Snow – one of those words that us RSDers dread. Already frozen limbs somehow manage to get colder; heck you could even keep the milk cool on them! So with travel chaos, panic buying and Schools that can’t decide whether to open or close I expect you think I’m going to say how much I hate it all. After all not only do we require more layers and more heating than your average person but crutches, as far as I know, are yet to be given an ‘off road’ makeover. While walking in fresh snow with them is possible to get about, once it starts to compact and melt you’d be risking limbs to attempt going across it. However when it comes to snow I love it, yes you did read right I LOVE THE SNOW!!! Bring it on, the deeper the better as far as I’m concerned.
I’ve always liked snow and pre RSD I would go out with my family for long walks in it enjoying how spectacular the scenery look coated in white. Yes my pain levels are horrendous and I’m maxing out the meds so much my Pharmacist has trouble keeping up with me it but it still hasn’t dampened my enthusiasm.
Coping with the practicalities of day to day life has been made somewhat easier over recent years. The advent of supermarket delivery vans (well worth the delivery charge in my view) and home delivery from Pharmacies has made life a little easier for those with restricted mobility in inclement weather. If you’re as lucky as me to have family nearby then it’s possible to cope with most things this cold spell throws up. The biggest risk for all us is, of course, cabin fever. Days spent locked up with family when you’re used to having some peace and quiet during the day can be, well, frustrating. Mix that with less sleep and more pain it can make life – how can I put it – interesting to say the least. Take yesterday, Mum decided to go into tidy up hyper drive and we nearly ended up throttling each other over a box of soft toys! Ok you can stop laughing now.
Then of course it’s what to do, snowed in, huddled up in duvets and heat blankets. Housework? No fear, not when the RSD is working overtime! So I rely on the mainstays of modern life: PCs, a WII, and a DS that kind of thing, there is however one thing that keeps my sanity in this household. My room. My TV. Yes, Yes I know there’s absolute rubbish on it but it’s my inner sanctum. My space. I’m always a great advocate of the Continental siesta and in this kind of weather I’m even more inclined to partake. Propped up on pillows (who has room for a fella in bed these days), dosed up and zoned out.
So, I say, enjoy the snow while it’s here. After all we don’t get it very often, remember the fun you had as kid building all those very strange looking snowmen and scoring a direct hit on your best friend head with a well timed snowball, savour the quiet that a good covering brings to your neighbourhood and laugh heartily when the neighbour pours boiling water on his windscreen……………
Claire Fearne