How do you....?
 

get any shopping done in the middle of a flare when you're on steroids and have no energy and have to take a parent who also has mobility issues with you to go shopping??

I also have absolutely no idea what to get my dad for Xmas this year. We were able to get my mom a couple of things, but I have no idea what to get my dad other than a watch. (he's insisting he needs one, and he does need one)

I still need to get my mom some more stuff, and I have to take her to get something for my dad. I'm about to see if my sister will take my mom shopping for me. Problem is, my mom has no clue what to go buy either, and she gets a bit...grumpy...when she doesnt have a specific thing to go get. My sister hasnt had to shop with my mom since she was a teenager, and that usually ended in fights with my mom screaming at my sister. Maybe if I get a list from my dad and give that to my sister and send her out with mom, then my mom wont feel so stressed out about shopping.

I think I'm going to go (gently) beat my head against my desk in frustration. Why does the MS always pick the most inconvenient times to make things really really difficult?

My dad is going to take me shopping (hopefully) to get some stuff for my mom tomorrow. But he has mobility issues (heart problems) that doesnt give him a lot of stamina. He's suggesting using my mom's wheelchair and pushing me in it if I'm still not physically up to walking thru a store tomorrow. (then he has something to lean on with the chair, but he'd be pushing my big butt thru the store)

I suppose that as long as I have something to lean against and push, like a wheelchair, I could push him thru the store, or we can take turns or something.

I just dont know how to deal with Xmas while dealing with MS crap.

ArGh!!!!

Tell those little steroids to work magic on me...I'd like my $5 worth of 'roids to break the continuous streak of flaming flares. It's getting really annoying. At least they're helping the back pain.

I do shopping on line or on TV. ShopNBC.com has good watches.

even when feeling pretty good, I am not brave enough to go into the crowds. no no no not going to happen.

Me, too. Online shopping is the best and I think I'd love it even if I didn't have mobility issues! I used to shop QVC all the time.....when I had money! Now, I still watch it but only get things I truly need. No more D&B purse buying...but I can "window shop" and love it!

Why does the MS always pick the most inconvenient times to make things really really difficult?

I wonder if would be easier to just accept that MS makes things really really difficult at all times. Convenient or not.

But as far as practical solutions to your questions, I second what the others have suggested.

I really, really, really disliked crowds and crowded stores before I had MS. Now......I have a good excuse to avoid the mall and all the discount stores and just shop in my PJ's with a cup of coffee! :cool: Nearly all the big name stores offer free shipping so it's really safer, more convenient and a heck of a lot more comfortable for me! I think it's a win-win! :)

I think I'm going to end up drag racing my mom in a scooter at Target and WalMart this week. (see who's battery dies first)

If I can manage to get myself into the shower and get washed up AND still have the energy to go shopping, I might take my mom somewhere for an hour tonight.

I may just change my clothes, brush my hair, run a washcloth over my face and spray on some deodorant and see if I can manage to last an hour and a half at the store. My dad can take me shopping later this week. He's got more of an idea for things for my mom and we can probably make actual plans on where to go to get things.

With my mom, it's basically just take her to the store, and set her loose. I might be able to walk thru the store with a shopping cart and let her do the scooter thing. I went to the grocery store with my parents on friday (just before the big storm hit) and got thru the store fairly well before I couldnt do any more and had to go out to the car...and that was when my legs were really really drunk. Now they just seem to be tipsy, so maybe I can manage a little shopping today.

My aunt told me that some of the tiredness and lack of ambition to do any shopping might be a side effect of the prednisone. She's probably right.

Looks like my dad set himself up a HSN and a QVC account for himself. I have accounts for myself for both those places too. I just havent seen anything good on either channel that I want to buy. (well, there were a couple of computers I liked...and a pendant watch for myself, but I cant afford the prices they wanted for those)

I just had to step out into the snow on the porch to rescue a gift that just showed up. So glad that we have grab bars on the walls outside the door. Now I need to call the snow removal guys to clear off our porch. (even if I was feeling good, I wouldnt be doing any shoveling)

I am not the world`s biggest fan of the Christmas holiday season by any means. It has become far to commercial for me, and I am not religious to boot.

I don`t usually buy things except for the young grand kids, every one else gets cash or a gift card. They all know I am disabled and getting out in good weather can be an issue, if they aren`t happy with what I give them they can always go some where else? :)

For me it is just a time for the family to be together, eat, and talk.

I managed to go shopping.

after a night of absolutely NO sleep at all.

Went to breakfast with my parents, then my dad dropped us off at a few places so we could shop for pressies for him while he sat out in the parking lot.

Then my dad took us to Target so my mom could find some very cheap, meaningless gifts (the prewrapped season xmas presents that places like Target and Kmart usually have) She likes to get my dad that kind of stuff.

Took FOREVER to find the cheap meaningless gifts. They had them hidden on an endcap in the bowels of the store. I walked thru most of it, using a shopping cart like a walker. My mom had a store scooter I think I did pretty good for the first 40 minutes or so of Target, but started to kvetch about my right leg getting tired after that.

