Walking with Ataxia...

[memielou]

I'm new to this site and have jst put this as an answer to a question about rollators, however, after browsing the 'blog' posts, I think my 'musings' may be usefull here too?... bear with me, I'll get it right eventually!!

I have just completed the Wheely, Wobbly Bridges Walk for Ataxia UK in London last Sunday, 6.5 miles! Only made possible because of my 'supa-dupa 4 wheeled rollator', it donesn't see daylight very often (hiding away in a cupboard) however, this occasion warrented it. I managed to walk most of the way, propelled by adreneline and commitment of the others around me. However, when i was unable to go any further, this rollator has a seat, foot & back rest so means I can be pushed, untill I get my breath/strength back, then I was off again. Please visit justgiving.com/melanie-... for photos of me and the rollator in action!

A consultant said to me many years ago, when I was recently diagnosed with Ataxia - "Use it or loose it" and I intend to use it all up untill there is only emergency power left, no matter how slow I walk, what's the rush?... I'll get there, and I am worth waiting for!! As long as I am able to put one foot in front of the other, I will walk whenever possible and I also try to excercise regulary (swimming, excercise bike, pilates) to keep the muscles working! I was convinced by someone a few years ago that I should be using a wheelchair, I did but since he left my life I haven't and it was hard work to 'banish the chair' but I'm so glad I did! Independence is everything, hold onto it as long as you can!

I copied this, from Fight Ataxia on Facebook, it is advice given to someone just diagnosed with SCA

Get a 3 wheel bike, swim, stretch, walk as much as possible. Modify to a much healthier diet. The degree of getting worse depends on you. You have the ability to delay your decline. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

Sooo... true, not easy to stick to, but worth it?

PS. my rollater cost about £150. a good buy? I think so...

[Fifa Volunteer]

Hello

I use a wheelchair because I have no option, my legs and feet will not do what they are told! However I still exercise, it is very important. Before I used a chair I used a rollator. they are very good.

Take care

Regaeds

Fifa

[albec01]

Hi,

I was diagnosed in 1996. I do not use my chair unless I have to. I have no balance but my legs still imitate the movement of walking and I can lift and lower my body!

So while I can still move (not upright), I do. I was kindly given a wheelchair by the County Council.

Fortunately, while the disease was still manifesting itself, I was able to buy a mobility scooter. We also moved to an area where I could afford the bungalows.

I now have 2 scooters. The first one which I still use, it’s a pavement machine and as such larger than the other scooter. It only has a top speed of 4mph and the smaller one which comes apart, makes it easier for travel.

When I first found walking difficult, I bought a rollator from New York, I still have it. I use it very rarely. I don’t need it!

I became very slow, I know you had the same problem and didn’t care, admirable.

After I bought the smaller scooter, I was supplied with an accessory that could carry a collapsible walker. It also fit’s on the larger scooter. Between the 2 scooters and the Walker they are all I use for the outside.

My sister was going around a charity shop and she bought a 4 wheeled trolley used indoors for infirm people. She is very kind and gave it to me. I thought it was very nice, a bit over the top. I modified it by putting on a wheelchair drink’s holder. I wouldn’t be without it indoors. It’s not as bulky as a wheelchair and I can move from room to room taking thing’s including me. I also have strategic grab rail’s around the house!

In truth I suppose I have a 4 wheeled rollator but I have tools to do certain job’s.

Alan

[lindilu]

see your O.T.my four wheel rollator was free on loan.

[jurgen]

actually, now and then I tend to forget that my SCA gets worse & worse.-

Besides my Polish outdoor rollator

vermeiren.pl/pomocniczy_e/4...

I now have two indoor rollators (ground- & firstfloor)-

The Swedish "Let´s go"-rollator is first-class

. elderluxe.com/store/item.as...

(though far too expensive -----> ebay)

Regards

[wobblybee]

Good for you! You have my admiration for tackling the walk, what a sense of

achievement afterwards, it must have been exhilarating!

[Pinkpiglet]

Hi, just wanted to say that I have a rolator wheelchair too which I have just bought online from a company on ebay. It was new and only cost just under £100. I can't walk very far at all now but great for hospital visits and visiting friends houses, a great investment.