A friendly encounter at Coogee Beach

A nearby bloke struck up a conversation with me today at Coogee Beach. He was getting dressed after a swim, while I sat there shirtless, soaking up the sun. Even though it was a brief chat, his thoughtful questions about my disability helped reset my day.

By the end of Tuesdays, after two full days at the office, I’m feeling pretty drained. So Wednesdays are my “recovery days”, usually involve sleeping in until about 9:30, followed by activities like swimming and rehab exercises for my below-knee amputation from last year, or attending medical appointments.

This week’s physiotherapy session focused on getting around without a prosthetic limb. I’m getting my new “permanent” prosthetic next Thursday (hopefully), and I’ve heard it might take some time to adjust. It’ll be much smaller than my current bulky one. There might be times when it rubs and I can’t wear it, or it could all go smoothly.

So, we practiced using crutches. This skill might also come in handy for middle-of-the-night bathroom trips when I don’t want to put my prosthetic on. I have a urine bottle, but there’s the issue of, well, faeces that needs to be considered.

Crutches are tricky. I started with full-length ones but settled on half-length, as they’re easier to use..

Both my physio and I remarked on how many people misuse crutches, putting weight on them incorrectly. The trick is to push down on the handgrips as you step forward, holding your residual leg out in front or bending it if possible. The crutch tips and your healthy leg should always form a triangle for stability. (I hope I’ve explained that properly)?

I practiced at home today, staying near the couch for a soft landing if needed. My physio advised against taking risks without supervision.

We also worked on reverse push-ups from my coffee table, doing 5-10 reps to build triceps strength.

After years of disliking exercise, I’m enjoying seeing my strength and skills improve.

But public encounters can still be discouraging. Due to my recovery, and the nature of my disability, people increasingly don’t recognize my needs in public. I’ve mentioned being pushed out of the way before by people who see me as some old bloke in the way of their important and busy lives, as they make their way quickly in their own direction.

It’s disheartening having to ask people on public transport to give up their place, even in the designated disability seats. They often grumble or wait for someone else to move first.

This morning, I was feeling a bit sorry for myself, compounded by poor customer service I had received.

The bloke at the beach changed my outlook. He wasn’t in a hurry, and so he was more mindful of people in the world around him was my take on things.

In response to his question about having gone for a swim, I explained that I can’t swim by myself YET, but with my new prosthetic and hopefully my “wet leg” arriving soon, I’ll be back in the ocean.

Later this afternoon I paid a visit to the Cook & Phillip Pool which was remarkably quiet. Though I’m not in a position to do laps yet, I like to hop in the hydrotherapy pool, do some exercises, and let the water jets give my residual limb and some gentle massage.