[hope4thebest]

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