Very bored

[albion]

Although i have Ataxia for many years i was still able to get about outside and keep busy by attending things like college courses. Sadly over the last couple of years my mobility has declined and after a recent knee operation i am largely confine...

[silkwood]

I get out once a day on my mobility scooter.I recognise the importance of getting out and not isolating.It is not easy.I have no mobility and throw myself onto the scooter.However I am restricted by the rain.I dread meeting anyone as I have very little speech.Previously I was very sociable.It is very iimportant for sociable people like us to make the effort to get round circumstances and go out somewhere.Some go out with dogs like me and others just go out for coffee once a week.Don't forget your mental health also.Do something nice that you look forward to even if it involves public transport and wheelchairs.It is very tempting to think what the hell and just stay in as it involves a lot of difficulty.

I am sorry your mobility has been restricted by the knee operation.It's bad enough having no balance but pain as well and no doubt painkillers make you feel whoozy.

[jurgen in reply to silkwood]

Hello "silkwood"

you write:

I get out once a day on my mobility scooter.

I recognise the importance of getting out and not isolating

I couldn´t agree more

Regards

Jurgen

[wobblybee]

Boredom can lead to too much focus on 'things' that drag you down. I know it's very hard

to be motivated by anything when you feel imobile, for whatever reason. If you can't follow

the advice already given re getting out and about, get yourself going on the internet. You

have an enquiring mind, you've already done college courses, take advantage of being on

the internet, let your mind run riot! xBeryl

[february]

Dear Albion, Ataxia is very frustrating and challenging. It takes A LOT of effort to motivate! But it's SO important to keep as active as possible, as your mental well-being is so important! As others have mentioned a mobility scooter/chair may help you to get around! My speech is very slurred, if people don't understand me, I tell them just to ask me to repeat myself, as I have a neuro-muscular disease that causes slurred speech. Sometimes others just need to be put at ease..., ;o)

[Wyndham]

I can so relate. I know my condition is not nearly as bad as some, but for me it is bad enough, and like all of us, it's getting worse.

I hate the fact that I can't function as I used to, and boredom is aa real problem. As much as my Ataxia has affected me, it's the depression that is causing the most harm. I've been struggling to get treatment and have consequently had to help myself - which is really hard when you are feeling down.

Personally I find it difficult to get out even though I recognise how important it is. I'm at the stage where I am seriously looking at getting a scooter, but am struggling to make progress with this while I am struggling with the depression at the same time.

[Wyndham]

It seems my reply was too long and hence the second note.

Just wanted to say the advice from the others in this discussion seems good, and so I wish you well in finding what works for you.

Best wishes.

[wobblybee in reply to Wyndham]

Hi Wyndham! I read your earlier post re scooter versus car, having to make a choice, not easy! I agree with you, it's a toss up which can be worse, the ataxia or the depression. If you can manage to help

yourself in this sort of situation, believe me, you're doing great! Keep us posted re the scooter! xB

[Wyndham]

Thanks wobblybee. I'm at that unfortunate stage where the more I worry about it the worse it gets.

I suspect a big part of the problem is that I am still coming to terms with being diagnosed with ataxia. I'm still feeling the shock, and this colours all my thinking.

Thank you for your support. That is why this forum can be so great