Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 08-06-2009, 05:38 PM #11
NurseNancy's Avatar
NurseNancy NurseNancy is offline
Grand Magnate
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Florida
Posts: 4,240
15 yr Member
NurseNancy NurseNancy is offline
Grand Magnate
NurseNancy's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Florida
Posts: 4,240
15 yr Member
Default

i hardly go into stores to shop. if i do i use the cart and take a folding cane.
i started out using a cane. then i got a rollator (a walker with a seat). that's been very helpful because if i get too tired i can sit a few minutes and then con't.

i also have a van with a lift in the back and have a scooter. if i really want to go shopping i do use the scooter. i've found that if you smile at people and communicate your needs they do the same.

i don't bother with people that aren't friendly. it's not me, it's them.
when i first got my handicapped sticker i put off using it. but then i had to and i havn't looked back.

you find that using aids to save energy is what it's all about. saving energy lets you do other things that are more important. you just get used to it. and so do your friends and family.
__________________
Judy
trying to be New Skinny Butt
______________________
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
--------------------------------------
"DESIDERATA" by Max Ehrmann
NurseNancy is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
"Thanks for this!" says:
braingonebad (08-08-2009), Freesia38 (08-07-2009), SallyC (08-06-2009)
Old 08-07-2009, 08:23 AM #12
kicker's Avatar
kicker kicker is offline
Grand Magnate
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Ellicott City, MD
Posts: 3,834
15 yr Member
kicker kicker is offline
Grand Magnate
kicker's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Ellicott City, MD
Posts: 3,834
15 yr Member
Default

Sometimes wheelchairs make you more approachable to some people. They may feel you are less likely to reject them. Children always stare, I like kids (Taught and have my own) and most know it and know they can ask my anything. And what parent can resist anyone liking their kid? Went to a neighborhood block sale event, my zooming (Thanks Marc, Wheelchair Kamikaze) and feckless driving got noticed and commented on. Sometimes you gotta make your own party.
__________________
Kicker
PPMS, DXed 2002 Queen of Maryland
Wise Elder no matter what my count is.
kicker is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
"Thanks for this!" says:
braingonebad (08-08-2009), ewizabeth (08-07-2009), SallyC (08-07-2009)
Old 08-07-2009, 08:25 AM #13
kicker's Avatar
kicker kicker is offline
Grand Magnate
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Ellicott City, MD
Posts: 3,834
15 yr Member
kicker kicker is offline
Grand Magnate
kicker's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Ellicott City, MD
Posts: 3,834
15 yr Member
Default

Feckless driving - Doesn't everyone think they're an excellent driver?
__________________
Kicker
PPMS, DXed 2002 Queen of Maryland
Wise Elder no matter what my count is.
kicker is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
"Thanks for this!" says:
SallyC (08-07-2009)
Old 08-08-2009, 07:04 AM #14
braingonebad's Avatar
braingonebad braingonebad is offline
Magnate
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 2,450
15 yr Member
braingonebad braingonebad is offline
Magnate
braingonebad's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 2,450
15 yr Member
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by kicker View Post
Sometimes wheelchairs make you more approachable to some people. They may feel you are less likely to reject them. Children always stare, I like kids (Taught and have my own) and most know it and know they can ask my anything. And what parent can resist anyone liking their kid? Went to a neighborhood block sale event, my zooming (Thanks Marc, Wheelchair Kamikaze) and feckless driving got noticed and commented on. Sometimes you gotta make your own party.

Kids have a 6th sense about people that way. There used to be a man in a wc with a service dog who was always at the local mall. My kids - all the kids I suspect - were curious. Mine were too shy to go ask anything, so I did for them. The man was very friendly and open, and after that, the kids would wave and say hello when we'd see him.

Once they know what the deal is, it's no big deal.

A couple yrs back I met a woman with a service dog so I asked her a few things about him - I thought he was her dog. But she was just training him. she was surprised I thought she looked like she needed a dog....

