January 07, 2009
Workplace Education
Shortly after I started my new position, I realized that my colleagues might be wondering about the strange beeping noises sometimes emanating from my office. The co-workers in my former division had grown largely accustomed to my vent's assorted alarms in the seven years I had worked there, but my new associates are still getting to know me and my many quirks. I sent out a brief e-mail explaining my vent beeps when the tube is disconnected from me and is usually no cause for concern. I also pointed out that disconnecting me from the vent is a quick and efficient way to silence me, should they feel so inclined.
In time, I might teach a few of them to drive my wheelchair. My standard response to people who get nervous about crashing me or similarly unjustified fears: "Take a good look at me. You're going to have to try really hard to mess me up any further."
Posted by wintermute2_0 at January 7, 2009 07:35 PM
Comments
I could never get the hang of James' wheelchair his was controlled by him puffing or sucking on a straw and he used his head to hit the headrest to change modes like to recline his chair... that chair weighed a ton and I was always watching my toes to be sure I had them out of the way... his vent (he weaned himself off of it) was a noisy critter but the cough assist was the hardest thing for most of his staff to deal with... they just had a hard time getting the sequence... he woudl get frustrated and I am sure scared (though he would never admit that) but not being able to breath scares the fire out of me.... so ... anyway back to my question of the day... James could not talk when on the vent only when off it... are you able to vocalize at all?
I do bet that you can be a lot of fun to work with ... nursing and office folks...
have a great day Laura
Posted by: Laura at January 7, 2009 11:35 PM