Thursday 13 October 2011

Thought Picnic: These Legs Were Made For Walking

The passage of time

Sometimes, there is so much going on and so much to write about but one is not presented with the inspiration to commit the thoughts and happenings to the structure of a blog.

Milestones and dates have come and gone, some, one wants to remember, others, one will love to forget be those landmarks 31 years, 9 years, 2 years or even 10 months – we count the passage of time for blessing and thankfulness or for dread of a past that would be best part of the long distant past.

The pain and the cane

However, I have been interested in sharing some news about my health. For 8 years, I have used a cane for problems with back-pain initially and then the loss of muscle-mass as a result of the lack of use of my left leg which was most affected by the cancer lesions on my sole.

For over a year, I have struggled with the problems of a weak leg, the exhaustion of walking and a unbalanced gait that resulted from having weaker leg. The cane appeared to steady my walk and give me just that little extra for traction, albeit considerably slower than other pedestrians.

Strength returning

I discovered the fun of cycling about half a year ago and I have gone to places I have never ventured by bicycle unaware that I have to stamina to make such journeys. Maybe it was just the matter of means, opportunity, will and ability, but I have noticed some really good results.

It has now gone 4 weeks since I stopped using my cane, there were times I have packed my 3-piece bolt-up cane in my bag, I do that no more. I have given up the use of the cane and had not need to use even an umbrella for support when I was out the other day.

Not a fashion statement

There are people who have thought the cane was a throw-back to some genteel age of being dandy and proper, much as one did at times have that appearance, the purpose was hardly for fashion or airs.

I would not have thought a time will come when I will not need the cane again and for that I am thankful and grateful to God as well as happy that I am discovering a new age of youthfulness.

That is, I think, a good update to share.

4 comments:

Akin Akintayo said...

Thank you for sharing the good news of your continued improvement regarding your health. I'm wary of cycling, given the behaviour of motorists.

Are you not allowed to undertake any strengthening exercises for your leg?

Good to hear that things are going well for you in your world.

Akin Akintayo said...

Hello CodLiverOil,

Thanks, in fact, when I raised the issue of therapy and physiotherapy, in both cases, I being the initiator, I was given the impression I was to undergo some strenuous activity that I was not particularly keen.

The cycling became something I took up at my convenience and in the Netherlands much allowance is made for cyclists in right of way and cycling paths.

In the end, it all inadvertently worked together for the good and I am grateful for that.

Akin 

Akin Akintayo said...

That re-enforces your point, you made in an earlier post, one can't just be passive and allow the medical experts call all the shots.  If you hadn't raised the issue of your rehabilitation, would you be enjoying the benefits of your recovery now? Probably not, not only are your leg muscles strengthened but your cardio-vascular system is also strengthened.

foot doctor said...

Keep a healthy body with the right exercise. This helps you stay fit.

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