Since last November/December my legs have become weaker. I just can't do as much as I used to and need lots of breaks between tasks. It is rare that I can make it through a full grocery shopping trip and DBF has been great about doing it.

Monday, I really wanted to go to Target. I needed some things that I know are cheaper at Target. DD21 loves to shop and I asked her to take me. She was hesitant as she knows from past experience that within 10 to 15 minutes, I need to leave to sit down. I really, really wanted to do this so I told her I would use the scooter at Target. I just wanted to feel some normalcy as I get tired of not being able to do some of this stuff. I have never felt disabled enough to use the scooters at the store and what if someone worse off than me came in and needed one and I was using it. (I know, this is one aspect of my denial, which I'm an expert at, but trying to change that.)

Well, I did it. I used the scooter at Target and it was AWESOME!!! It made the trip much more enjoyable and, more importantly, I was able to get the groceries that are cheaper there as well as other things we needed. Yeah, I banged in to a bunch of stuff, mostly the display cases, almost hit an employee on a step stool as I was turning a corner (he got a kick out of it and was laughing and told me how to turn corners with the scooter), and got stuck on a clothes rack, but hey I was a new driver behind the wheel.

I feel like I got some freedom back. I still may need helping getting to the store but at least I know I can make it through a whole shopping trip by using the scooter. No more being stubborn about it. I'm going to use the scooter next time.

Yes, the Scooters in the Store are Fantastic! I have been using them for about a year now and I am in much better shape after shopping. If I realize I forgot something on the other side of the Store it is no effort to go get it.

Great for you Trish. I went thru the deniel bit too. Started with just my cane and grocery cart, then used my seat walker with basket, then once in awhile the riding carts....then, got my own minivan with side lift for scooter and was in 7th heaven, until I had to stop driving..

But I fought the progression with every breath and was totally shocked at how good I felt after using each upgraded devise..

Thanks you guys! This was a huge step for me. I keep thinking that my leg(s) will get better. And they are but very slowly. I can now push the brake in the car with a little more confidence. But, if I add in driving to the store, shopping, and driving home with out using the scooter, I may just end up sitting in the car not able to get home. The scooters at the store will help with that. I realized that the other day and know that when full use of my right leg comes back, I will be ok. (Well, maybe that's another denial thing but the 1 year mark is coming up and I have my fingers crossed that I will have most, if not all, of my strength back in that leg.)

My cane frustrates the heck out of me when shopping. And doesn't seem to help much when my legs feel stiff and/or weak. I mostly use the cane for balance purposes. I have never tried a rollator but that may be something I need to consider as they do have the seat on them. Then I can putt-putt, sit; putt-putt, sit; putt-putt, sit, etc. through the grocery store.

Exactly!!

When I used to have my relapses from he!! (knock on wood). I would have to be pushed in a W/C in a store or use the store scooter.

I often wondered why they made the scooters so big and the aisles so small? I took down many a grocery display or got tied up in the Wal Mart clothes racks. If I needed something I had to just scoot in that aisle for it and if things went boom...it wasn't my fault.

They are great to use but hard to drive, IMO. Then they have some center poles in an aisle, and you can't get down it. They make aisles for their store basket shoppers only. They can get more merchandise to display in small aisles.

So the store workers have to hang up the clothes I knock down.

When I had knee surgery from a fall, eons ago, I used the scooter then too. Crutches are for short distance only and no basket to carry stuff in.
Scooters are great when you need them.

My cane frustrates me, too. You know what my main reason is for carrying it when I go out? So people won't think I'm drunk. It's hard to carry my purse and my cane. And the cane seems to just make things worse if that's possible. I finally got a cross-body purse so I took care of that problem. The cane really doesn't help with my balance issues. At least if I stumble with the cane it looks more normal.

Congratulations on using the scooter. It's a liberating feeling to finally do something you've been hesitant to do. I still haven't used a scooter at a store yet. I guess the only reason is that I hardly ever go to any store but the grocery. And there I have the cart to hold onto. Stores like Target I think I would definitely have to use the scooter.

I really think I'm ready for a Rollator. I walk so much better when I have a handle to hold onto. Maybe I'll ask for a red one for Christmas.

My mobility has decreased to the degree that last time I went to the grocery store, I had DD go in and drive the scooter to me.

I am in complete agreement that using a scooter in the grocery store is a huge advantage and I am glad you decided to give it a go. Good for you.

There is a certain feeling of freedom that you just experienced. Ironic how using a scooter is empowering.

And feeling good has healing powers too!

i'm glad you did it.
i didn't want to either but once i started i couldn't live without it.
saves so much energy. think of your "spoons".