at a sports store. It's for golf spectators.I also bought a little scooter which I have used on trips and I love it! Went on my first weekend vacation in 10 years with it. There was only one area that was not accessible and then my son carried it! It breaks down in four pieces and fits in the trunk. Everyone I am with loves it as they can hang their stuff off the back.I know you are young and may be embarrassed to use these aids. I was at first - when I first used a grocery store wheelchair cart, I wrapped my foot in an ACE bandage. That was ten years ago. Now, I use them always -even if I feel good - because with the post exertional malaise, I may be able to get the groceries but won't have the energy to drive home safely or put groceries away. Then forget about cooking dinner or any other tasks!Using these aids gets me out of the house which is good for me all around.Glad you had fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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