Jenn!
Jennjennjenn!

Dirty/condescending/second-guessing looks be damned. Get on the sccoter.

Which hurts more? These looks from strangers who don't know you and are ignorant and arrogant enough to judge you? Or how bad your legs feel later?

Moose has the MS too. And dirty looks don't count.

And I never gave you one of my patented big, warm, tight, hug, handshake and howdy, moose-size official type welcomes. This place is amazing!

You are not alone.
You are one of us.
And we are here to help.

I can walk (if I have to), sitting in this wheelchair seems to make walking harder, BUT I love being to get around faster, I have more energy and access to do things. More independence really. Power chair on order, insurance oked it, etc. Also buying myself a travel, breakdown into manageable pieces powerchair. Compared to before, get around more now and never realized how much of my energy was taken by my insistence of walking with walker. Was I trying to prove something? No more stairs anymore, DH had skills to build 1st floor addition for big bedroom and bathroom with wheelchair friendly shower. Use a shower chair now, but no getting over tub wall to shower!! I have MS, why not make things a little easier. (No, I'm not lazy)

I'm confused.....

Why on earth would you feel lazy by using your scooter? You have MS. Yes, there will be days when you don't need to use it. There will be days when you know you need to conserve your energy and, therefore, need to use it. And there will be days when you'll need to use it all day. There's nothing wrong with that.

If you were perfectly able-bodied and used it because you just didn't feel like expending the energy needed to walk then, yes, you'd be lazy.

It doesn't matter what others think - anyone who judges you without knowing why you're using it really doesn't matter in the big scheme of things.

Welcome.. I used to feel that way (lazy) and still do, on occasion, but, as Kicker said, I like getting around faster, especially to the potty..

Because of using my scooter so much, I don't walk as well as I did, but I feel better and not so exhausted, all the time, as when I was walking with walker.

I'm an old bat, though, and you are so young, so I do understand.. I'm hoping that it's just temporary and when your flare is over, you will be up again, chasing that new Baby all over the house.

HIJACK!!!

Hey, I never got one either It sounds great!! Can I have one.

In the meantime, I'll give you one of my little, not so tight hugs...


Connie

This is only a moment in time . . . and you will get past this. In the meantime, do whatever you need to maintain your strength for the more important things in life.

Use that scooter for going the distance! . . . but keep limber by stretching and/or getting as must exercise as you can too though (in SMALL DOSES). Scooter, stretch, scooter, walk, scooter, swim, scooter, work in the garden, scooter, play with baby in the yard . . . etc.

Cherie

I'm so glad I followed my MSW buddies over this way! Big hugs right back at ya Moose! You guys really know how to make a girl feel better.

The baby loves to ride on the scooter and push the buttons, especially the horn. LOL!
I think I'm just letting this MS bs get to me a little too much. I'm wondering lately if what I thought was a flare after the baby was born really wasn't, and this is my after baby flare. I can't wait for warmer, dryer weather so I can sit outside with the baby and let him play in the grass!

It's not helping that I've gained weight since the baby was born, but I'm trying Slim-fast since I can't really exercise too much, and so far, so good. And Cherie, you're right, scooter, stretch, walk... it's what I try to do. I generally walk when I'm doing something in a small space (the kitchen) and I try to keep up with some chores around the house. It makes me feel like a little less of a loser.

Thanks you guys!!

Oh honey, you are NOT a loser!!! I was glad in that respect to get the dx, cause I thought I was just dumb and lazy most of the time. I never had energy to do anything. I used to apologize to DH cause I was a bad housekeeper... I'd tell him I was having a bad day, but could never explain it. How many 32 year olds use "bad day" to explain 5 of 7 days a week... I thought I was just the laziest person on the earth. Now I feel a bit vindicated...

Don't ever think of yourself that way. Do what you have to do to keep you healthy, and do the important things. Dishes can wait a day or so before they stink...LOL

Jenn

You've GOT to get out of that mindset.....you are NOT a loser. None of us are. Just because we have MS and have to do things differently doesn't change who we are inside.

Do you perceive others who use mobility aids as losers?

Nope, I certainly don't perceive others as losers for using a mobility aid. I know I have to stop thinking that way, and I'm trying! This is the worst time I've had since my dx and I'm totally frustrated. Trying to think positive about the whole thing.