Frankie-me-boyo... first off:

in this politically correct world, we chair-users prefer not to be labeled as "chair bound"



Do not use "wheelchair-bound" or "confined to a wheelchair". People see their wheelchairs as a convenient mode of transportation, not prisons, and the "bound/confined" phrase belies the fact that many people with motor disabilities engage in activities without their wheelchairs, including driving and sleeping. The proper phrase is "uses a wheelchair" or "wheelchair user."

http://www.capegateway.gov.za/eng/pu...c_info/D/91149

I like to think of myself as a "user" because at this point, I need the chair only for distances over 1/4 mile cumulative.

less than that, I use bilateral AFOs, and a cane.

when I needed the chair fulltime (most of 2002), it was a sudden result of a big ol' whammy of a flare, that knocked out the use of my entire right side.

thankfully, I already had a powerchair (from previous flares), the only necessity was switching the arms, to make the joystick be on the left.

I can't tell you what to expect, because the course of MS is always different.... but I can share some tips:

one suggestion, try to get a chair before it's an absolute necessity, because then you'll have it on hand.

because sometimes the insurance approval and paperwork can take *weeks* and if you need it, you really NEED it.

I prefer a power chair because I'm very independent, and dislike being pushed.

(also, I'm a backseat driver, and a wee bit controlling, so...)



oh, and don't think of it as "succumbing" but rather, as an AID and assist to having more energy and less pain... think of a chair or cane as FREEING you to do MORE, and have a better life.

and start using the chairs at the supermarket for heaven's sake...

you will find that you can shop longer, and be less grouchy when you're done, ending up relaxed and smiling, rather than fatigued and numb and maybe even hurting.



your family NEEDS you to be the best you can be, and by allowing assistive devices (and dropkicking the selfish ego carp) your wife and kids will see more of the Frank they love.




ooops, sorry, I sound JUST like a big sister, don't I?