I’ve been back home since Thursday, and it’s been a bit of a challenge, to be honest.
I’m using a crutch, but only for short distances. Even a quick trip to the shop for milk yesterday was tough—I had to stop every 100 metres or so.
On the bright side, I got to catch up with people along the way.
But the pain from both the hip replacement and the amputation is still pretty intense. I’m hoping to be walking without the crutch in a couple of weeks.
To help me get around, I’ve rented a small mobility scooter in fashionable orange for about $25 a day. I could ask for home help through NDIS etc, but I really value being independent and doing my own shopping, go out for a coffee etc…
Staying inside was definitely starting to get me down. It really makes you think about how tough it must be for so many other people. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to rent a scooter; it’s a huge privilege. I know a lot of people just can’t afford that, or wouldn’t be able to use one. I’ve met so many people going through really difficult times in the last year and a half.
Hmm, $175 a week. Not too bad. It would be cheaper for NDIS to pay for your scooter than supply staff to help you.
Agreed! I can actually buy one for about $2000 under “assistive technology”, but I’ve spent all of my budget on the prosthetics, so I need to get some advice about the way ahead. In the meantime, I’m enjoying spinning around, to quote from another song by Kylie!