First trip out in a wheelchair

[Backbracelady]

I have been going through a tough spell recently and my spinal issues have got worse and my fibro is through the roof and my mobility has drastically reduced, I have been fretting about lots of things including getting my son's Christmas presents as he is only 8,I can't drive anymore and walking is extremely difficult... but today my mum drove me into town and we used a wheelchair, I have not been wanting to do this as I wanted to keep walking and had in my head I'm only 30, but acceptance is key... I was able to spend a few hours shopping and this lifted my emotional state as well as feeling a little more independent. 💜❤💙 Love to you all xxx

[Backbracelady]

Yes and today was definitely a need!! I must admit I did eye up the electric ones.. but didn't trust myself in a busy town centre lol 😂😂

[Backbracelady]

Thank you 💜💛 yes it's all in my head and I just need to get over that and accept what it is and make adjustments... I need my independence and if a wheelchair offers that... well I shall now be using one if needed...

Glad your mum is now using one too!!! She must be a lot happier now too 😁

Sorry to hear yours is getting worse too... hopefully you will manage it for a while longer xx

[Bigears16]

Well done you!!! The hardest part is the first time I hope as today like you I went Xmas shopping with my hubby and he made me use a wheelchair after I got over the tears and being self conscious it felt good to get out.

I hope you have many more trips out with your family

Lots of love

Lynne J

[Backbracelady in reply to Bigears16]

Thand you, and well I'm so glad to hear you managed to get out too!! It is really nice (I had tears too) once your there xx

[Patdoyle in reply to Backbracelady]

Well done. You were very brave and now it will be easier each time. It’s better than struggling round the shops wishing you could go home.

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

Well done on managing to get out and do your Christmas shopping. I was in my late 20s when I first had to use a wheelchair, and I've always looked at it as a way to let me do more and go more places. My daughter who's 26 regularly uses her electric wheelchair due to fibro and hypermobility, as it let's her enjoy days out with family /friends and also travel independently to visit friends at other end of the country. Xxx

[Backbracelady in reply to Hazel_Angelstar]

That's fantastic that your daughter has all that independence too!! That's what I need!! Slowly I'm getting there xxx thank you for replying it is really helping me deal with things emotionally, just knowing there is support from people who understand xxx

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff in reply to Backbracelady]

We helped her to purchase an electric chair, which meant she doesn't have to depend on anyone to push her in a manual one.

Check out if you have any shopmobility schemes locally. They hire out electric wheelchairs and scooters for when you are out shopping and most supermarkets also have a couple of electric trolley carts for customers.

It is getting your confidence up and getting past the "what will others think". Xxxx

[Midori]

Its good to have a wheelchair as a backup, I find. I usually use a rollator, but they can be iffy and the brakes can let you down. Its good to have the chair lurking in the cupboard.

[Fibrokitty3]

Hi Backbracelady

I can understand how difficult it is to admit to yourself that you need to use a wheelchair.

I bought a secondhand power chair because my mobility was decreasing, and it still took me over a year before I started using it 🙄. I came up with lots of excuses like: “I don’t want to lose my mobility!” “I’m scared what people will think of me!” “I’ll never be able to steer it!” “ What if I crash!”

Eventually the pain became so bad that I had no choice but to start using it..... and it’s the best thing I could’ve done 😁 I’ve named it Dennis (because I was a menace when I first started steering it 🤣)

It’s given me my independence back. I’m no longer bothered about what people might think, I know that by using my chair I can go out with my friends, not be in as much pain, and not have to leave early or cancel any more 😁

I had to practice but now I can successfully negotiate shops, lifts, and even get on and off buses!😁

So I’m glad you made the choice to accept it, it really will give you more independence and make days out far less painful.

Take care and I wish you a lovely Christmas and New Year

FibroKitty3 xx

[Backbracelady in reply to Fibrokitty3]

Thank you Fibrokitty it is helping me build up my confidence just knowing I'm not alone, so thank you for commenting and the support xx have a merry Christmas and a happy New year xx take care xx💜💙💚

[Harpo33]

Well done I think you did great.

[Backbracelady in reply to Harpo33]

Thank you xx

[YASMINTINA FMA UK Volunteer]

Morning, glad it lifted you and will be less busy to get about in the New Year, yes the electric one are brilliant to get around as family members have had them. Lots of Best wishes right back to you, enjoy your little boy as it’s special for them at Xmas xx

[Backbracelady in reply to YASMINTINA]

Thank you yasmintina, have a lovely Christmas and a happy New year xx

My little one is excitedas we are putting the tree up finally today, my friend is coming over to help him do it 🎅❤

[Vivalaviv]

But how do you operate a chair with no help ? Now that my friend also has fibro how on earth do we get it in & out of the car. And in & out of the house.

This is what keeps me walking. Just do not need an extra vehicle to deal with

[Backbracelady in reply to Vivalaviv]

I had my brother and mum with me, getting in and out of cars is a struggle, I have braces on to help, also heated seats to try and make the journey more bearable on my back. It is a struggle to walk from the house to the car.

I would love to keep walking, however it really isn't possible right now, pain is too high legs are shaking and twitching and I would just fall over... I had been in my house for nearly 2 weeks nd spent a week in hospital before that... so it was a good option for me to get out for a while. Plus we hired it in town so no difficulty putting it in car.

❤💜💙

[Vivalaviv]

Yes think i would just hire on in town to minimise the problems. Might put this on my to do list after xmas

[Backbracelady in reply to Vivalaviv]

Yeah it makes it much easier, only issue I guess is if your city centre doesn't have a mobility shop...

I'm hoping my mobility will improve with some intensive physio... for a while anyway 🤞

[Hidden]

Hi

Well done to you. I had to use one during the summer in London, it was a Godsend. Love and hugs Lynne xxxx