I only use my chair when I know I'll need it (one too many times being stranded in the middle of a mall), mostly I use my bilateral AFOs and crutches. I will not go quietly into that good night...

I have very mixed feelings about my chair, even now. I fought it as long as I could and IMHO I think that kept me going mentally. The first time I voluntary said "get the chair" was after I should have been using it for 10 days. Needless to say my dear husband just smiled but (intelligently) did not say I told you so. (those sticks may be light weight but I have good aim!)

I would advise that (with Medicare) you get a manual chair first. Medicare will not pay for a motorized chair and then later authorize a manual. They see wheelchairs as something to help you do daily living skills IN the home only. Stupid rule, but true. Now we know people who use w/c need and want to go outside the house every so often (duh.. to Social Security and MD appts, buy food, visit friends) but they only approve for needs in home. They se no reason to downgrade from something that gets you around (the powerchair) to a manual w/c that gets you around. In other words get a manual when you are ready, then later your doc writes you have worsened and now need the added aid of a powerchair. Most docs know about this rule and happily comply. You will thus have both which can be a big help. Thiose powerchairs are heavy and need planning (and often a lift) to put in a car. I also suggest a ultra-lightweight manual chairs. I like a folding one so I can throw it in the trunk or store in coat closet.

I personally have bit**** enough that my family has learned how to push me correctly most of the time. I prefer to push myself, but my arms are wearing our so it is not always an option for me.

Chirs are/can be really pricey and I highly sugest you get fitted for one by a certified person - not just the any old DME salesman who sells chairs. It makes a world of difference in 1)comfort 2)independence and 3) endurance.

Finally, I was told by my trusted PT this: when you think of IF you might need to get one, it is past the time you should have gotten one. Turns out he was right in my case.

Finally, I was told by my trusted PT this: when you think of IF you might need to get one, it is past the time you should have gotten one. Turns out he was right in my case.


thank you

this thought has been bouncing around me hollow gourd big time, thank you every ones view and insight is so very much appreciated, i too like st christian shall not go quietly into that good night...

think it was st christian, well it sure helps to see im not totally a freak about how I am thinking,,,, no comments from the peanut gallery

No comments here. I was a Cicero Freak.


lol

yes Kicka, that's true.

there's other options as well... my very first was a little Rascal scooter, with a basket, got it for $500 through a classified ad, for shopping (this was before the stores in my rural area started to get scooters, back in the early 90s)

I needed help disassembling it, and hefting it into the car trunk, so I couldn't use it when I went out alone. (and I didn't have the money for a trunk lift at the time, and my insurance would only pay for that if I was TOTALLY disabled, not partially, or only needing the chair part-time.)

then, there's the "lending closets" at many local MS chapters, and disability groups, they often have waiting lists, but it's always worth trying for durable medical equipment, like shower chairs, and portable commodes - which we needed for my mom after she had a stroke.

that's where I got a collapsible stroller-type chair (a godsend in places like airports and malls!), from the local MS chapter.

later, I got a "regular" manual chair, and when my arms got too weak (for a while) to roll myself, I finally graduated to the powerchair.

oddly enough, after going through ALL the hassle to bring that powerchair to a foreign country, I haven't needed it once, in the last four years.

:hug::grouphug::hug:

Frank, believe me, I understand all the conflicting thoughts and emotions over this, as an independent strong woman, it was a huge issue for me.

but I did it in little steps, and now have finally come to some sort of acceptance that I cannot predict, cannot know, and cannot even guess what will come next, so I just have to let GO of worrying, because it won't change a thing.

and I'm working on it still, dear!

:grouphug::hug::grouphug:

I had a wonderful..:rolleyes: response, all typed and ready to punch send, when my DSL went out again..:mad:

I so understand what you're going thru. I was lucky and took the transition from walking full speed ahead to cane, to seated walker to outside scooter, to inside scooter to crapola..:D

Kay is right, Franky...get over yourself and use everything that's available to help you live your life to the fullest. You will be happier, believe me and your family will be less fearful of your falling and stuff.

Good Wishes..:hug:

A question to our wheelchair user MSer's
 

Hi,

I kept checking out this thread and even though I'm a newbie here, I wanted to share my thoughts-Ive been a little nervous, especially to a wise elder.

I can still walk without something, but after my first relapse, started to use a cane to reserve energy. After my second relapse, my doctor told me to never leave the house without it, occasionally in the house I forget where I put it or walk a little without it, but there is always a wall or furniture I can put my hand on. I have a lot more fatigue and pain. Within the past year, I have made friends with another mser-she's had it over 21 years and uses a walker and a scooter and occasionally a wheelchair. She uses the scooter primarily outside and takes it apart and puts in her car. She's now lives by herself and is very independent.

Anyway, I'm rambling. She talked me into using a walker and a scooter. I use the walker more in the house-especially carrying things. I don't use it a lot-but when I do, I really notice the difference. My son and I went to vote, it was his first time. We took my walker and he pulled me backwards as the line moved and I conserved my energy.

My friend is a movie reviewer and she takes me too a lot of premiers for free. When we go together. She uses her scooter and I use her walker. Again, I'm less tired and I have less pain.

For longer jaunts, I use my scooter. My friend taught me how to take hers apart and put it in the car, so by the time I got mine, I had no problem. I still walk with a cane more. I don't use the chairs in stores unless I'm going to be in there for awhile.

It's a long process. I'm weaker on my left side and I still haven't found the right combo of meds for the pain-I've maxed out on most of them, but my friend was right-utilize the equipment that's out there, that's what they are there for. I don't use them enough. It took me a long time to even ask for a handicapped parking tag.

It's the stigma of using all of this stuff, but they do "work" for you when you do use them and they make a difference.

I know this just repeats what the others have said, but I kept on coming back to this thread and I wanted to share my thoughts and experiences. Hope this helps.:)

Pat
Dx in 8/05, on copaxone since then. Officially rrms, but I think I'm spms. My doctor doesn't want to change it, mostly for insurance reasons

thank you Doxie, and i am pretty sure it should read wise glutismaxiums:rolleyes:,

probably should of posted this a few weeks ago maybe next time I will try a chair

yes the stigma is sort of bothering me, I truly appreciate every ones opinions its helping me think some of this through in my head.

Thanks Doxiemomma, I really enjoyed and appreciated your post.. :hug:

I used to be a doxiemomma to 2 longhaired mini doxies.:D

I use a pwer chair, but right now just if I have to walk farther than drive way. Sometimes I use it everywhere, if I feel myself falling all the time.

I could walk(barely) with my Rollator last January, everything seemed too far away in house for it to be worth the effort. Didn't want a chair but got one anyway. Wow, what an aid!!!! Zoom around everywhere now, every room downstairs, by the end of the day my battery is really low. I get more done. Some say once in a chair, never get out, so I'm sure to stretch my bad leg hamstring (couldn't unbend my leg for awhile after being in chair all day), can toilet self and use standing with grab bar to practice putting weight on bad leg because for a trial coming up , have to be mobile. I love my chair. I can zoom onto deck. go down ramp DH buildt (way too steep. it's like a rollar Coaster to me)Go around pool, see the butterflies!! It's a tool that's given me freedom. Walking is over rated if it's that hard to do and really took freedom from me and imposed limits)