Pete this is going to surprise you but in many ways I totally agree with your thoughts in this matter. I have always pushed myself harder than most, its a character flaw I suppose lol. But, you know I feel like this, I can sit on my behind all day and do nothing but feel sorry for myself, wallow in self pity or tell myself oh no, I can't do that, I have CP or I have this or I have that. Well, I choose not to do that. I want some kind of a life and I am the only that can make that life. Oh hell yes, I do many things I shouldn't, that human nature. But, I do try to be careful enough that I don't further an injury.
I spent one year in bed and I swore after that never again, I did not care if I had to crawl, I would never get down in a bed again. Maybe thats why I have my days and nights mixed up, I have not slept in a bed in over a year lol. Instead of letting my short comings work against me, I work with them and around them. Learning to pace ourselves is one of the most difficult things I ever had to learn, but the payoff is tremendous. Diversion is another great tactic, I guess most of all its not letting it get the best of you.
I think its wonderful you got in your car and took off. You did the right thing, you slapped your collar on, probably drove a little too long every day, but you dealt with it. You are right, it did make you feel younger, you did not imagine that either. I am in the process of putting a small trip together and going to visit my sister now thats it cooler. She is only 2 1/2 /3 hrs away and my oxygen tank wil last if I turn the setting down. She is oxygen too so I can fill er up when I get there lol. I use liquid oxygen, I think she does too, but I also think she uses a concentrater at night and I don't, I use the liquid tank.
Glad you are home safe, remember try to pace yourself on the barn. If you can get someone to be around and do your ladder work, you really should stay off a ladder.