Lessons Learned

Today is Day One of AIDS Lifecycle, the fundraising event where a couple thousand cyclists ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles over seven days.

Jerry and I did this ride on our tandem numerous times, and I learned so much on this ride, mostly about myself, but I also learned a few practical things.

Some of my most valuable lessons came from Butt Clinic. Until I got a new saddle and a really good bike fit I spent years suffering chafing and blistering, so thank goodness for Butt Clinic.

My most memorable Butt Clinic was when Dr. Eric Goosby, who was Pres. Clinton's AIDS Czar, treated me. Well, I mean it was cool that it was Eric Goosby, but perhaps even more important, he introduced me to Tegaderm. That stuff is incredible! It is a thin, clear bandage that protects skin, but since it's clear you can still see what's going on.

Which brings us to today. Finally, the blisters on my residual leg are gone, but I'm left with some scabs from the blisters that opened. I'm thinking, it has been two weeks not being able to wear my prosthesis, and while the blisters are gone, the skin is still comprimised. Do I need to wait until it is completely healed?

And then I remembered Tegaderm. I sent Jerry to the pharmacy to get some. He covered the scabs and we gave the leg a try.

I stood and did some walking down the fourth floor hall. I didn't want to push my luck so I kept the session relatively short, about a half hour. When I took off the prosthesis and liner everything looked fine.

I will do some walking again tomorrow, and I will see if I can get a physical therapy appointment later in the week.

This, along with going to an BARCS adoption event made my day. What could be better than cuddling kittens, petting dogs, and getting out of the damn wheelchair after two weeks that felt like an eternity.

And while I still can't bear weight on my right arm, it is getting stronger, so once I can fully use it again, I will make even more progress with walking.

Yup, once again, life is good.