Case study 4

On arrival at INPUT, I was dependent on two sticks and a wheelchair, was registered disabled, and unable to climb stairs. I had so many small goals to aim for when I left INPUT, that I made gains daily for a considerable time – each one representing another step towards independence e.g. walking to the post box, preparing and cooking a meal unaided etc. One of my greatest fears had been using public transport on my own, so my first one-stop bus ride was a huge achievement.

I concentrated on daily targets, and structured my day around exercises, small tasks around the house, planning and preparing manageable meals, a daily walk and a weekly swim. Having not had ‘proper’ holidays for five years, it was momentous to go to Holland and to Italy three months later – where I achieved a long-held ambition of walking unaided through soft sand, and swimming in the sea.

I gave several talks on the management of chronic pain to church groups and others using my timer for standing and sitting. I returned to Bereavement visiting which I had had to give up and returned to help at a Playgroup.

A year after leaving INPUT, I had a party celebrating my ‘new life’ and returned my wheelchair giving up my ‘disabled’ status. That meant a loss of income but the psychological boost of being considered ‘normal’ was worth it. I learnt to ride a bike, which was a notable achievement and took on a new role as a Voluntary Referrals Secretary of the Enfield Bereavement Service, working from home for between six and twelve hours per week, depending on demand.
When I was appointed a magistrate my assertiveness skills proved invaluable, as I had to explain I needed breaks for standing during long ‘sittings’. I began a three-year home study course and also became a Church Steward. A new career began for me when I was asked to become a Learning Support Assistant at a Primary School two mornings a week. To date, I work three mornings at school and at least one day a week in court. School is flexible for me to juggle my hours around long Court cases when the need arises, so that I do not ‘overdo’ in any one week. I continue to read a great deal, sing in the Church choir do a little gardening, enjoy cooking and love walking!

None of these achievements would have been possible or sustainable without the constant love and support of my family. They have been patient when I needed to work things out for myself, and let me learn from my mistakes.

They caution me gently when I start ‘burning the candle’ and are my greatest ‘reinforcers’. I have to say I love my life and would not change a thing, and perhaps that is the best ‘achievement’ of all!

Nancy Hands, attended INPUT in 1989