Sally

Oh, how I wish I could give you a hug right now. I know it's the pitts to go through things like this, but it has to be done. You made a great decision calling about a ramp.

When we moved to Virginia four years ago, we bought a two-story house with a basement. Wrong decision!! Within a year, my legs had gotten very weak, I was falling a lot, and I had to begin using a rollator.

We sold that house, and bought a one-story house with no carpeting. It has made a world of difference. The only stairs I have to go down are the ones that lead off the deck. I have two hand rails there to help me up and down.

I was tripping on carpets (foot drop), and I've never liked carpets anyway, so the last two houses we've lived in have been all hardwood/linoleum floors.

We have grab bars in the showers. However, the first time we bought a grab bar, I felt awful. You then use it and realize (like the rollator) how much safer and easier they make your life.

Hang in there, Sally.

Way to go, Sally!!!

Change is hard for most people, but inevitable with this disease. When I was interviewed for a book several years ago, I said:

"The most painful aspect of living with MS is the loss of opportunity. It takes away our identity and independence. It limits our options and ability to experience enjoyment from activities, like working . . ."

I said that (before LDN) when I had to give up my job, and was unable to even negotiate stairs. Things changed for the better, but I have always appreciated that that could change AGAIN in an instant.

As hard as it is, I am so happy you are coming out of denial on this issue, and facing the problem head on. Get your bars, ramps, some in home assistance . . . whatever you need to keep your independence for as long as possible. You will be ok.

Cherie

Well, two very nice and hunky good looking young gentlemen were just here and I think they are going to be able to build me a deluxe ramp out to my garage and beyond.... I am soooo excited.

I'll be able to come out of my kitchen onto my new built up landing and down and around the gently graded ramp, right to my van, screened patio or out the front to the great outdoors..

How much will this cost??? they will call me with the estimate..... I don't care what it costs, LOL, I'll find a way to pay for it, even if I have to mortgage my house....EEK, I hope not.

I'll let you know all about the progression as it happens..woohoo..

Thank you all for your help and your moral support... River, you gave me the idea about rebuilding and extending the landing, cause that was the strinker to figure out. These guys figured it out and they were even excited too..

Thank you all again...I couldn';t have made this decision without you.....smooches and hugs for you all.

Dag getting a fancy new ramp and some manly eye candy in the process? You go girl!

Hang in there dear Sally.

Ahem!

Do NOT forget to take lots of pics, both of the ramp and of the eye candy!! I for one will be watching for both!

Sally
The title of your post, really made me upset. Then I began reading and my heart was breaking for you.

I'm so glad you've got all the brain power here and a more wonderful solution (then thought possible) is coming your way.

Hugs of Happiness to you.

Please be generous with pics before/after and the eye candy too

's

Sally, I am sorry that you are having to think about these things. Definitely a downer and I'm sure not what you'd ever thought you'd be "worrying" about yet.

I'm glad you got some people to come out about repairs and whatnot - just a suggestion - have you thought of contacting the local MS society by you - to see if they can offer assistance (whether physically or financially) with the fixes? I know the one by me can and does help with this stuff.... So maybe that can help with the burden?

~Keri

Sally, I really felt for you when I read your initial post, but I'm so pleased that your latter one sounded more positive. Maybe it was the eye candy that perked you up!!

I'm so pleased that you've found a satisfactory way around the problem, and it sounds like a decent ramp will help to keep you in familiar surroundings for quite some time to come.

Big hugs Sal....

most hardware home depot style stores sell those suction cups handles too. you wont have to drill into your tiles, or walls, or big budget. The ramp is most important, so that you can get out or in if and when you want to. Being able to drive your scooter right to your van would be awesome, then to be able to drive it up the ramp and into or out of the house would be banging!

I am so happy you are being pro active. you go girl!