Potential.

[LessThanRich]

For 9 years I suffered without diagnosis. Trying to do life, falling down literally, inevitably hurting myself bad eventually. Since receiving a diagnosis a little over 15 months ago changed everything. I had a reason I was a cripple and it wasn;t self-inflicted.

My life had literally been put on hold as I was unable to go out, partly due to just being scared because I knew what could happen. I went out only when I HAD to. I wasted a lot of time thinking, wondering and trying to work out whats up. I tried all the meds other sufferers listed in other posts, they were generically diagnosed to me based on my symptoms, borrowed from other illnesses and just not for me. Ankle supports got me through for a bit and allowed me to carry on running my bar, even if it was slow and difficult. I have been legit medical cannabis since 2014.

I had already had a wheelchair for 2 years when i got my diagnosis. I treated visible symptoms and part of this involved taking my legs out of play. I now use my wheelchair 99% of the time, but still stand to do certain things. But it stays behind me as I safety net and I have made falling backwards the norm. The moment I feel my legs could go, I collapse backwards onto a cushiony landing.

Wheelchairs come with their own problems. They can be heavy and cumbersome and accessibility is an issue. My next chair is sub 4kg and with wheels no more than 12kg. My current chair is about 20kg all in. Wheelchairs are also expensive. There is a great difference between entry level and top of the range. I found a way in France where my insurance will pay out huge sums for handicapped equipment, so it costs me just the price of my insurance, 60€ a month versus 7000€ of equipment I am getting just 6 months later. Loading it in and out the boot (trunk) of the car then getting to/from the drivers seat is a nightmare without help. I now use a van with wheelchair ramp on the side now and electric gates, so I can come and go as I please with noone's help.. You will have to forfeit some things as you literally can;t get there, but already you can get to loads more places you couldn;t before, it could be worse.

Almost all wheelchair problems are solvable. Add a Freewheel and your potential is that much higher again. More about that later. Fulfil your potential. Its gonna hit you hard in your ego, I know, but once you are over that, the possibilities are endless.