I said no, but you never can tell.
__________________
Anybody who doesn't think a dog can smile has never dropped a piece of bacon.
braingonebad is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
"Thanks for this!" says:
SallyC (08-08-2009)
Old 08-08-2009, 07:11 AM #15
jackie66's Avatar
jackie66 jackie66 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: leeds UK
Posts: 115
15 yr Member
jackie66 jackie66 is offline
Member
jackie66's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: leeds UK
Posts: 115
15 yr Member
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Freesia38 View Post
Hi,

While I wait for my T-spine MRI in 4 weeks and am in 'limbo-land', I wonder what can I do to help my mobilty? (well with or without a dx, I still have sx limiting physical activity!)

I had to go up to the 3rd floor of a big shopping centre today, and it was so far! My legs got weak and I was really walking funny. 2nd time it's happened that badly at the shops and I either had a few 'looks' from people like I might be drunk, or they avoided looking at me. (this is very new to me).

I know I can hire a scooter at a big centre, but I just can't bring myself to do that yet.
I know some of you here have been in scooters for a while, but how did you feel the first time?

I also went to my doctor to ask to fill out the application for a disabled parking sticker. It seemed so flimsy - without a dx, it might well be rejected.
Over here we do have a second option of a sticker that allows you double the parking bay time if you need rest periods while shopping. I might get that one hopefully.

I did buy a phone headset back in May so I'm handsfree for long chats - my hands don't get achy/tingly when on the phone for a while now!

Just a funny end note - well not so funny: my sister who has "probable MS" (only 4 brain lesions!) was in the middle of an MRI and it broke while she was in it!!! AHHHH!! Out she hopped while they had to fix it. That might be the same one I'll be in in 4 weeks!
Consider this--- You say your spine has problems, and you are awaiting an MRI scan. Holding the handlebars on a scooter puts load on your spine. I had a scooter until recent weeks when I realized that my paralysed back muscles were taking more irritation than I thought. I have now gone back to the powered wheelchair and eliminated that problem.
jackie66 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
"Thanks for this!" says:
SallyC (08-08-2009)
Old 08-08-2009, 07:09 PM #16
Freesia38's Avatar
Freesia38 Freesia38 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Australia
Posts: 108
15 yr Member
Freesia38 Freesia38 is offline
Member
Freesia38's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Australia
Posts: 108
15 yr Member
Default

[QUOTE=jackie66;549102]Consider this--- You say your spine has problems, and you are awaiting an MRI scan. Holding the handlebars on a scooter puts load on your spine. QUOTE]

Hi Jackie,

I think I just called it the wrong name. I meant a powered chair you sit on, and kind of looks like a vespa!
At the shopping centres they hire out these scooter chair things - mainly for the elderly.
So what I meant was I'd be sitting down with no pressure on anything except my butt.
__________________
Michelle, 50yo, Australia
No dx - just questions.
Freesia38 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 08-09-2009, 01:57 AM #17
jackie66's Avatar
jackie66 jackie66 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: leeds UK
Posts: 115
15 yr Member
jackie66 jackie66 is offline
Member
jackie66's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: leeds UK
Posts: 115
15 yr Member
Default

[QUOTE=Freesia38;549317]
Quote:
Originally Posted by jackie66 View Post
Consider this--- You say your spine has problems, and you are awaiting an MRI scan. Holding the handlebars on a scooter puts load on your spine. QUOTE]

Hi Jackie,

I think I just called it the wrong name. I meant a powered chair you sit on, and kind of looks like a vespa!
At the shopping centres they hire out these scooter chair things - mainly for the elderly.
So what I meant was I'd be sitting down with no pressure on anything except my butt.
Yes. that is the type I was meaning. You would be amazed at the load put on your back whilst steering. I am more aware of this since my whole back is paralysed both motor and sensory. Your butt is taking a constant load whilst your arms are taking an intermittant load that is pushing on your upper torso.
jackie66 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
"Thanks for this!" says:
Freesia38 (08-09-2009)
Old 08-09-2009, 08:08 AM #18
kicker's Avatar
kicker kicker is offline
Grand Magnate
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Ellicott City, MD
Posts: 3,834
15 yr Member
kicker kicker is offline
Grand Magnate
kicker's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Ellicott City, MD
Posts: 3,834
15 yr Member
Default

