W.C. approved scooter and car lift!!
 

Finally, after several months, Worker Comp approved a little mobility scooter
and lift for my car! The scooter is a Pride Go-Go Elite Traveler Plus and the lift automatically lifts it in and out of the back of my mini van with a remote hooked up to my car battery system. (My '97 Nissan Quest has 260,000 thousand miles on it!! It has to last forever!!) The scooter breaks down into 4 pieces but I am unable to lift the parts !

At first W.C. wanted to issue me a standard wheel chair, and they wouldn't budge on that stance, but I have back/hip issues and an old wrist injury. Besides, it would not provide me with the independence that I need! (that we all need!!!)
I wrote numerous letters and my foot doctor also supported the scooter idea.

I informed W.C. that last year I attended a three day work conference and had to leave after the first day, as I couldn't walk to the different workshops at the hotel where it was held!!!! I was in terrible pain!
I wrote to Worker Comp and told them this is an integral part of my job and the conference is coming up again, in October!

I also oversee the care of my 97 year old mother who lives independently but I am responsible for her errands and dr's appointments, etc.

I haven't really had a life for a couple of years because of my mobility issues and the terrible increase in pain/burn when i did try to walk..my outings were to Target and Trader Joe's because they have "handi-cap carts" If I went to the movies, often even the walk from the car to the theater was too much..and on and on ! Needless to say, the constant frustration, depression, and isolation set in...

I picked up the scooter last Thursday and the lift was installed on the same day. I took the scooter for a test run and my reaction was... bittersweet..On the one hand, I was so elated to be able to get from point A to Point B and then on to point C !!! On the other hand it reinforced the reality that I am dependent on the scooter if I need to go beyond 50 yards!!

I still get around the office and home with a cane (and pain) but otherwise, I simply couldn't walk anywhere..
So don't give up!! Write letters and advocate for what you need! Get help if you need to, to advocate for you!

I am truly blessed to have been 'granted' this passage to some sort of freedom! I wish the same for any of you who need this kind of equipment!
Hope4thebest

H4TB.
I'm happy you found some new freedom.
That's always good!

Be well!

Pete

Congrats on getting your freedom back - like the song says, you don't know what you've lost 'til its gone...

Enjoy!

Sandy

Dew -

Magna cum congratus, etc., et alia. Very happy for you.

Mike

PS :o:(

I know the feeling of the realization that we wont be back to "normal". That we will probably have to rely on these things for the rest of our lives, but at the same time I also got approved by medicare for a power chair, and then watched craigslist for lifts.

I found what you described, a lift that fit in the back of my minivan that puts the chair into the back of the van. Can you say FREEDOM!! This thing is Great! It is called a freedom lift, and it really is that LOL. I have not enjoyed myself more in the last 10 years as much as I have since getting these 2 things. Life has become as close to "normal" as it is ever going to get for me.

So, CONGRATULATIONS!!!! On your victory with WC, because most people would not have got that far with them. I sure hope your minivan goes for a long long time from now, just keep changing the oil, and we all will be praying it will run forever for ya :) :hug:

*hugs* Congrats!!!

Hugs,

Karen

So happy for you!! Thanks for sharing your 'gift' with us. Your friend, loretta

Congrats! I am in the process with the atty. in fighting for a scooter and a wheelchair! I am so happy for you!:)

Hi Dew!!
I am so happy to hear you are getting the wheels rolling :) for a wheel chair and maybe even a scooter! Please emphasize the fact that this isn't just a lower limb issue that would be accomodated by a wheel chair! The fatigue, and systemic pain that you have warrant a battery -operated scooter so as not to strain and stress your body, which can cause flares of further pain.

If you are denied on the first try, keep re-submitting the request! It is helpful to get supporting statements from your doctors!

Maybe soon, you'll be able to take 'scooter walks' and enjoy the sunset!!
Hope4thebest :hug:

God is good