Trekking News Hubb
Advertisement Banner
  • Home
  • Trekking News
  • Hiking Destinations
  • Backpacking
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Trekking News
  • Hiking Destinations
  • Backpacking
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
Wellnessnewshubb
No Result
View All Result
Home Backpacking

Dis-Ability into Hike-Ability – The Trek

admin by admin
December 1, 2022
in Backpacking


12/01/22

 AT in 23 even rhymes!

It’s been a challenging year.

In Feb. of 2022, I fell, literally on my arse ending up in hospital, bleeding head, and no walking due to fractured back.

Had to board mutts, get a housekeeper, beg friends to get my  groceries, sign up for PT,  and avoid terrible depression; life as I knew it was over as fast and firm as a heart beat.  No walking; no hiking.

I was suddenly an old cripple.

“They” said: “Surgery!  At your age, forget walking, go to bed.”

Really? Rot in bed? Forget that! Nothing mitigates depression  like justifiable  rage!

Went home crippled in a hospital grown, my backside showing,  a friend driving, as I could not. I was disgusted with medicine, hated hospitals, LOVED nurses, PT and ER folks.

I decided, I needed six things:

  1. X rays of current condition
  2. X rays in about 6 months to check any improvement
  3. Really good PT
  4. Excellent, doc who specialized in back fractures
  5. Healthy diet and water
  6. Lawyer specializing in end of life.

Coming back

Determined to not only walk but hike again I ditched the pain meds, avoided negative comments, nixed surgery consultation, and hired a PT dude.

Doctors

I hired a young female doc suggesting I wanted new films, her diagnosis, and an Rx for PT.

She agreed and helped me get new x-rays,  diagnosed me as an L-5 fracture,  prescribed home health care, P.T. and all the other stuff my insurance allowed.

Physical Therapy (PT)

Was I  lucky! I left my pack n poles in the hall after my last hike.

I also have good insurance.

When the PT dude came, and glanced at my hiking stuff, knew EXACTLY how to help me.

He told me: “Look, I’m gonna get you walking, ditch that walker, and  help restore your self esteem, but it’s gonna be hard. Hard on you and me. But, I know you are determined.”

I was thrilled to be his “poster child” for redemption!

Daily

I kept balance and large muscle tone by using my walker. I used my walker all over my ‘hood. I figured oxygen, sun and fresh air were therapeutic. If I had a big curb, I did have to hobble around. I found as flat a walk as possible.

Within 5 weeks, much to my astonishment, the PT dude had me walking. For “graduation”, we WALKED outside, FREE of walkers. I was thrilled! IT WAS possible!

Doctor God

Then I walked to Doctor God of All Things Orthopedic Surgery. He said: ” No surgery. You are healing.  Take over the counter pain meds.” He shrugged. “Perhaps within a few years  (like three- I asked) you will heal almost 100%.” Almost?

Fine.

First foray was a section hike of Colorado Trail in 2022; later, sections of Lone Star Trail in Texas, then sections of Big Bend National Park.

Realizing Ultra Light can’t be my goal;  I simply cannot carry much so I have to carry as light as possible,  go slower, use poles. Change mind set.

Oh. By the Way: I just turned 71. I will be close to 72 by the time I do AT.

For training, meeting some friends to hike close-by at a State Park. We are gonna take our rescue mutts.

Read someplace the only remedy for old age is diet and exercise. True.

 

Today…

….I can walk. No, I will never be the same. When young, we bounce; when older, we don’t.

I can carry about 25 lbs; stretch daily; focus on balance and planning on AT late September of ’23.

A section hike or two is my only “failure.”

 

 

 

Affiliate Disclosure

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek’s ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!

To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.





Source link

Previous Post

Hiker Trash Vogue Creator Launches New Photo Project

Next Post

Week 8 on the Camino. Making it to Santiago

Next Post

Week 8 on the Camino. Making it to Santiago

Recommended

Easiest Ways to Hike India – besthike.com

6 months ago

Auden’s Col (Rabbit is calling) 3-pass Trek Blog

5 months ago

Trail Magic Zero – The Trek

3 months ago

7 Train Trips from Stockholm

6 months ago

The 6 Best Car Camping Tents

4 months ago

Essential Camping Car Accessories That Every Camper Should Own

4 months ago

trekking-64

© 2022 Trekking News Hubb All rights reserved.

Use of these names, logos, and brands does not imply endorsement unless specified. By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

Navigate Site

  • Home
  • Trekking News
  • Hiking Destinations
  • Backpacking
  • Contact

Newsletter Sign Up.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Trekking News
  • Hiking Destinations
  • Backpacking
  • Contact

© 2022 Trekking News Hubb All rights reserved.