Next time, give up sooner

Yesterday I tried to get up the step ladder to replace a burnt out light bulb in the overhead kitchen fixture. The problem I have with the arthritis in my knees is that I can bend the knees, albeit painfully, but straightening them while bearing weight? So. Not. Happening. But I thought, if I could just figure out a way to get one foot onto the step, straighten that leg and then lever myself up, I might have a chance. This is how I get up steps these days.

I tried, and I could not figure out any way to manage it. I finally had to call the neph, who was happy to stop by on his way home from work and take care of it for me (added bonus was getting to see him, of course. I don't seem to cross paths with him often these days).

The pain from trying to climb that ladder stayed with me. I did nothing else yesterday, but today I really needed to get to the big grocery to buy cat food on sale. It took me all day to persuade myself to go, but I did.

Now I have the stabby, shooting pains back. And getting into the car after walking around pushing the shopping cart made my leg muscles cramp. Which was a remarkably challenging way to drive home!

So yeah. I keep having to relearn that when the knees say OW! I should pay attention.