Sunday, February 22, 2026 – Day 548

Sunday, February 22, 2026

Good morning, everyone.

Well, my stubbornness caught up with me this past week. I suppose it was inevitable.

At the ALS clinic, Diane—the PT I’ve been seeing over the past year—has been encouraging me to wear my AFOs around the house. The AFOs provide ankle support and help prevent my foot from flopping. They work really well. Unfortunately, my feet have been swollen lately, and I can’t get them into my shoes with the devices on. Since I’m in a wheelchair full-time, I hadn’t been too concerned about wearing them.

Diane and I debated how I prefer to perform my transfers versus how she wants me to do them. I drew a line in the sand, and she said I wasn’t willing to compromise. Eventually, as the discussion went on—and with safety being the driving concern—I conceded and promised to wear the AFOs in the house, once I have new shoes.

Then, Thursday night, I was transferring from my power chair to the stair lift when my left leg gave out, sending me toward the floor. It was a hard landing onto the wood floor A quick check revealed only some pain and light bruising. I lucked out again—missed the furniture, missed the wall corner. It could’ve been much worse.

Cindy helped get me settled into a comfortable position, placing towels under me to cushion my bony frame. Then she called Barb and Mark for more muscle. It took all three of them to position me so I could walk myself—while they lifted me—up a couple of stairs and onto the stair lift, my intended destination. I From there, straight to bed and safely tucked in for the night.

That fall shook my confidence. Since then, I’ve waited for help with all transfers. More limitations on my independence.

By the way, Diane—you were right. You warned me I’d fall during a transfer if I didn’t wear the AFO’s. It was indeed my left ankle that gave way.

Have a restful Sunday.
Love you guys! ❤️

Random photo of my sister Maria and her husband Pete finding things as they unpack all their stuff that’s been in storage for 20 years.