Finally got close to the registers with my mom and I suddenly could not take it anymore. I told my mom we were switching and hijacked her scooter. Let her do all the purchasing and signing for stuff. Something that she doesnt usually do anymore. Kind of nice to just sit in the scooter and try to get the energy up to go out to the car.

Had to take my jacket off because I got over heated, and then met up with my dad when I was putting the scooter away and making sure it got plugged back in.

I am totally wiped. As soon as I can get up the energy to clear the junk off my bed, I'm laying down and sleeping. I am SO TIRED!!!!!!!

At least we got the big present for my dad, some cheap, meaningless gifts...a couple of thoughtful things, and then talked my mom into buying me a present for her to give me (book light for my Kindle) and got her a couple of things that I dont think she noticed...even when she was loading up the stuff to pay.

I picked out a watch for myself. Got the info written down about it to give to my dad so he can go back and get it for me. (never had a fancypants watch that didnt come from a WalMart) and looked at a couple of other things that I'm going back for once I get a day or two of sleep.

Now I just have to go to Michael's Crafts and get sketch books and manga pens and crochet hooks for my nieces stockings. (waiting for their Hexbugs to arrive in the mail.) I'm buying candy for them a day or two before Xmas. (the annual pilgrimage to Walgreens at 10pm at night on Xmas-eve)

I cant believe my mom picked out a present for my aunt's pug Stella. She searched for 10 minutes for the "right" toy. I didnt think my mom liked Stella that much, but I think my mom misses TinyMonsters and wanted to make sure Stella gets spoiled on Xmas like we did to Tiny. (I got something for her too)

I'm just sitting here with my bedroom window open, cooling off so that I can get comfy enough to go to bed.

(Note to self: Self...leave the coat in car next time you go shopping.)

omg two of my little old lady friends have convinced me to go to a major mall tomorrow. did I lose my mind? have I cracked up? These two are tons of fun, and a good time shall be had, but this is gonna spend every spoon in the drawer. Fasten your seatbelts these two drive like maniacs. At least we can all giggle.

I agree with online shopping. But I am buying very few gifts at all now. With the economy the way it is... it has hit us all hard. Really simplifying a lot of things in my life....:o It just has to be that way. Trying not to feel sad about it and just remember the true meaning and what I can do realistically. :hug:

I hope you have a good day.... it is good to get with friends and laugh...I'm happy for anyone who can still do that. :hug: Have fun!

Me too...it's been a long long time since I have been able to get with friends, just to have fun and giggle.

Have a blast, Dej and tell us all about it when you get back..:hug:

Dear Erin,
This is simple! Either get someone else to assist you guys or don't do it. Seems a tad ridiculous to put you in such a physically draining situation. But that's just me.
I've learned in life asking "why" is an absolute waste of time in situations like this. It follows the logic of trying to ask God "why" about things and there is no real answer. So it makes no sense to beat yourself up about it.
I'm sorry. I can't believe no one else picked up on this statement. An older man with a HEART CONDITION/PROBLEMS pushing you in a wheelchair and he doesn't have a lot of STAMINA? Anyone else see anything wrong with this situation? As they say on ESPN's Countdown show, "Come on man!"
I'm not coming down hard on you about this but fail to see the logic in the thinking. Just another aspect one must deal with having MS, so no big surprise. It would seem the only realistic way to deal with Christmas challenges like this is to get more assistance from family, neighbors, or even your local church. You're trying to do it all by yourself while almost denying you have MS. Erin, you do this quite often, taking on the responsibility of the world, always hoping to overcome the challenges of having MS. Bless your heart, you're killing yourself plus driving your psychy nuts. Spending all of that energy you could better use enjoying the time with our parents and still getting the shopping done.

Either way, I wish you the best and hope you find a better way to work this out. I know this post is late and should have been made a few days ago. But, I felt you made some excellent points needing to be emphasized since so many people are in your exact same position.

@craig :hug: I too saw that her daddy with a heart condition was going to brave the mall by pushing a wheel chair and it made me worry.

I know she tries very hard and is a giving caring wonderful woman who feels so shackled by this stupid disease. Its so hard to ask for help, and sometimes when we ask, we get told no, or im sorry I cant help you. Its a talent to learn to keep knocking on closed doors, or to find the strength to continue to the next door till we find help. Sometimes the stress, and embarassment and strain of continually asking for help is just as exhausting as the whole trip itself. I know my family wouldnt/couldnt help me even if I stood there with a fist full of money. The local churches surrounding my mom have refused to help me help her from far away, and my brothers refuse to speak to her, let alone take her shopping. Sometimes it just feels like the world is against us.

I do hope in a less stressful time you can prepare for stressful events or seasons in advance. Folks are much more likely to commiting to help you when they themselves have not yet been hit by the seasons rush. Call the local NMSS and ask, local churches, or even hire someone if you must.

I tend to shop all year. yes, sometimes I pay $20 for an item that may go on sale later on at a "black friday" type sale for $10 but I didnt have to stand in line, fight the crowds or choose between the awful colors that are left in the bottom of the pile after the pickings were done. I have learned the hard way I simply dont have what it takes to fight the crowds, or the people in them, or the traffic on the way to the crowds. I shudder at the thought of it all. Since I know in advance I cant/wont be able to do it, I am ahead of the game. I even address my Christmas cards in April or May some years and tuck them away, so when Thanksgiving rolls around, I dont have to panic.

