Thoughts pls...

[Minx88x]

So I can't sleep but I've been thinking. I'm only 26 but I'm having probs walking more than 5 mins from my car so was advised to invest in a scooter. I dont want to be pushed, cant push myself and i cant afford an electric wheelchair. I've found a little light weight one that I can keep in my boot and have out when I need to venture a bit further but I feel like people are going to stare and I'm just going to look like an idiot using it for a joyride. Does anyone else use one? I know it's partly the curse of an invisible illness, more so when your young as for some reason ppl think young=healthy but I waffle...... anyone else quite young and use one? General thoughts on my waffles?

[Hidden]

Hi minx88x

It must be frustrating not to be able to get around as you once used to. You have to weigh up whether being looked at bothers you more than being mobile. At least you could get a chance to explain about fibro to those who might ask you why you are using a scooter. It's hard but accept that these aids are to give us independence and control of our lives. Be brave and get out there and enjoy life as best you can. You are young and deserve every chance at a decent quality of life. Best of luck.x

[Minx88x in reply to Hidden]

True very true also those that are exceptionally ignorant or rude can act as therapy for the anger / irritability moods. I know I'm been daft but I live in a smallish town and dread bumping into someone I work with as at work I try my hardest to do the whole I'm almost completely normal routine there. I guess it's pride and that also makes me daft

[lovelyredhead]

Hi, my partners x wife has one ,she love's it ,she jumps on it an off she goes .she said it was the best thing she had bought,an it helps her get out

I have the same problem, I use a walking stick but after a few minutes ,I'm knacked an the pain in my legs ,back ,hips,my partner said he didn't want me to get one ,well,iv been stuck in doors now for 2yrs ,only going out to the Doctors ,He's changed his mind ,so were looking at the moment ,

Please do it for yourself, and your Health, don't worry about other people.

Good Luck.

Big Hugs.

JJ x

[TheAuthor]

I am so genuinely sorry to read that you are struggling to walk so much and I sincerely hope that you can find some resolution and relief to this issue. I have a tri-walker, but when I have to go further afield and need something extra I have a little scooter and I think that it is brilliant.

Please do not be put off by what other folk may or may not think? What really matters here is your ability to live your life the way that you want to, and if using a scooter adds to the quality of your life then go for it!

My wife has MS and I always go to her awareness and seminar days and most of the young people there use either an electric wheelchair or a little scooter. This enables them to get out and about and enhance their quality of life. I want to genuinely and sincerely wish you all the best of luck whatever you decide to do.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

[tulips123]

I'm 53. Still too young. There are more people using scooters these days. If you find you need it, hold your head up high, put a smile on your face, look people in the eye and most will tend to respond in kind. Happy shopping etc. Tulip xx

[Regnofibro1]

I say if you need one get one! I am almost double your age and I am getting one. I think I will get a little license plate that says "Fibro is a pain" guess that might make people think twice. I have fought this for a very long time. I have good days and bad days. I personally think that if someone questions me about my scooter. It opens a door to educate someone about Fibro. Most people have heard about it but don't really understand it. This will give me a chance to maybe help someone. But I have always been the type of person that if I see someone in a wheelchair. I have no problem asking them why they are in one. My mom use to tell me sometimes people don't like to talk about it. I found more people had no problem talking about. Usually they told me thank you for asking instead of just looking and not saying anything. Sorry it's late here and I am rambling but go for it!😀

[mason]

hi miinx like you i have great dificulity waking i cant drive and was stuck in the house i got a mobility schooter from ebay for £250 its a road schooter does 20 miles on a charge it has changed my life like you i did not want to be pushed around i wanted my independance ,you have to think about how it has changed your life you can now go places you only dreamed of i thought the same as you people will stare but they dont you have your independance back it feels great ,dont worry about other people you are living your life not theres enjoy .xxx

[andmikel]

Anything which which increases the quality of your life is worth trying. Positive effort is much more rewarding than sitting in a volcano of frustration. Remember the law says that any reasonable accommodation should be made to make life tenable for those who have the requirement. If it can make you smile its good for you.

