What's your opinion?

Hi everyone, haven't been here for a while as have been struggling with mental health on top of physical from fibro.. has anyone considered or does anyone use a wheelchair as the pain has become to much to much and walking has become so hard but people are against you using one?

[ruthmel1]

Yup! I started with a walking stick in 2006-but as my legs got weaker and more painful the only way for me to get out and join in with the family or at that time I could still shop, was to use a wheelchair or scooter. Its was really hard to give in a sI didnt see myself as 'disabled' and didnt think I deserved a wheelchair or scooter as I wasnt 'ill enough'! I soon saw sense esp when the kids wanted to go on days out and I couldnt coz I couldnt walk far enough. The first time I borrowed a scooter in Tesco I came home and cried. Saldy these days I would be 100% housebound without a wheelchair.

If you need one no matter what age-go for it- look at it as a tool to help you not something to be ashamed about.

[Hidden in reply to ruthmel1]

Thank you,

[Jenny57]

Hello Robyngisbourne8.... I have to use a wheelchair due to difficulty walking more than about 20 yards. This has changed my life a lot as I now need my family to push me about if I go shopping etc., and I can no longer walk my boxer etc. I also suffer with depression and I had to give up a job I loved with my local authority because they could not allow me the amount of flexibilities having fibro requires (for me).

BUT.... I can and do sit in the garden every day, regardless of the weather (I am lucky enough to have a canopy across the whole of the back of my house to keep of the rain). I have had to change my job, but at least I can still work. My new employer allows me to work when I want within reason, as long as the work is done.

So I count myself lucky that I am still able to drive and go and sit in the car in the countryside, even if my dog is in the back of our hatchback and I may well not be able to let her out to run over the hills. I just put her on the lead and attach the lead to the headrest behind me so she is still with me and not pulling me about.

I do have a local farm field that I can let her run in sometimes, but as there are now cows in the next field, she will continually try to get over the fence to them, so cannot do this so much nowadays.

I am 61 and have had chronic fatigue syndrome and fibro for many years now - but I have learned to count my blessings and stop feeling sorry for myself when me health is not so good.... we are never to old to learn to change (some) of our habits.... even though my brain still functions as it always has, and I still sort of expect to be able to go jumping around and running after my children as I always used to.

Hope things get better for you and like me, you learn to accept some of the limitations this condition brings.

Safe Hugs.... J

[Lou1054]

Ignore anyone who is against wheelchair use, I rely on my four wheeled walker as happily I am still able to get about, if I needed a wheelchair I would use one, anything that keeps from becoming isolated I am all for it xx

[Moley154]

Hi Robyn, yep just started using a wheelchair, pain and mobility issues are so bad, i became a bit of a recluse. Took a while to get my head around using a chair... but now I’m out all of the time, even booked a family holiday 👍

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I think people look at you as if you are making a big fuss and drama and being lazy but don't realise how bad fibro can be.. really annoys me, but I love my scooter given me far more freedom