My last Monday night square dance

[cjsmith]

As I've probably mentioned here before, I am convinced I must give up square dancing. If my feet are ever going to heal, giving them rest is probably a critical step, and if they're not... I just can't hack it. Last night as an experiment I took six pain pills before dancing. It messed up my stomach. My feet were only somewhat better.

This is the latest of several things I love I've had to give up. Running was first, then backpacking, then hiking; somewhere in there "going to a flea market" or "going to the mall" became not worth it; now square dancing is going.

I dance with a group on Monday nights. Oops, I mean I used to dance with a group on Monday nights. Last night was the last time. I'll miss them. I'm already grieving.

I get to square dance one more time, at a dance in New England, this coming weekend. That one is my swan song.

Letting go is *hard*.

Comments

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Thanks.

I can if I get a lot better at wheelchair use (or if I buy a $2000 electric scooter).

Yes, I'm very glad I can fly. I can even mostly do it without pain.

[lesliepear.livejournal.com]

Maybe you can post on freecycle or craigs list for a scooter. Someone might no longer needed.

Also if you go with someone and take a wheelchair, they could push you if you tire. And malls may have electric carts you can borrow while you are there - I see scooter things in supermarkets and target usually waiting for someone to need them.

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

True. I'm keeping my eyes open for that sort of thing. And malls, yeah -- I need to learn which entrance has those at my local mall. That could make some things much easier.

[mactavish.livejournal.com]

I've been pondering the scooter vs. wheelchair option with you in mind, and as much fun as scooters are, you like to be fit. You might find that a sporty wheelchair is better. (For me, I get enough shoulder/elbow/wrist/hand/finger involvement with RA that I can't count on being able to push my own chair.)

Do you have a preference?

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

I really don't know. That's part of the reason I haven't done anything yet -- I think I'm still in the "mull it over and wait for my subconscious to tell me what it wants" stage.

I suspect what I need most is a scooter, because for short things I can walk. The ability to walk will probably keep me from getting very good at wheelchair use. I just won't be that kind of fit. Then when I want to go to a mall and spend two hours moving around, I'll need the electric assist.

What *kind* of scooter is still a big question. Maybe I don't need much stability. I'd love it to be even more light weight than yours; I have NO upper body strength! :-/ Need research.