[Hidden]

Hi Minx, is doesn't matter what age your are you need to get around and if a scooter enables that then why worry. You know you need it and if it gives you greater freedom I say go for it

[magnetta]

Hello there

Sorry to hear you are in this predicament. I am also 26 so can understand why you have reservations. I think people are less interested in other people than you might think. People are pretty self centered! What's the worst thing that can happen if they think you are a "joyrider"? They might think you are pretty cool hehe. In all seriousness, do what makes you happy and don't worry about anyone else Let us know what you decide x

[Malwimmy27]

I definitely think you should use it, sod what anyone else thinks, although it is difficult when people stare I know.

I'm not as young as you, I'm 45. I've been awarded high rate mobility and care, I've ordered a mobility scooter through motorbility scheme. I haven't got it yet. I'm looking forward to using it so that I can get out and about when I want to and hopefully take the dogs for a walk.

I feel awkward using my walking stick at times as people stare. I also use the mobility scooters that shops have for customers to use, I have to say most people either don't take any notice which is lovely or they go out of their way to be helpful.

See, I waffle too, sorry, but I think you should use it. If you don't you'll regret it as it'll only increase your pain.

Gentle hugs Minx88x (((()))

Let us know how you get on.

Becky X

[Minx88x]

Thankyou for all your advice and encouragement it means a lot. Ive decided to get a travel one I can keep in the boot. Will let u know when I have it and use it for the first time.

[Keeleybee in reply to Minx88x]

Iv been thinking about it to my lovely you are no alone x

[whistler]

Hi, if walking is causing pain and exhaustion, you wont do a lot without the wheelchair or scooter. Look at it this way, if you use one when out, at home you will have energy left to live life more AND you will feel less pain and be less miserable from it. Don't let pride, vanity, or fear stop you. Once you do it a few times you wont be looking for people looking at you. Just do it. You wont regret it I promise. x

[chrissy30]

Hi Minx88x,

I'm 67 in physical age but only 20 in my psychological age so they tell me as I love a good laugh and I'm bossy as hell. I've been using a scooter for many many years having nearly died of an illness and also with Fibro. I got my 1st scooter many years ago and I mean it was an old fashion one built like a tank and the first time I went out in it I ended up in a hedge! Wasn't I embarrassed but reversed out quick and zoomed off. Don't let anyone stop you going out on your scooter as if anyone is curious and asks why you are using a scooter tell them you the truth that you suffer from a really nasty condition that prevents you walking far and it's been recommended that you use a scooter on medical grounds or either that tell them to mind their own business! I've had remarks and I just stare at the person and ask if they'd like to swap their legs for my scooter and that usually shuts them up. I even had one lady said that scooters shouldn't be allowed in supermarkets and I asked her if she'd like to do my shopping for me if she objected to me being independent and using a scooter. That shut her up. Don't be embarrassed about using a scooter as loads of kids have asked if they can have a go on mine. I've got 2 scooters. A little one we keep in our camper and a real hot rod that does 8 miles and hour on the road and on the pavement if I can get away with it zooming along scattering pedestrians left right and centre! Well not quite but I feel like it at times when people nearly fall over you as they are so busy on their mobile phones or some twit on a bike cycling on the pavement nearly going over the top of you. I thought cycling on the pavement was illegal. It was when I was younger. So love get out and have some fun on your scooter and don't feel embarrassed and for goodness sake don't let the kids have a ride on it if they ask. Just say it's only insured for a single driver and that is you. Oh I wish you could have seen me go into that hedge the 1st time I did my solo turn on my big old brown buggy you'd have split your sides as I was so embarrassed. Thankfully no one was around but I did feel a fool but I soon got the hang of it! You need that scooter so go for it and have some fun. Lots of hugs to you.

[Minx88x]

Hiya,

Thankyou so much for your message. I bet you I will end up breaking/smashing/running into something I shouldn't when I get one. Just waiting for the funds atm as I was 2 points off enhanced mobility PIP. Funnily enough on the old DLA I'd have it.