I have n Invacare TDX - Spree and after 2 tries, got a seat and footrest my body likes and can do the most with, The first, a gel, concave seat, I called the toilet seat held me down and the elevated swingaway footrests furthered this. My self toileting days looked bad. Man, it was really wrong , and despite a set-up perhaps intended for someone who had lost much and had to be PUT in a seat and was bigger, it made my leg (upper thigh to knee) ache, my sciatica worse, etc. Hated it. My butt is still small enough so sinking in that seat was WAY down. Now I have a more upright seat, foam, air (seat adjust with air valve that inflates and deflates by self - $$$$$$ but I got free - man, I am a squeaky wheel- and some gel where tail bone is, flip up horizontal foot plate had much less pain, mobility,can self-toilet with less problem, etc. Oh, and discovered toilets come in heights, being short could not fully touch floor, insisted we junk new pretty on for 3 inch shorter one (used in Elementary school bathrooms - man, I am short (5' 3/4") but feisty) - New toilet's seat was wrong, paid for new wood Beamis. ( Being Handicapped is expensive but what a difference (though DH thinks me a Princess and a Pee!!!!!!!!!) . My point - fight for what is right (for you) We are all different.
__________________
Kicker
PPMS, DXed 2002 Queen of Maryland
Wise Elder no matter what my count is.
kicker is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
"Thanks for this!" says:
braingonebad (08-12-2009), Freesia38 (08-11-2009), SallyC (08-09-2009)
Old 08-09-2009, 10:37 AM #19
Aarcyn's Avatar
Aarcyn Aarcyn is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 1,776
15 yr Member
Aarcyn Aarcyn is offline
Senior Member
Aarcyn's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 1,776
15 yr Member
Default

If we have scooters to rent in the mall, I am not aware of them.

Since I walk but just 100 feet would be exhausting, I convinced my MS doctor to give me a prescription for an electric mobility device - either a scooter or a chair. The object was to get insurance to cover some of the cost.

DH and I were investigating one that would break apart into pieces so that it could be put in a car or trunk of a car.

There were several to choose from. We went to a mobility store to look at both and see how easy it was to break apart and if it would fit in our vehicle. Plus we were interested as to whether I could put it together which would give me more independence.

Both were doable. We picked the chair, only because the footprint was smaller. I never was really able to put it together, it was just too much work for me, wore me out. However, my DH and DD can put it together in about one minute or so.

It allows me to get out a lot. Goes for 8 miles on the battery but if I take my plug in cord, I just use electricity from a restaurant and have a eating break.
Aarcyn is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
"Thanks for this!" says:
barb02 (08-09-2009), braingonebad (08-12-2009), Freesia38 (08-11-2009), SallyC (08-09-2009)
Old 08-11-2009, 10:23 PM #20
Freesia38's Avatar
Freesia38 Freesia38 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Australia
Posts: 108
15 yr Member
Freesia38 Freesia38 is offline
Member
Freesia38's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Australia
Posts: 108
15 yr Member
Default

Quote:
If we have scooters to rent in the mall, I am not aware of them.
I'm in Melbourne, Aust, so maybe each shopping centre is different, but at most centres here I think they hire scooters, or it might just be my local one.
__________________
Michelle, 50yo, Australia
No dx - just questions.
Freesia38 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
"Thanks for this!" says:
SallyC (08-12-2009)
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
RSD Options LinJane Thoracic Outlet Syndrome 10 06-30-2009 09:32 PM
Options Meeting at School ali12 Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD and CRPS) 10 01-29-2009 07:35 PM
Treatment options in Canada? Kat_1 Thoracic Outlet Syndrome 8 02-27-2008 10:40 AM
Please vote in FF about editing options bizi Bipolar Disorder 6 09-25-2006 07:46 PM


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:38 AM.


Powered by vBulletin • Copyright ©2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.

vBulletin Optimisation provided by vB Optimise (Lite) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2025 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
 

NeuroTalk Forums

Helping support those with neurological and related conditions.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only,
and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment
provided by a qualified health care provider.


Always consult your doctor before trying anything you read here.