Reflections on Life in a Wheelchair: Missing Walking or Not?
People often wonder if individuals who use wheelchairs miss the freedom and movement that walking allows. This conversation delves into the complexities of physical disability, the impact of gait loss on daily life, and the efforts to adapt and find new ways to thrive.
Understanding the Perspective
Gaetan, a person who experienced the loss of gait due to two strokes, shares his journey and perspective:
Yes, I miss walking very much. Despite being a wheelchair user for 24 years, walking still occupies a significant place in my thoughts. However, life in a wheelchair has become a part of me. Often, when I watch movies or shows, I find myself envious of characters who can run. These fleeting moments remind me of what I used to take for granted.
Missing the Functionality of Walking
For those who have become physically disabled, the loss of a previous function often triggers grief or sadness. Rehabilitation and counseling can help, but some, like Raquel, experienced a profound change due to Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
No one uses devices unless they really need them, like canes for status or fashion. Wheelchairs, in contrast, are not a status symbol for most of us. My journey with MS has been challenging, and I'm 100% wheelchair-dependent for my mobility. I've been able to walk, but the nerves responsible for walking in my brain are destroyed. I've adapted and embraced my wheelchair, but it doesn't erase the longing for the freedom and grace of walking.
The athlete in me still dreams of walking. Even in my dreams, I find myself pushing an empty wheelchair. I miss the gift of walking, the athlete in me never fully gives up. Even in the gym, I sometimes transfer from my wheelchair and attempt to lift my legs, only to realize I must return to my chair. The memories of my past, before MS, still bring a sense of loss.
Adapting to a New Normal
Gaetan's experience and the adaptations he has made over time provide a beacon of hope. He shares his process of adapting to the use of a cane and a three-wheeled walker:
When we suffer a loss of a previous function, this usually results in grief or sadness. Rehabilitation and counseling do help, but for me, I have no grief to not longer need my wheelchair. However, when I am tired, I still use the wheelchair or a three-wheeled walker. This is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
His journey includes a stay in the nursing home where he received training on how to fall and get back up. This safety training is not always intuitive and has been crucial for his independence. He emphasizes the importance of safety in daily life, an aspect that is often overlooked.
He continues to use a cane most of the time, and he is determined to walk better without a cane. Even though he has a disabled DMV card, he keeps going and trying. He acknowledges that sometimes he gets depressed about his condition, but his journey continues.
Challenges and Triumphs
The transition to a wheelchair is not easy, but people like Gaetan and Raquel find ways to adapt and find joy in their lives. They highlight the importance of community support and the impact of rehabilitation and counseling. Their stories serve as a reminder that while physical disabilities can be challenging, the human spirit can find ways to adapt and thrive.
Whether it's through therapy, dream-driven motivation, or community support, individuals who use wheelchairs continue to find new ways to live fulfilling lives. Their stories inspire hope and showcase the resilience of the human spirit.