Wheel Chair

[Ellie1991]

The red cross are thinking I migh tbe better with a wheel chair but I am conserned at what others will think and say. Dose any one Use a wheel chair eaither temp or all the time. If so Do they help. I would only need it at work, I have got a soccter to try over the weekend

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

Personally, over the years I have used sticks, crutches, rollator (seated walker), wheelchair and mobility scooter

what is important is whether a wheelchair will benefit you (less pain, more energy, able to get out more etc) than what anyone else might think

[Masil]

Hi Ellie I use 1 all the time and have had to use 1 for many years I now even have a mobility scooter and I didn't care what anybody else thought as sometimes you have to be selfish and do what's best for you and only you can tell if you need 1 or not! they do make life alot easier and it doesn't mean you have to be in it 24/7 just when your body tells you as it will give you more freedom to get out and have some fresh air go for a coffee anything you want to do without making your pain worse and paying for it for several days after I couldn't go out at all with out mine and you can walk pushing it if you feel like a little walk but honestly don't worry what other people think or say its what helps you that matters and if it's a wheelchair so be it you've got to live your life the best way you can without bothering what other people think, the ones that know you will understand and if they don't then there not worth having round you it's a tough life and you've got to cope the best you can and make it the best life possible for you, stay strong remember your not alone we are all here to help support you but go for it and do what's right for you Keep us updated please and let us know how you get on

Xxx take care xxx

[Hidden]

Hi Ellie, I have been using a wheelchair out of the house for a few years now, and either a stick or rollator inside. I was worried like you what others would think, but most people I knew were very understanding.

If I didn't use a wheelchair outside of the house I would be housebound, so yes it definitely helps, means I have less pain and fatigue and I can go out if I want too and am feeling up to it. I have also realised that if any negative people have something to say, well it's none of their business!! X

[Mpalgal]

Hi Ellie I use a wheelchair when I go out otherwise I would never go out. My wheelchair lives in the boot of my car. I use sticks and crutches about the house. When looking round shops I often get out of my chair and use it to lean on while looking around shops. You have to do what is best for you. My OT says it’s enabling you to do things not disabling you. There is a saying I think, those that matter don’t mind and those that mind, don’t matter. X

[MrsMouseSJ]

I have a chair which I use occasionally. It enables me to get out clothes shopping, rather than having to rely on buying online without being able to see the item. I find it best to use at quieter times - because I don't use it all the time my skills in manoeuvering are not as good as they would be if I was a constant user. And I have previously come across some impatient people huffing behind me in busier shops, which I could have done without. But there are always people whose behaviour isn't what it might be, whether you are in a chair or not. And, on balance, I have found it a real benefit and I can only recommend giving a chair a trial.

[Butterflybeauty]

My daughter who is a paramedic sat me down and said Mum you have a choice. You either confine yourself to sitting in a chair all day like Grandma or you enjoy life and accept a wheelchair for when you need it. The first trip we did she pushed me round the supermarket and I can honestly say it was the best thing as I didn't suffer the pain I used to from walking. I really didn't know why I hadn't accepted it earlier. That was 4 years ago. I have used that wheelchair intermittently. I now also have an electric off road wheelchair so when I am able I can go out in the county park with my partner and the dogs - something I thought I would never do again. Most of this year I have been bed bound after a major flare up but I would love to be able to go out in the wheelchair. Let the pride go and live life. It doesn't matter how you do something, it's the fact that you can do it. What other people think of you is none of your business. You know your suffering and nobody else does. Go for it and don't look back. I now have a stair lift at home too. Best think I eventually agreed to!

[Midori]

I have one. Most of the time it lurks in the garage as it's a bit too hilly to get around in. I find a Rollator better personally, although I've tried most forms of support by now!

If where you live is not hilly you should be fine, and if your friends are real friends they won't be bothered about it. It's nobody else's business anyway.

Cheers, Midori

[Grandmawithwonkylegs]

Ellie, it will be the best thing you'll ever get. Yes it makes you feel like everyone is watching you but for your own health you need to push these thoughts out for your own sanity. My chair has been my saving grace tbh it's an electric one so I can actually keep my independence and still function as a grown adult! The paranoia is the hardest part, just don't be afraid to run over a few toes because there are some ignorant people out in the world still who think it's OK to walk in front of you and cut you up ....... its not OK and believe me they soon learn to be more considerate when you ram their ankles or squash their toes .. ........ good luck, and let me know how you get on x

[Oshgosh]

you need to use what you need,don’t worry what others think.

Saying that I was concerned about others when I needed oxygen,and a Walker.

Xx

[fmlife]

I have an wheel chair for grocery shopping, am sure mentioned the hubby got a chauffeur red cross one, small wheel all around, so could go and direct, that led to getting my own.

After a weird happening, we decided a chauffeur wheel chair just did not allow me to move away to safety.

my wheel chair has the big wheels for self movement and suspension, also have a memory foam cushion to sit on and a back cushion, found felt more secure and had less back pain.

After watching a youtube gem hubbard, also invested in some wheel rim grips that made a difference, mostly my chauffeur drives my wheel chair, there are times have to power my self. up hills and down hills, is a joint effort.

people look most are nice and we all say sorry and thank each other for getting in and out of way. (the only time was in the red cross chair i was uncertain of someone and could not move away.)

some things to think about are can you power your self? it can make arms like jelly at first.

can you construct wheel chair and lift in and out of car assuming have a car that is.

the weight of the chair while manouvering yourself, my chair is a whooping 19kg with wheels on, it was advertised less. with the shopping trolleys it makes manouvering interesting, one place has lights in middle of pavement to disabled bays, with the trolley full it makes life very difficult for all.

Another place when have their supplied disabled trolley on the wheel chair the doors to the supermarket do not open wide enough!! have to push hard or remove trolley push it side ways, yes that was weird. thankfully we go somewhere else.

will you need suspension those crossings with the ridge and bobble pavements can be uncomfortable, obviously need for the blind.

There are half bike attachments can attach to chairs, they are expensive, but do propel yourself giving freedom, not sure if legal to use though.

could get a power chair or scooter it all depends on the logistics and funds, and if anyone goes with you to chauffeur the chair. the fold up ones are smaller but heavy to lift all at once.

the breakdowns scooter can take a while to construct.

what are your local pavements like?

one place we went had a rustic pavement, it was sooo bumpy and uncomfortable the road may of been safer.

Another crossing has a high curb hubby did not register had to tilt the chair so high, the curb so high the chair stopped nearly went flying, thank heavens for seat belts., so while on crossing with cars awaiting he turn me around and went up the curb backwards, that curb has since been reduced in height. there are still some high curbs.

cobbles gravel and grass are hard to go over they take more energy effort.

cobbles of course are also very bumpy, one council insists on having disabled bays on cobblestones,

the angle of the pavement, the chair always wants to go down on an angled pavement, our doctors just done the disabled bays and put an angled pavement, it would of been far better to leave it all level with a ramp at end to get the height of other foot path. then being gravity pulled into the parked cars. we often go onto the road to route around missing the angle pavement completely.

personally with all above, am pleased to be able to get out, last longer in the wheelchair, cannot walk the same distance around the supermarket. sure there are difficulties still with logistics.

am still looking for places to go in the country, each place looked at, has either gravel, steps or is too narrow for a standard sized chair. So at moment the only place to go is a town, it is the last place want to be.

yes go for a wheel chair, research for your needs and wants, and local areas.