I would like to know for the people who use a wheelchair or a crutch, do you get negatively form those around you. How do you deal with that

[elliedolly]

I have Fibromyalgia and CFS

[munchkin62]

ohh yes even my own family recently (daughter and her partner grumbling about pushing me up a wee incline to the car !!) then there are the people who then so be it think you are invisible but we have no choice huh if only ,just hold your head high hun being stuck in the house 24/7 is detrimental to our health and if the only way to get out is by using a wheelchair then so be it we have as much right as anyone else we are still human beings,xx.

[elliedolly]

Thank you munchkin62. I'm going to London on Saturday and I'm taking my crutch, last year i didn't, what a big mistake. Ended up using my friend stick!

[babebatista]

HI elliedolly,

Don't worry about having to use a walking stick/crutch and or wheelchair. With our illnesses it's so very difficult to live even a normal life. I like you have Fibro and CFS and I won't lie it's difficult. The way I look at it is that these aids help us to live our life the way we want to. I use a wheelchair to get around most days and at first it bothered me. I used to think people were staring at me and it got me down and then I realised that it's not my problem...it's their problem. Family and friends should be supporting us through our illnesses I know mine are but I also understand that some people aren't as fortunate as me. Use your crutches on Saturday and enjoy yourself. You need that crutch to help you get out and LIVE your LIFE. If we didn't use our aids then we'd just be stuck in at home all day and again I know some people are. I myself don't get out all of the time I'm housebound and bedbound most days, but if I have to go out anywhere I make the most of it. Life is for enjoying and our life hasn't ended because we are ill. It's just seeing things differently and that way is the fact that we need the use of crutches and or wheelchair to live our lives, it's just doing it differently. Enjoy your day out, be safe and gently hugs to you xxxxx

[Midori]

I have a wheelchair, and really need to use it more, bu tI find my Rollator good for short forays.

Wheelchair for any extended trips out. I personally find folk helpful, but I'm not apologetic about needing it; I find many folk find you invisible if you act invisible! I have no qualms about asking for help if I need it, and can almost always find a jokey way of interacting with folk in supermarkets , etc. So far I haven't had any negative experiences.

Cheers, Midori

[Hidden]

Greetings all,

I use a travel scooter and was told last week by another customer in a supermarket that scooters shouldn't be allowed in because "they're a nuisance". I was in the shop at 9.30am and it was practically empty. She had blocked the aisle with her trolley, I asked her to excuse me very politely as I always do and I was the nuisance. Told her that it was more a nuisance when you can't walk!

Other than that I refuse to allow my health to stop me living. I have fibro, OA, plantar fascitis and all they entail. I go campervanning and to festivals with my partner every summer in France and Spain.The big festival I go to in Spain caters really well for us "wheelies" and I have built up good friendships with other wheechair users from all over the world that I see every year. I wouldn't be able to go without my scooter.

I have also learned to ignore the stares and comments from family as well as strangers as the problem really is theirs not ours. We have enough to deal with on a daily level.

Stay strong and keep wheeling!!

Blessed love

[elliedolly]

Thank you all for your comments on this issue. I will be using my stick on Saturday and I will be happy that at least I'm not missing out as that would cause trouble in the organising of the event and I would be sad if I couldn't go. Thanks again x

[Sarah-Jane]

I hope you found using your stick positive?

I had to beg my husband to allow me to have a wheelchair. I got so down being stuck in the house. I went to stay with my mum but was really running away from myself. It made my husband admit he was fearful I would get stuck in the wheelchair and not get better because of it. I reassured him that, although I needed it, I didn't want it.

My mum bought me one. I later found out I could get one free from NHS! When my weight increased I got one there. I also have a mobility scooter and love it. I have dolled it up to suit me.

Anyone who looks at me, whether staring or not is either totally ignored or smiled at. I use any excuse to strike up a conversation and am happy to explain my situation, make a joke of someone nearly ending up sitting on my lap etc. I usually find people open up and are very helpful and friendly. Most don't realise they are staring. I think they are just looking and thinking, unaware that they are causing offense.

However, some judge you and assume you are just lazy, using them because you are fat or trying to 'work the system' and go onto benefits. If that were the case I would be at fault, but also able to not use them! I wish.

Remember, if they are staring, they could be thinking. If you think they are judging you, aren't you judging them?

Use whatever you need to make your life better for yourself. You will be happier and your family and friends will benefit from it. Blow all the ignorant idiots!!!

Soft hugs

[elliedolly in reply to Sarah-Jane]

Hi Sarah-Jane.

Thank you for your post. So helpful. I did find my stick very beneficial to me on Saturday as I am pretty sure I would not have been able to get home without it. Also had my mum on the other arm giving me support as well - thank goodness. Right leg went into complete cramp and spasm ... owwww!

so pleased for you that your husband now understand that you wouldn't be giving in you just need it! i think that is what i am trying to work on with people around me.

I think i am getting stronger about not caring what others think it their problem!

Hugs xx