NewToThis

In 2007, I began exploring the virtual world of Second Life. During my exploration of it, I met someone who was trying to give people who were facing callenges in their real life, a support place in Second Life. It interested me because I have an autistic son and thought he might be able to safely get out and learn to interact with others in SL. It didn’t turn out to work well for my son since he still has difficulty communicating, especially in typed words and he runs at a totally higher rate of speed. Still, I joined what became Virtual Ability before it was named Virtual Ability and incorperated as a non-profit. As a volunteer, I began managing a virtual apartment complex which I still do today. I didn’t in the beginning think of myself as handicapped. That is no longer the case. The effects of years of having a chronic disease, accumulated damage of treatments and ordinary aging have made me realize that I, like many others am handicapped. I am better than I was when I became very ill in 2016, but the term “recovered” escapes me. I am better than I was, but I don’t believe I will ever be fully recovered. I have come a long way. I am no longer in a wheelchair. I have a new hip joint and am able to go for a 30 minute walks using only a cane. Second Life and Virtual Ability help me get out of the house when it is difficult to get out of the house and be with other people. http://www.virtualability.org I can go there and walk about, dance with friends and even fly. If you are someone who finds themselves isolated in real life, it might be worth having a look,

Since I have had my total hip replacement and cataract surgery, I can both see and get around a bit better. I have progressed until I no longer need to take a walker with me to get to a doctors apointment. Mostly I get around with only a cane and hobble a bit with nothing. The restrictions relating to how far I am allowed to bend my new hip joint have been relaxed. My endurance and my balance seem to be the limiting factors at this time.

When you are stuck in a bed and connected to IVs, monitors and oxygen, most everything is out of reach. If the doorway is open, noise is distracting and the probability of someone walking in while you are using the urenal is more likely. This promotes the posting of grumpy old men on their blogs.

Ripping out the tub and putting in a walk-in shower. I miss soaking in a warm tub, but I don’t miss slipping falling trying to get out.

How do you get around when you find your wheelchair is already in use?

I am also dealing with being old. Phrases like, “I can always” and “someday” bother me. I know that I am running out of somedays. This blog is about physical limitations and mental adjustments.

Though I have worked in Second Life tht have have various challenges in Real life, I didn’t consider that I was handicapped until the last few years. Now that I can’t just go for a walk without a walker and typically use a wheelchair around the house, I realize that I have crossed the threshold. I don’t mean to whine about this, but I am discovering the limitations and how important accessiblity is.