Thanks, Rachel, that's helpful. I will start poking around the internet. I was daunted before by my insurance company's $300 deductible...but my recent hospitalization just took me to the ceiling of that, so now's the time.

Abby

Wow, that's cool. your husband made that for you?

A wheelchair isn't great if you have a lot of cracks etc. You are much less likely to tip over then in a walker, but it is not comfortable and can lead to damage to your skeleton, because you don't have shock absorbers. (mostly if you have some osteoporosis, like I do).

There are many different wheelchairs. I chose mine to be nice looking, light weight, and easy to fit into the smallest cars. it looks quite similar to this http://www.kueschall.ch/en/ULTRAL_897.aspxonly its bright red, with matching wheels. And mine also has a head rest attached to it, because many times I can't hold my head for long on my own.

I have to admit that I do not do much outdoor traveling since I became ill.
We only go walking in places that are meant for that.
we recently got rid of most of our camping equipment because we realized we are probably not going to use it again. (fortunately we can afford to go to good hotels that are fully equipped for what I need).

But, for you there is still a good chance that you will go into remission, with the treatment you are receiving. So, hopefully, it is temporary.

Abby,

I've had a handicapped certificate (display) for years. I don't feel guilty about it at all. And the certificate can be used in any car you are in and whether you are driving or not.

In the hot months, MG gets exponentially worse while even walking short distances. I can get so short of breath. Same for the winter. And since we never know when our MG will tank, we can't exactly walk a long way to a store since we may not make it back to our cars!

These sites are only for examples of the foldable scooters they have now. I've considered this but don't really "need" one yet. Using a wheelchair might be too hard on the MG arms! Glad you can do it, Alice.

http://www.scooterdirect.com/FoldableScooter~16.htm

http://www.planetmobilityscooters.com/

I have no idea if any of those have good reviews or not.

Each state is different when it comes to the reasons why you can get a handicapped certificate and/or license plate. I opted not to get the plate at this time either. I want to be seen as "normal" as much as possible.

Annie

They also make "seat belts" for wheelchairs too!!

I just remembered this site which we looked at before we decided on the wheelchair.
http://www.wheelchairsforus.com/type...r-wheelchairs/
hope it helps.

My companion's/ husband's/ son's/ friend's arms are strong enough to push it.

And you are right, I am very fortunate to be able to lead a reasonably productive life, with all those wonderful people around me.

I put a few pictures (that my husband took on our last trip to Barcelona) on my profile, so you can see the way I travel. http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/album.php?albumid=501