hi, are people with chronic pain and chronic fatigue allowed to use wheelchairs?
I feel weird about using them because I can walk a short distance, but if my partner wants to go out for longer than 10 minutes I end up in agony and he has to carry me back.
I feel like I’d be judged if I got one.
what are your thoughts?
Yes, I have often used a wheelchair or scooter when needed. Wheelchairs are not only for people who cannot walk at all. And if anyone judges you for it - ignore them, it is not the who is struggling to walk
Do you feel guilty or bad for using one? I just feel like people would think I’m faking it and get funny looks or something x
Never have felt bad about it (been using one of needed since late 20s)
Why feel guilty about using something that gives you more independence, let's you go out for longer with your partner and hopefully would result in less pain /exhaustion (as can't be easy for you or your partner being carried home)
I've had people advise me of using walking aids to get attention in the past - I ignored them and their narrow minded opinions
why do people who a) don’t have a chronic condition b, have no idea what it is like on a daily basis and c) think they have the right to criticise someone else🤷♀️people should mind their own business and keep out of giving their opinions on something that they really don’t understand. More empathy would be nicer instead of making an already unbearable situation worse. Walk, if you can🤔in someone else’s shoes as they say instead of judging others. ❤️💙and 🤗🤗to all xx
Wow!
Hi, to be honest I feel more embarrassed than guilty. And I can not leave our home without my wheelchair.
I so get where your coming from with your question. I will walk with my chair when I can. But I can not go with out it, because I never know when my legs/back will give out.
So yes I hate using the wheelchair. I do have a stroller. But I need the extra insurance incase my legs give out and I need to be pushed xx
do whatever makes life easier for you Flower 🌹 why do we let people get to us and make us feel bad. Use the wheelchair as it makes it easier for you as a couple and you can spend more time out for walks and that in itself helps your mental health 🤗💕🌻take care and try to forget the unpleasant opinions of others who haven’t got a clue what living with chronic pain is like 🤗🤗xx
This whole post is wonderful. I especially love what you've said about the opinions of those "who haven't got a clue..." Thank you!
oh, ahh you are more than welcome 🤗 I’m so glad it helped 💕❤️🥰xx
and thank you to all who liked the post 🥰
Of course you can use a wheelchair. I use a rollator (wheeled walker) and can remember how embarrassed I was when I started using it, but I can't walk far without it. I also have assistance at the airport when going abroad, which means I am in a wheelchair, I sometimes get funny looks from people who might have seen me using a stick in departures. I definitely could not walk to the plane, or stand in queues at passport control. You do what you need to and never mind what anyone else thinks.
hello Flower, go for it. Like you I was apprehensive but eventually I had to purchase a scooter. I was unable to go shopping or even out to enjoy the sunshine as I’d be in agony, and exhausted, after a few steps. My husband had encouraged it for a while and once my GP and physio were saying ‘do what you need to, to increase your independence’ I went for it. What a difference it has made. I do feel a wee bit self conscious but I’m sure that will go in time.
Please don’t let fear of what others may think hold you back. They don’t know you, and your struggles, and even if they did, it’s none of their business. Anything which stops your world from feeling even smaller is a good thing 🌸🌸🌸
If you feel it helps then use it, don't worry about what other people think. You are what matters. Xxx
do what is right for you and what will help you, other peoples opinions don’t matter, they don’t know you.
You will always get judgemental people in life but I always think those who are like that, are narrow minded, opinionated and clearly haven’t had hardships in life x
I have one as I am just like you, I hate using it but if we want to go out as a family either shopping or for a day out I’m in agony after walking a couple of metres. I had to come to the conclusion that if I wanted to spend time with my family it was the only way I could do it. Some rheumatologists don’t approve as they say it weakens the muscles but quality of life is important too- do what you feel is best for you 💛
All doctors seem to say is exercise and blah blah, I try and do what I can but there’s no way I could go more than 10 minutes without one, which kind of goes against what the doctors say.
