Going out for first time ...

[LizPetillo]

Okay .. wish me luck.  I'm REALLY going out of the house for the first time since this hit eight months ago.  Yes .. I've been to the doctors office and in the car to drop my daughter off at school.  I did a wheelchair pushed thing at the art museum for a couple of hours this summer.  But today, for the first time, I'm going to go SHOPPING.  I'm going to the Peddlers Village just north of Philly.  It's 70 shops all outdoors.  It will mean walking.  (and taking lots of breaks).  It will mean having to be near their restaurants and smelling all the foods I can no longer eat.  It will mean watching people eat chocolates and drink hot chocolate and coffee ... which we can't do anymore.  it will mean LOTS OF GERMS, but I hope that because it's outside mostly that the fresh air will carry germs away.  It will mean sore legs, numb feet and burning muscles and/or tendons in the heels/ankles.   I can't tell you how big a deal this is for me.  I'm scared to death of the germs and I still cry sometimes when I smell or see the foods that I can no longer have.  I'm giving it a try because it's 'christmassy' and I want my husband and daughter to have an outting.   I'm excited .. but scared.  I hope I'm not making a mistake.  I guess I'll know the answer to that in a day or two .... 

[Suzie]

I hope you had a lovely time and that this is the start of regular jaunts out into the "real world" for you.

Fingers crossed that you'll suffer no ill effects, but if you do the psychological boost from being out will carry you through any pain or exhaustion.

Good luck!

Suzie

[navydad]

You can do it kiddo

[Shani]

Oh Liz, you are such a sweetheart!
Risking all that just to be able to spend time with your hubby and daughter.
Bless you heart hun.

I really hope you won't be feeling too bad after you get back home from shopping.
Please enjoy yourself and have a great time.

I also haven't went shopping for months, so I know how scary it is.
Because you can suddenly get really unwell, or get a lot of pain in your feet, legs.

I finally decided to give it a shot and went out with my mom to go Christmas shopping a few weeks ago.
I didn't walk although, mom suggested to take a wheelchair so I wouldn't get too tired.

And I must say it was the best decision I have ever made and I had a lot of fun!

What I am trying to say is, if I managed to do it-
Then you can TOO.

Just take frequent breaks if you have to and don't overdo yourself.
Let us know how it went.

(( Gentle hugs ))

[ohiolady]

Good for you, Liz.  I remember when I first got sick and wondered if I'd ever be able to do anything fun again.  It is a great feeling to rejoin the world and yes you can do this.  You may be exhausted, but it will help you get over your fear of getting out and doing some things with your family.  I've watched your posts since you first came on the forum.  And, I knew you would eventually get to this place.

Take care and let us know how the day went.

Anna

[tomsmom]

I really hope you enjoy yourself today.  I'm happy you've decided to really get out.  Get lots of rest when you get home.  I look forward to reading about your day.

[Cinnamon Girl]

you can do it....I hope it is fun for you ...

[Carebear]

Hey Liz,

Sounds like you have a wonderful day planned.  Enjoy it.  You and your family deserve it.

[flutterfly]

LIZ~ i hope u can manage ta keep a smile!!!  if not u can borrow 1 of mine...@ least til' u get home!!! 

i have been agoraphic (hermit) since 2002...didn't go outa house 4 sheer fear of the outside world!

i realize this is sumwhat different...BUT...it's still EPIC!!!

i applaud u sweets!!!

good~luck!!!

~*flutterfly...fannin' the smells away from liz's lil' nose!!!*~ 

[TanyaFromTexas]

WHOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOO

HAVE FUN!

ENJOY!

(HUGS)

[genko_b]

Hi Liz:

The only way to know is to try, isn't it? Good luck to you - everyone here knows how much courage it takes to challenge yourself like that. (Right now I'm taking a break from hanging Christmas lights.)

Take care, and let us know how you did.

Genko

[LizPetillo]

i have been agoraphic (hermit) since 2002...didn't go outa house 4 sheer fear of the outside world!

I'm not at that level .. but I am very 'germ aware' these days.  I don't want to be away from home very far and I definately don't want people in the house other than my family.   Before this hit I was always going on day trips with my family and doing things.  We were never here.  Now I'm stuck inside .. afraid of germs and afraid to be away from my own fridge that has the little bit of food I can stomach.  This is so opposite of who I really am (or who I really was).  I used to go everywhere .. all the time ... UGH!

OKAY .. results so far .... yesterday went well.  My legs were drained and my achillies heels (spelling?) hurt.  I couldn't eat anything and everyone around me was eating chocolates and pastries and drinking hot apple cider or hot chocolate ... I got sad when I saw the food but I managed not to cry (hard to do).  I did it and my family had fun.  Now it'll be a day or two until we know if I caught anything.  It was in the open air so I'm hoping that helps with the germs ....

I haven't flaired .. (yet??)
Keeping my fingers crossed.

[Suzie]

Yay! You did it! With all the pain and deprivations you have to handle from your body, this is surely a magnificent achievement.

[Shani]

-Claps hands- Yay Liz!

I hope you enjoyed it and I'll pray for no flare-up, aswell for the pain to ease soon.
Get plenty of rest now and good job to you. 

[Meld256]

Yeah, Liz!!

You did it!  I hope you enjoyed yourself too, as well as your family. I'm guessing they were thrilled to have you along.

Keep positive thoughts, dear. You made it so it should be clear sailing.
Melinda