My Osteoporosis Journey
Well! Discovering I had severe Osteoporosis wasn't quite in my life plan, but things often don't go the way we want, do they?
So there I was, having several vertebrae that fractured virtually all at the same time. (Not fun I can assure you) for me or my poor husband looking after me. I was hunched over and in constant pain, barely able to walk, and my lofty 5ft 1 became 4ft 8.
At 60 years old and still not feeling grown up (in my head) I had to shuffle along with a two wheeled walker. Outings were rare and then only to the Dr or the hospital (deep joy).
Initially I bought a heavy walker, so at least with my husband's assistance we could get out a little. That's when I encountered obstacles like kerbs, narrow pathways, people not looking where they are going, staring into their mobile phones, uneven pavements and worst of all the cambers sloping towards the road. It felt like I was trying to control a tank whilst drunk and constantly apologising to people for getting in their way (even though it was the other way round). Having to continually correct my walker was hard work.
I missed the places we used to be able to go, walking on grass, through gravel, along a bumpy track, the countryside etc, which were all inaccessible to me. I constantly searched for something better to "enable" me and found the market sadly lacking. The search for something more user friendly was to no avail, until recently.
I saw an advert quite by chance for byACRE Overland. I was intrigued by its sleek and stylish look and the brake cables being hidden within the frame. The handles face the opposite way so you walk within the walker and are soft grip. A carbon fibre frame makes them so light in comparison to standard rollators. The pneumatic tyres would be less painful on my spine when going over bumps and rough ground. Oh! and let's not forget the accessories like the weekend bag (which was my choice) easily slotting onto the walker and secured to carry my daily needs when out.
Potentially my height (or lack of it!) could be an issue. So, as an experiment my long suffering (here we go again) husband grabbed some books and plonked them on my current rollator to the height of the overland seat, to assess whether it was manageable. I tried to climb gingerly onto it (you can imagine the scene and it caused some hilarity at the time). I might add at this point no wine had been partaken of (didn't want to fall off the books). This confirmed I could safely sit on a higher seat.
I was over the moon! I hauled myself off my, at that time current walker, glared at it and got straight ahead with ordering the Overland, in midnight blue. I decided I had to have the weekend bag (I never go away anywhere but it looked trendy!). Also ordering the backrest, pump, touch up pen and small bag to match the weekend one. I was on a roll and couldn't wait for it to arrive. Then I had a glass of wine to celebrate the arrival of what promised to be possibly the best thing since sliced bread, (well in my eyes anyway).
Within 2 days it arrived. Excellent service considering we live on the Isle of Wight and things are definitely much slower here. I waited impatiently whilst my husband unpacked it, hoping this would change my life for the better.
Well! I wasn't disappointed and started to feel immediately how I was able to stand straighter and felt steadier. Maneuvering was so easy, unlike anything I had tried before. My gait improved considerably within a very short time. Up and down kerbs, no problem, sitting, doing "a little salsa" to get on was easy. Feeling more confident and loving this beautiful piece of engineering named Flash by my husband.
I need to sit down regularly, but the enjoyment in going out more is amazing. I want to go, rather than feeling I have to for fresh air and exercise. My first little trip was by an old mill we used to walk to which, in places was pretty lumpy. I sat down many times then got up and carried on feeling daring and not afraid I might stumble or fall. We sat and had a hot drink. The sun was shining and the seat was very comfortable, perfect.
Second trip was to the local seafront which, although rather bumpy ground, I didn't feel it. The tyres absorbed the vibration and I seemed to glide along, we were walking as one. Huge difference to me huffing and puffing with my old walker.
Then I had an email from Assist Mobility regarding the Ultralight. Well, I will just have a look out of interest (husband rolls his eyes at me). I don't need another one, just browsing. My eyes locked on to the beautiful morning blue and I was lost. I had to have it. That lovely sky colour how could I refuse. So, then there were two.
Flash (Gordon) has a girlfriend called Dale (Arden). Now I had a name for the Ultralight too. She is beautiful and oh so dainty, lets me get around my garden easily and safely. Around the block for a not so quick spin but a comfortable and more upright spin. My spine is thanking me. We just glide along without a hitch. Resting when I need to not feel uncomfortable about having to stop and I can show her off wherever I go.
I find I have started matching my clothes to suit her colour, definitely good for my morale. Walking proudly out, look at me, trendy walker, feeling more like my old self than I have in a long time.
The Overland is my workhorse he eats up bumpy ground and enables me to go to places I was unable to access. Not held my dogs leads in years, even managed a little walk (they are rather active so not for too long). Hubby was standing by and taking the picture. I would never have had the confidence to do that before until I got my overland.
The Ultralight is my companion for day to day use, going to the shops, out to eat, knowing I can sit comfortably on my own seat (most seats in eating places are either far too low or too hard for my delicate spine).
I have never posed for a picture with my walking aids until now. I just want to show them off. Well! who wouldn't, they are so easy on the eye for us people who need that extra help to enjoy getting out or around the house more easily. Do it with a bit of flair I say.
Each day I want to get out there and explore. Both I am now able to take out of the front door without help. The little bit of independence this gives me is a "high five" as is every little thing that I am now enabled to do. A huge difference to my ability and my life that I never expected.
Here's to many more, what to some may seem like small adventures but they mean the world to me. I must last, but not least mention the UK supplier Assist Mobility. Their customer service is second to none. Nothing is too much trouble. Well done five star service every time.
Learn More About my Rollators
Keen to learn more about Flash and Dale?
About the Author
Louise Vine
Louise is a resilient and spirited Isle of Wight resident who transformed her experience with severe osteoporosis into an inspiring journey of adaptation and newfound independence.