I'm elderly, with multiple medical conditions that make breathing difficult. I live in apartments and the mailboxes are around 425 feet away, making it an 850+ foot round trip. I haven't walked to my mailbox myself in over 2 years, maybe 3.
(I have a friend who drives up a few times a year to get stuff, and the post office people are incredibly understanding. Not close to my neighbors, some of whom are as sick as I am.)
Today my breathing was a lot better for some reason. On impulse I got up, grabbed my walker, and went and got my mail. For the first time in years. It took me a while, and I had to stop and sit on my walker for a while and breathe. But I did it.
Just wanted to tell someone.
ETA: Thank you so much, everyone, for all your encouragement. I really didn't expect much response and was actually afraid of attracting trolls, lol.
Seriously, tho, I've been so embarrassed at not being able to get my own mail. It sounds like a silly thing, and for so long I've kept thinking I'm just lazy or being dramatic. But doing this yesterday honestly made me feel more hopeful than I have in a long time, and I'm so grateful that so many people have understood that and been encouraging. Thank you again!
That's fantastic! Congrats!
Thx!
This is making me cry. My granny who just passed had Parkinson’s. She tried to keep her mobility for as long as she could so her getting up and walking to the bathroom (assisted) was a major accomplishment. What maybe a minor mindless thing to some is a major achievement to others!! I’m so proud of you and congratulations!!
I'm so sorry about your grandmother. I'm not that bad yet but I live alone so I'm sometimes afraid to push myself. I've been having some good days lately, tho, and I'm going to try to continue.
You can also sign up for informed delivery. They send you pics of your mail. If nothing but junk, no need to go to mailbox.
That’s fantastic, though! You did it!
I'm so relieved that I could.
That’s great!
Tx for the encouragement.
An internet stranger is proud of you! ;D
Much appreciated.
This is so beautiful. I'm proud of you, you should be proud of yourself. Well done🖤
Thanks!
Ohhhh, wow!
Yes, wow. :D
That's awesome! Go you!
Woohoo! ;D
Well done!
Silly, but I feel kinda proud so thanks!
I use a cane, walker, collaborative or a wheelchair, depending on the day & arthritis levels to get around.
Going that far with a walker is a BIG F-ing DEAL.
Pain is so hard to deal with. I use a rollator so that when I do run out of breath I can sit for a while. But in your case I'm betting even standing is sometimes an issue. That's rough.
Yep, my knees & right hip suuuckk.
Just what you don't need for standing and walking. /s Do you have a motorized wheelchair? I'm thinking a hoverround wouldn't give enough support?
I use them at grocery stores.
A neighbor down the street has one and I admit I feel a twinge of jealousy when I see her, hair & scarf blowing as she rides down the road.
Hope you can get one one day. With flames painted on the sides and a boom box!
That is so fantastic! You did it!
Yayyy!!!! So proud of you!!! 💖💖
Thanks!
That’s amazing! As a person with severe asthma I know how difficult it can be to breathe somedays. You did an amazing job maybe this means you can do it again soon. You are amazing!
This is awesome! I hope you can continue making progress!
Fingers crossed, thx!
I love this! Great job, and yes, keep moving whenever you can.
Good advice, thx.
That's awesome! I hope you feel great
I'm crying reading this!!! I am so damn proud of you!!!! Way to go!!!!
That’s wonderful!!♥️
Congrats! That’s a great accomplishment!:)
Congratulations!!!!
Thx so much.
I am so happy for you! Nice work!
That’s incredible! I’m so proud of you of you and you’re doing great as you are. Hoping to see you pleased with the outcome when you share to your friend. Pls keep us posted with your progress of walking anytime ((:
Love this for you 🥰🫶🏽💕
Good job! I’ll bet it felt great!
Go you. Glad you didn't let your health beat you.
That’s amazing! You noticed your breathing was better and went for it! I bet that felt great! 💕👏
How you going?
Oh wow! Congratulations. I have similar issues and tried to walk into a grocery store to get one thing. Wiped me out for days. I am so happy for you that you were able to make the walk. Keep up challenging yourself and celebrate every time you can do something that seems like no big deal to others
Fantastic achievement!! Great work being brave and persistent and dedicated! I hope your ability to breathe and to walk under your own power becomes more easeful and recurrent! Well done!!
how amazing!! well done, that is incredible. sending hugs!!
Congratulations! Good days (or even moments) can be so rare, and sometimes you just have to take advantage of them.
Congratulations on your trek!
This is great!
I'm so happy for you
Congrats!! Happy you got to experience that.
This is fantastic!
This is wonderful!
Onwards and upwards OP.
Congratulations! This is wonderful!
Congratulations.
My nanny whom I loved more than anything passed last year from surgery complications, but she’d been dealing with COPD for about 8 years before that and it was becoming very difficult for her to do simple tasks, including cooking—which she loved. It is very important to move as much as you possibly can inside your home; even 10-30 steps every half hour makes a difference in extending your abilities as long as possible.
I’m so glad you accomplished this task!
I’m so proud of you!!!
So proud of you! Thank you for sharing your successes!!!
I’m proud of you!