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I'm Walking . . .

That headline or title would not be emblazoned across many publications or blogs - but for me, it's headline-grabbing-neon-blazing news!

I have, of course, wonderful Wally to thank for the new-found opportunity to lace up those walking shoes. And walk we do - I've taken him around the block a couple times a day since Sunday. For four years now, that was a feat unimagined. I call it my Igor Shuffle - it's not pretty to watch or to personally experience; my left leg and foot drag especially after much effort. So, it's become easier to not make the exertion. And there are the falls, or trips, as I'm walking- and they're not only bruising but embarrassing. Like the time the nice, little old lady asked me if I needed help after a particularly public fall. It's like the chicken and the egg - which came first - the tripping or the fear of walking? Or should I say, fear of falling.

I digress. (So what's new!!!).

In addition to our new puppy, I think I have to also thank a new prescription that I take twice a day. Ampyra - it's one for people with MS that have a difficult time walking. I begrudgingly thank any pharmaceutical (that's a blog for another day!), but I have truly noticed a difference. I may still shuffle, but it doesn't make me feel like I'm going to topple at any moment. If I'm tripping on my walks these days it's because Wally and I are both just learning to take walks! I imagine we're comical to watch - me Igor-shuffling along with a clumsy, big-pawed puppy. You have my permission to imagine that picture of klutziness and to laugh. I do!

I didn't really realize the improvement until I took Wally to the dog park this morning. The terrain is uneven and covered in sticks, twigs and fallen leaves. I would have fallen for sure in weeks past - but I noticed I could relatively easily navigate, even with the klutzy puppy running alongside, other dogs running around and the wind gusting at 40+mph. I noticed the difference only in hindsight and felt a rush of joy. Yippee, I'm walking!!! It may not be very fast or very pretty - but I'm walking!!!!!

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