I had my PT evaluation today. I have moderate weakness and balances issues. She recommended a walker.

Well ok. I I was ok with having MS as long as I didn't look like I have MS. The walker is going to give it away.

I am going to get a good one. One with breaks, large wheels, and a seat! I have a terrible time out shopping because I need to find a place to sit down.

I find a bath room just so I can go sit down!

I have exercises to do and another appointment in two weeks. I like in a quad level house. Not good. Feel down the steps two weeks ago.

I bent over to pick something up the other day and fell forward. I know I was going down so I did so easily.

Seeing double a lot these past few days. My MS doctor knows this is going on. He has changed some of my meds and I just talked to them again today.

My concern is my lower body strength has never returned to normal after my first episode of ON. They say I am RRMS but I worry and wonder about that. I am SO tired even with Provigil.

LA

Have you tried a cane before? Maybe one with the 4 feet bottom?

I'm not trying to be a wise-guy either, beautiful.
My last exacerbation and problems I've been having with my back make me use the walker more often than my cane when I'm out and about. (Unless I have a shopping cart). It's great when I need something to lean on, but walking with it gives the upper body a work out and can wear me down even faster.

And the Provigil, what dosage are you on?

One more thing, BIG (((slskckjebw))) for you, and sorry they didn't have better news for you.

Oh thank you. I am so angry right now I could throw things

! Even though I am a girl I was always physically strong and tough! Climbing trees, riding horses bareback (that is not an easy thing to do) played football when I could, volley ball, I had very strong legs. I used to get into enough trouble I needed stitches more than once in my life.

I used to throw shot-put in school. Could bench press almost as much as the guys. I was tough and I never dreamed this would happen. I am having a difficult time right now.

I WILL be ok but I have to get through this. I feel worse now than I did when I got my dx.

Thank you so much for your kind words and support. It really does help.

I am taking 100 mgs of Provigil. The problem for me is if I take more I can't fall asleep at night. My doctor did just add another med that seems to make me want to sleep so maybe I should try to go up on the Provigil and see what happens.

LA

And make sure that if you do get a walker get a flashy one - maybe red - and add a horn - a loud horn - one that makes people and animals move quickly out of your way -

Dont forget to also get a nice basket under the seat to carry goodies in (snacks, bottle of pop, books)

I dont use a walker, but my mom has had bad knees for about 5 or 6 years and we've got walkers scattered all over the house for her. (apparently we were collecting them for awhile)

I did use one of my mom's walkers last january for about a week or two when I missed a step or four and fell down the stairs and screwed up my knee. I was surprised to find out how easy it was to walk on a knee I could barely put pressure on with that walker. I decided then that if I end up having to use a walker for one reason or another I'm going to try not to be embarrassed about it. (I'm sure my bad knees will give out before the MS screws up my walking ability. I got a double whammy of bad kneecaps from both parents)

Using a walker or a cane is probably really no different than wearing a pair of glasses. Just another tool that people use to do daily stuff.

Try checking into Tai Chi classes, been very helpful for my balance and strenght. Plus NMMS should foot the bill.

Quad house, sounds like a good reason to put in a slide. U could also put in a lift similiar to what is used at water parks to get the tubes to the top but instead of tubes u could hook up your walker. BTW: I saw good ones at Sams for around $125.00 I think. Also I suggest a set of longhorns attached to your walker so as to move ID its outta the way.....

Hi LA,

You may have to make some adjustments, but if you do, perhaps you will be ok much of the time.

PT and stretching exercises can be very helpful.

Pacing myself is what I find most effective, as well as changing the way I approach tasks. For instance, I ALWAYS use hand rails, I bend with my knees (not at the waist), and I use leverage to get up (tables, walls, etc.). When I am shopping, I use a buggy even if I only need a few things, and I often use the disabled parking now to conserve energy.

It may just be you are doing worse right now due to a flare, so you will need to conserve your energy even more then usual. Things may get somewhat better again . . .

Cherie

LA, sorry to hear your down. We were wondering what happened to you in the election group. I hope you feel better and get the coolest looking walker out there! If your a tomboy like me, you could go for cammo or a cool fire or candy apple red. The horn is very important. You want to try them out and make sure they make someone jump! lol Hey, you have to have some fun if you have to use the walker right?

On a serious note, I cannot physically know what your going through but seeing my hubby fight this darn disease has given me understanding.

LA,

Did you decide what theme you are going to use to decorate your walker? You need to post a picture as soon as you and the girls get it all dolled up.

Maybe pink camo. The girls want pink and of course my son wants it to look military. So I will see what I can do to combine the two.

LA