Hi Sally.

Whether we have MS or not, these type of adjustments are often required as we age. Of course it seems to happen at a younger age for those of us with a chronic illness of any sort.

My Grandma out-lived 3 husbands, and the last 20 yrs she said "why am I still alive?". She was reasonably healthy into her late 80's, and even when she wasn't, she refused to go in a home.

My ex-FIL had to be put in a home in his 70's. We tried everything (including living with him), but he was still a danger to himself. When it got to the point where he spent more time in the ER or hospital then at home, we had to put him in a facility with round-the-clock care.

My biggest fear is SUDDEN disability that lasts. I've been paralyzed twice, and both times I had a significant chance of no recovery from the get-go. I did recover, fortunately . . . but knowing the kind of attacks I most often have, that IMMEDIATE scare is always in the back of my mind.

Most likely, you have time to plan and make adjustments. Unfortunately that may mean some hard decisions have to be made along the way, so that you may have a more "progressive" approach to less independence . . . but you do have some control over this as you go along. That is a better then the alternative though, don't you think? (Trying to look at the bright side )

This is hard, Sally, I know. I feel for you, and know these adjustments are not easy ones. We've had to make so many with this disease though (should I have kids?, should I go to part-time?, should I quit work? should I get a one-level house even if I am only 35 yrs old?, etc.). This is another adjustment.



Cherie

I made a first step...I have a local contractor/handyman, coming here tomorrow, at noon, to see what can be done, to make my inaccessible home, more accessible.

Things like ramps and grab bars and some bathroom remodeling and perhaps my carpet taken out and refinish my hardwood floors????

We'll see, when he gets here, what he can do and how much it will cost..

Thanks all for your helpful and caring responses..

Sal

I am so happy to hear you are being pro-active about your living situation. I truly believe that you will be able to stay in your own home for as long as you want with some work on the hardware!

I think the ramp will be the biggie. You need to be able to get out in case of fire and three steps down is not a steep grade, so it shouldn't be too expensive. Maybe you could just have a landing that extends to the door of the van so you can walk right to it and a short ramp that extends from the side to allow access to the garage and outside.

The bars are easy to install, the handyman just has to find the studs and screw them onto the walls where needed. Think about where you use the walls and other stuff to grab onto and put in railings and bars at a height that will work for you now and later if you find yourself sitting and rolling.

If you don't have a shower bench installed yet, think about how you will bathe and get in and out of the tub if needed. A fold out wooden bench can be installed without much retrofitting. It screws to the inside wall of the shower/bath and should be long enough to reach outside of the tub/stall so you can transfer and slide across it into the tub/stall area. A hand shower is easily added, even two or more if you need them!

I've been doing a lot of thinking about this very subject. I am trying to make my remodels user friendly with the objective of staying in my own home 'til I am dead. Everything I plan includes handicapped accessible, ease of use and cleaning!

Please keep us posted!
I am looking forward to seeing what you come up with!

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!