:hug::hug::hug: @Erin. :hug::hug::hug: she sounds exhausted.

@ Dijibo and special attention Erin. "AMEN" to this quote. Erin, you are busting your butt to keep the family together PLUS dealing with your MS at a highly challenging level. You are an inspiration to all of us to keep on going. I give you credit Erin, you attack each challenge as it arises. Good for you!

I finally got my mom out to do some shopping done yesterday. (did I already mention this? brainfoggy today)

My dad drove us and waited for us either in the car, or in the snack bar of Target.

My mom got some shopping done, I managed to toss in a few things for her that I dont think she noticed. After about 45mins to an hour at Target, my right leg started to get really really really tired. I was pushing a cart, mom was riding the scooter. We got almost up to the checkout, when my leg had enough and I told mom to get off the scooter and push the cart for me, that we were switching and she could do the paying. She was fine with that and let me sit down and ride the scooter the rest of the way. I think I only had the scooter for about 5 minutes before I plugged it back in for the next person, but at least now I have a better idea of how far I can get.

I had no sleep yesterday when I went shopping too. Stupid steroids wouldnt let me sleep monday night, so I got up really early yesterday and told my parents if we were shopping we were doing it then. Which was cool with my dad because he's better earlier in the morning. (all he had to do was sit and wait somewhat impatiently for us to shop, so at least he was sitting most of the time...unless he went shopping for a few minutes without us)

Now that I've got a better idea on what can be done, now I think the last minute stuff will probably not be as big a deal. I still need to go with my dad to get a few things for my mom, but I think we'll be able to do it without a wheelchair as long as the two of us dont do a bunch of rushing around, and we should probably have a list and a map of WalMart so we know where to find stuff. If my mom will let us leave her at home (hard to do) that would be easier.

I managed to get about 4hrs of sleep after the shopping adventure with my mom yesterday, and then last night, I managed to get to sleep around 4am rather than at 8 or 9am, so I feel a bit better than I had been for the past couple of weeks. Slept till around 11am this morning too. That was nice to get some sleep. (thanks to my little friend, valium!)

I'm just still not used to this MS stuff. Usually I'm just numb, or having a vision problem. Or feeling really tired.

Having a walking/moving problem this time around was more than a bit scary and freaked me out a ton. My legs are still kind of drunk, but not near as bad as they were. (I'd probably still have to insist on a breathalyzer if a cop ever stopped me and wanted me to walk the line) I'm calling my neuro or my regular doctor and asking for some physical therapy to start just after Xmas. (I'll be done with the 'roids probably a day or two before Xmas)

This is a welcomed post and glad to read the news. Erin, this will be tough for you to recognize because I fought it tooth and nail. "YOU" need to be riding in the store provided electric scooters at every store that provides one. I know, you are thinking, "Nah, I'm not that bad off and they are for disabled people and I'm not disabled."

My wife and psych counselor both explained it to me this way. Wouldn't you rather have the energy and be comfortable shopping in the store rather than spending the limited abilities and energy getting to the store and then pushing a cart around the store? Use the tools that are provided for you.

Lesson here, both your Mom "AND" you should have been using electric scooters and you would have still accomplished everything without pushing yourself to the limits. Warning! No drag racing in the store!!!!

Once again you impress me. Why? Feeling the way you did and everything you were doing, you still took time to put the electric scooter back and "PLUG IT IN" for the next person. "AWESOME!!!"

Erin, this is how you learn to have MS and NOT have MS own you. Great Job!!!

Craig......you impress me. With all you have going on with your own health issues you still find time to acknowledge others and their accomplishments. The world needs more people like you.

OMG i am beat! Those two shopped circles around me. I found the crowds, the heat, the lights, and the buzz of the store were entirely too much for me. I was a puddle in the backseat for the ride home. They wanted to stop at several other places, and I simply wasnt able to join in. I didnt buy a single thing, but I did help one of them shop for her 15 great grand children. She needed gifts for all and only had $100 to spend. I showed her some magic and we worked some deals. Her total was $103 not bad! The other one was shopping for herself as he christmas was done long ago, and she just wanted to treat herself (my kinda gal)

im beat! I managed to lay down for a few minutes to get enough energy to shower, and thankful that the hubby cooked. im off to vegetate and recoup. I am spoonless now. :o

you know, if I hadnt plugged the scooter back in for the next person, my mom would have gotten back on the scooter and run me over with it. (and then she'd have plugged it back in herself)

and my mom has run me over (intentionally) with scooters before. So, I dont want to get run over...again. I was way too exhausted to try to avoid getting hit, and my leg was pretty much dead. It was all I could do to walk out to the car.

But, really, it's totally annoying to go shopping with mom early in the day, to find a scooter that was unplugged and DEAD. I sure as heck dont want to try to go shopping on a day that I may need that scooter only to find a dead one. Heck yeah, I'm always going to plug it back in unless there's someone waiting to use it. (and then I'll probably warn them if I thought the scooter was close to dying or something)