I’m testing myself today by not using my stick on the way into work this morning. I’m still bringing it with me in case I need it on the way home but I’m hoping I won’t. It all depends how much moving around I’ve done during the day and how tired I am by the time I go home.

I made it to Lou Lou’s Vintage Fair today and got a couple of really cute rings. I’m a bit tired now though from all the walking so I think I’ll be having a quiet day indoors tomorrow.

1st day out on my own

I made it out to town on my own today! I needed to run a few errands so I figured I see how much I could do without pushing it. I’m taking a break in Costa at the moment because my hips started aching but I’ll be heading home soon anyway.

I went out with my stick, of course, and I thought I’d be more self-conscious with it but actually I’ve been ok. I’ve gotten a few stares from the odd passer-by but no ones commented or anything which I’m very grateful for; I’d rather not have to explain my situation to complete strangers.

Since getting home from the hospital, I’ve been trying to rebuild my stamina and leg strength with short walks around where I live. I’ve made huge progress, being able to walk for longer without experiencing any pain after, however, I do get stiff and start to hunch my shoulders and lean forward after a while. This means I slow down drastically and find it hard to keep walking unless I sit down for a while. My fiance suggested (as did a friend of mine a little while back) that I get a walking stick to see if it would help. I got this earlier this week while we were out in town (and I was feeling stiff at the time); the moment I started using it, I was upright and moving much faster and easier than I had been before.

I have no intention of using it all the time as I don’t want to become reliant on it, but I think it was a good idea getting it for use at least in the short term. I used it today to get to and from my doctors and I didn’t feel soar or stiff afterwards.

As I have every intention of going to the London Expo Comic Con at the end of this month, I will be taking it with me as I know I’ll be doing plenty of walking around (also, it’ll hopefully provide a sort of barrier between me and the crowds). So, if anyone is going to the London Expo this year and sees a Misty with a walking stick, it’s probably me.

Short day trip

I had an appointment for Universal Credit this morning and because it was in the middle of town (which isn’t that far from where I live), we decided to do a little shopping. I got a few things for my stoma emergency kit as well as a new pair of shorts. It was a good day, even if I am a little tired from all the walking. I was a little stiff from not doing much yesterday so I think it was good to go out for a bit today.

I had a really nice afternoon today; some friends who I haven’t seen in such a long time came over, and I was able to walk (albeit slowly) to the local coffee shop and back without feeling exhausted or in pain. I think I’ll stay inside though for the next couple of days to give myself a rest; I don’t want to overdo it.

Went for a little walk today and was wished “Good luck” by a complete stranger when he stopped and asked if I was alright because I was walking slowly and holding my tummy. Small amount of faith in humanity restored.

And to make the day even worse, it’s hailing. I made it off ward briefly though, so not all bad. My legs don’t feel so stiff today so if I keep going for little walks, I should be ok.

A successful outing

I managed the forty minute walk to the city centre from my sister’s, where I’m staying, as well as the very steep walk up the aptly-named Steep Hill. Even though I had a non-gluten-free scone, I haven’t bloated and, aside from being quite tired, I’m feeling ok. I think I’m going to chill on YouTube for a few hours. We are going out for a pub dinner this evening which I’m looking forward to and I don’t want to feel too tired for.