Hi,

I kept checking out this thread and even though I'm a newbie here, I wanted to share my thoughts-Ive been a little nervous, especially to a wise elder.

I can still walk without something, but after my first relapse, started to use a cane to reserve energy. After my second relapse, my doctor told me to never leave the house without it, occasionally in the house I forget where I put it or walk a little without it, but there is always a wall or furniture I can put my hand on. I have a lot more fatigue and pain. Within the past year, I have made friends with another mser-she's had it over 21 years and uses a walker and a scooter and occasionally a wheelchair. She uses the scooter primarily outside and takes it apart and puts in her car. She's now lives by herself and is very independent.

Anyway, I'm rambling. She talked me into using a walker and a scooter. I use the walker more in the house-especially carrying things. I don't use it a lot-but when I do, I really notice the difference. My son and I went to vote, it was his first time. We took my walker and he pulled me backwards as the line moved and I conserved my energy.

My friend is a movie reviewer and she takes me too a lot of premiers for free. When we go together. She uses her scooter and I use her walker. Again, I'm less tired and I have less pain.

For longer jaunts, I use my scooter. My friend taught me how to take hers apart and put it in the car, so by the time I got mine, I had no problem. I still walk with a cane more. I don't use the chairs in stores unless I'm going to be in there for awhile.

It's a long process. I'm weaker on my left side and I still haven't found the right combo of meds for the pain-I've maxed out on most of them, but my friend was right-utilize the equipment that's out there, that's what they are there for. I don't use them enough. It took me a long time to even ask for a handicapped parking tag.

It's the stigma of using all of this stuff, but they do "work" for you when you do use them and they make a difference.

I know this just repeats what the others have said, but I kept on coming back to this thread and I wanted to share my thoughts and experiences. Hope this helps.

Pat
Dx in 8/05, on copaxone since then. Officially rrms, but I think I'm spms. My doctor doesn't want to change it, mostly for insurance reasons