Traveling Misadventures

We arrived home from our little vacation in Mexico on Sunday November 15th but the trip wasn’t quite what we had planned and as they say “life is what happens when you are busy making plans.” During our lovely stay in Sayulita Mexico I fell and severely fractured my left ankle. After having surgery in a Mexican Hospital I returned home and as my friend Starr mentioned being handicapped is indeed a humbling experience and I have to agree. As I managed my emotions and limitations the past few days I realized for me there has to be a grieving process to acknowledge my loss of independence.

Some of the things I’ve experienced:

* I’m aware of what is handicap accessible and what is not when traveling
* Airport travel for the handicapped could really use some Quality Improvement
* I notice that people rarely pay attention to people in wheelchairs it’s like being invisible
* Getting in and out of cars is challenging and the use of Medi-Vans can be very costly
* Being limited to one room on the main level of my home is almost suffocating
* I miss sleeping in my own bed, it’s on another level of the house
* I am unable to drive of course and driving is a true symbol of independence
* Getting ready in the morning and taking a shower becomes a major activity
* I’m not able to work which compromises finances
* All my medical documentation is in Spanish and needs translation for insurance claims
* Feeling out of the loop; you become very aware of who has compassion and who stays connected

The most important thing I’ve learned these past few days is that I’m responsible for managing my healing, my own happiness but Compassion is always in style. In my next posting I will share more of my experiences with Travel, Insurance and medical care, what has worked for me and what was a total surprise.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Mary

I’d like to recommend Lakes Medi-Van, Inc. serving MN, their toll free number is (800) 422 – 0976 our driver Lars made my first experience a very pleasant one - Thanks Lars!