Spouses (husbands and wives) who don't respect the other's request for any kind of aid - whether a walk aid or just anything to make life easier - are, in my humble opinion, very insensitive.

I would never begin to tell someone else what they did or didn't need. If my husband were still alive I would hope to goodness that he would be understanding enough to realize that I KNOW WHAT I NEED.

Not trying to sound harsh here but good grief. We have enough to deal with just having this disease without having to explain ourselves to others when we need assistance.

OK - off my sopapbox and going to find the ice cream!

So what's his suggestion? What does he propose that you do?

Too bad he cant do a day or two in an MS body and then decide what's needed and not needed.

This is the probem with the invisible symptoms. People dont realize how bad they can be sometimes.

Well since I don't have MS (at least not yet ) he doesn't think I need anything, I'm "fine". He doesn't think I NEED the shopping cart when we go to Target to get just 3 things.

in October of 2006 the doctore ordered a scooter for my husband, the INSURANCE Company deemed that THEY thought he didn't need one!! Therefore they said he wasn't getting one.

In January 2007 I found a scooter, used, with several accessories, and a ramp and electric hoist, all for $500.....the lady was understanding and let us make payments on it, it was basically new, needed batteries, but that was no big deal. Original cost with all the goodies was $6800....this scooter even has changeable baskets, one is the standard one that would maybe hold a purse and water bottle, the other is about 2/3rds the size of the ones on the mart carts at walmart! (I had made three regular payments, and then a lump sum final payment when we had a minor windfall, the lady who was so sweet to us, passed away about two weeks after I paid it off.)

Anyhow, to make a long story short, about six weeks after we got this used scooter, the medical supply place called and asked if we would be home the next day, they had a delivery to make....the long awaited for scooter that the doctor had ordered. We decided to keep the used one, I have good days where I walk for all my shopping, and I do need the exercise, but I have that occasional bad day with sciatica that the scooter has been a life saver and I am grateful we decided to keep it. Everyone and their brother said we should sell it, so I didn't become "dependent on it"....it is there if and when I NEED it, I don't use it anymore than I absolutely have too....but it is a comfort to know I won't have to wait for my non-existant insurance company to tell me NO....hubby has insurance through his SSDI and for me to get insurance, the state wants my whole retirement check and part of hubby's disabilty to cover me....ain't gonna happen, so I just don't dare get sick!

You have MS-like symptoms, and if you think you need the help of a shopping cart or a rollator, you should be allowed to use one.

Dear Julie, I think I understand your dilemma.

I personally agree with your hubby. Please don't shoot the messenger!!

I think it's a tad early to be thinking scooters when you're still struggling for a diagnosis, and I do understand heaps of the *carp* that you've been going through.

My suggestion (for what it's worth) is to stick with the stroller for a little while longer. Put smallest DD's favourite dolly or teddy in there and push the stroller just the same. You can always bluff your way out of that one, but mostly people who look, just smile then look away.

You may need to tell DD that Mom wants to bring dolly, or teddy, along today (or whatever), but I'm sure you could get away with that story for a while anyway.

That would at least give you and DH breathing space, and more time to see what nasties your symptoms have in store for you.

I do wish you luck, and hope you get some answers soon.

I think it's high time for another baby.

Cherie

Why do you need a dx to need a scooter - or any walk aid for that matter? Lots of people are undiagnosed but need the extra help for balance or weakness.

Just wondering why you think she needs an official dx to need an aid? (asking nicely!!)

Are you going to come take care of it?