I think there's possibly a few things going on here, and one has to do with psychological dependance on the stroller.

Think about it . . . you've had a stroller in front of you for the last 10 - 12 yrs. I know how dependant I got on it and I only dealt with that on and off for about 5 yrs. Like the huge/handy diaper bag, it becomes a piece of us, like another arm or something.

Since you walk "very well most of the time", an electric wheelchair seems like a drastic expense for the few times you might need it (like going to the zoo, theme parks, etc.). You have 7 children to entertain though, so it's not like you can avoid these outings all the time.

You have a whole baseball-team-sized-family, and some of them (including your husband) are strong enough to push you in a manual chair, for the odd occasions you might need it. That is what we do on those occasions, or I might rent a scooter if one is available.

If it works out that you need to be pushed around a lot more then you are thinking right now, your husband will get tired of that routine pretty quick.

First though, I think it is worthwhile to try to take baby steps in ditching the stroller. I don't know how often you are using it (probably not to pop into the school to pick up the kids, or a few groceries), but maybe on those longer trips where you need to carry more things. Give the kids more responsibility for looking after their own cups and coats, and try to enjoy the freedom of not having that crutch (for as long as you can).

Cherie

That's a very good point, Cherie. I wish I could think of smart, clever responses like yours! I think we should deem you "resident next-best-thing-to-a Neurologist" here on NT!!

The only reason I don't think this is it is because I wasn't the one pushing the stroller much at all until the end of last year (when I saw I needed something to lean on). DH always pushed it when I was pregnant (which was a lot, LOL) and than the big boys fight over who is going to push the stroller after that.

If this dependance "on something to lean on" has only been going on for a few months now, how can you know already that you can't adjust to a cane, walker or scooter?

Have you been tested for strength, and are you losing any . . . or is this percieved necessity mostly about the numbness?

Although my whole body is numb much of the time, I still have only resorted to aids on a few occasions. Dragging an electric wheelchair around is a huge undertaking and expense . . .

At least you have the vehicle for it though.

To be honest, Julie, I would even attempt to look after 7 kids for a day, let alone take them out anywhere. I just simply couldn't.

Either way, you said that you walk very well most of the time, so what you need to do is isolate when you are experiencing this problem. Can you manage with another type of aid for those few occasions? Is this a short-term problem that you don't need to throw $5,000 - $10,000 at to fix? Is there another alternative?

Frankly, I wouldn't agree to that kind of expense for myself, YET, and I have struggled with walking for 5 yrs already. The problem is that more you count on these vices, the more often you will depend on them.

Cherie

Thanks.

Unfortunately, it's only because I've spent far too much time on the forums, and I can personally relate all too well to some postings . . .

May-as-well put my unpleasant experiences to some useful purpose.

Cherie

I got a cane years ago when I broke my big toe, I didn't need crushes but did need to keep most of my weight off of my right foot when I was wearing the "big ugly boot". So even than it was hard on my arm and hand to use the cane than, the fibro leaves my muscles weak.

I used a scooter when I went to the store when I had that "big ugly boot" on and my arms would hurt so bad by the time I left from holding them out to drive it.

As for the walker, I just don't want to do that at my age

No I have not been tested for strength.

I also don't want to throw $5-10K just for the once in a while thing I might, might not need a few things a month. I guess this is why I posted this thread, what else can I do?

Can your husband hold your hand when you have to do a lot of walking? Sometimes holding someone's hand will help you psychologically to feel like you're walking better. (it works for my mom some)

I know when I was dizzy last summer and going out on dates with my boyfriend I was holding his hand a lot. He thinks it's because I wanted to get closer, and that might have been part of it, but it was mostly because I was a little dizzy and wanted the support, and because he was walking too fast and I wanted him to slow down.

Sorry if I didn't express myself well Herekitty, but my reply was no way intended to say that without a diagnosis of some kind, Julie was "ineligible" to use a scooter.

I was thinking of that frightful expense of buying a scooter, whilst still struggling to get a diagnosis. Momx7 has been through a whole myriad of tests and examinations that may not always be covered by insurance, and with a family as well, often these tests can be a bit draining on the finances.

I was merely suggesting using the stroller as a way of putting off the purchase a bit longer if possible.

I used to use the shopping trolleys at the supermarket in exactly the same way before I got my rollator, but I understand that in your country scooters are sometimes available for hire. We don't have that option here.

julie, what about something like this:



i saw many women pushing these at the fair and also at sea world. some had a child sitting indian style facing forward. so it looks like you are pushing a child that walking is too much for.

the ones i saw had baskets in the front...full of family stuff. they fold up and are light weight. so with no child sitting...it looks like a smart way to tote stuff.

they have them at sams.

http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/nav...=5&item=362039


if this type of thing has been posted...sorry..i haven't read the whole thread.

Good suggestion, Koala. If I had thought about it for a minute I would have figured it out......