Getting In & Getting Out
- Okay smarty-pants.
One of the hardest things to do when you have multiple sclerosis is..
“Climbing stairs?”
No.
“Buttoning a shirt?
Naa.
“Putting on socks & shoes during leg spasms?
Close.
For me, one of the hardest things to do, being blessed with MS, is getting into and getting out of a motor vehicle.
Talk about putting a square peg into a round hole. “Let’s squeeze a stiff, six-foot tall mannequin into a four-foot opening.”
Oh, funny.
No, it’s not that bad. But now I know how Dumbo must feel!
(Although, from this angle, it IS about actual size.)
Small cars tend to be a little easier.
Like my Honda Fit.
Nice and low. I can simply open the door and fall into the seat.
Of course getting in or out always requires me to lift my dead legs into or out of the car.
(As time & my MS advances, I find myself lifting my legs more than a male dog in a hydrant factory.)
I say small cars tend to be easier—but who the hell drives a small car besides me and the clowns from the Ringling Brothers circus!
Everyone drives big, honking SUV’s and Minivans nowadays.
Getting into these bigger vehicles proves to be more of a height challenge.
“Stepping up” is easier said than done.
Luckily, I’m tall enough to get a portion of a butt cheek on the seat & can pull myself inside.
Then of course is the ceremonial “lifting of the legs” to complete the transfer.
“Danger, Will Robinson!”
The fun ensues when the exertion triggers spasms in my right leg.
At that point, I am unable to lift, move or bend my leg at all.
Recently, a family member thought he could “muscle” my leg-o-steel. He struggled with all his might to bend my leg. I simply smiled. knowing he was fighting a losing battle till the spasm retreated!
Right.
My thoughts exactly!
It’s the little things affected by MS that drives me nuts.
Getting in & out of a car seems simple enough. But throw in a few brain lesions and it’s a whole new ballgame!
Have a safe ride, good buddy.
4 Replies to “Getting In & Getting Out”
Oh, I’m going to try that “just strap me to the roof” idea. I don’t find getting in as hard as getting out. I just sorta fall in, and hope my butt and legs are safely inside, before the door slams. Getting out is a different story. I can handle about a 10 minute ride before I stiffen up like a board. Anything over that time requires a lot of lifting, prying, grasping and groaning to get out.
Oh, this is so familiar! I really struggle anymore as I get into cars. I’ve tried so many maneuvers, and I still have problems.
Peace,
Muff
Karen,
I’m right there with you. Riding in a car kills me.
Being strapped to the roof is OK, but you must keep your mouth closed on account of getting bugs in your teeth.
Muff,
Yeah, it may be a struggle, but you gotta keep fighting the fight!
You go girl.
This is when you need a hover craft like the jetsons, one that picjs you up at the door with easy access and positioning. Sending light, olivia