Exactly as I said you need to think what is best for you- they don’t walk in our shoes and have no idea how we all struggle daily 💛
I was the same when I started using one to go out and about. If I didn’t use one I would be be stuck at home which is even worse. My OT told me it will enable you not disable you. You have to go with what works for you and don’t worry what other people think. It’s your personal situation and no one else’s business. It’s a tool like a walking stick to help you to live your life and make it a little easier.
I think that anyone who needs to use mobility aids should just get on with living nobody cares or thinks ill of you or me for using the aids. I use a mobility scooter yet I see many Blue Badge holders walking care free to the shops. Hidden disability, I’ve never encountered any problems or comments about my usage of my scooters if your feeling people are looking let them ten they maybe grateful for their own good health.
I get what you are saying, I am similar to this I have to take a seat to rest etc . And I've just had to scales down those sorts of things . Do not feel judged if you use one its what makes you happy and easier for you.
Hello , not at all, if it gets you out for alittle longer , you walk alittle them sit in the chair I would , I’ve seen many people do this ,like Hazel has said if it helps your pain levels as well it’s really worth it 😀and proberly easier for your partner as well xx
thank you for all of your comments, you’ve made me feel so much more accepting about needing a chair! Xx
🙌🫶x
Bever worry about what others think , think about yourself and what you need not what others judge you should or shouldn't do ,that is rude and they don't walk in your shoes use a wheelchair, I have used one and a mobility scooter since I was 38 as I needed to ( I a 58 now)Your needs are more important that " what others think" if people judge you that says more about them than you!
I’d love a scooter as I’d be able to go out alone and not have to rely on someone to push but my anxiety is so bad when going out and I’m 27, I never see younger people use any mobility aids around here. This town is full of a lot of older judgy people 😬
Then shame on them! If they are judgy it's because they have a boring life with nothing else better to doHonestly life is much better when you stop worrying or caring what other people think, concentrate on you and what you need,get a wheelchair if anyone says anything, just tell them to get on with their own business and not mind yours !
Get a wheelchair and then you can get out more and enjoy it with your partner !
You do what you need to do, to get to where you want to go and don't care what anybody else thinks or says. It is your life live it the best you can. I have a walker for my good days, a scooter for my not so good days and a wheelchair for my bad days. I will not be beaten. 😜
If you are absolutely exhausted and in lots of pain then Id say yes use one when you really need it.
Absolutely you can! Anything to make life a little easier,
How about starting by pushing the chair around so you have something to hold on to then when you feel you need it,Use it.
Others who judge need to be ignored or even better, The biggest and best smile you can muster, I have a power chair because my Hubby and I are quite frail and don't have the strength to push the other,
Some people just need to butt out
Take care
A very wise person on here said
"Those that mind don't matter and those that matter don't mind"
So Very TRUE 😁
Do whatever, whenever & however YOU need to Live, if it's annoying someone for no reason at all - Do It AGAIN 🤣🤣
Hi I’m exactly the same 🤢
Dear Flower It is hard for people to understand about hidden disability and the sight of people in wheelchairs can make people uncomfortable about their own future needs. However, trying to ignore your needs doesn't get you comfortably from A to Z when a wheelchair or mobility scooter will enable you. How can we get others to acknowledge our health problems if we try to ignore those problems ourselves? Sadly other people who don't have a clue about a wheelchair user's condition sometimes need educating as to why one is necessary and you can't tell everybody but maybe have a few medical leaflets to give to people who are surprised to see you need wheels and a sign to say something pithy/amusing.
I agree that people need education about different conditions, especially hidden disability! It would make our lives a little easier I think
feel that everyone should do whatever it is that makes an outing easier and safe.
I have a comment about something that is on the same subject. I recently heard that Disneyworld had recently decided to change their wheelchair policy due to the fact that it is so widely abused. The lines are so long that often an able bodied volunteer agrees to use a wheelchair making it possible for the entire group to go to the front of the line, therefore avoiding waits of well over an hour to two. Does anyone know if that pointy has changed? Unfortunately it is the disabled people who will be inconvenience if changes are made.
Get one. It is nobody else's business but yours. It sounds as if you really need one, but there are also alternatives. Don't worry about what folk think, It's your body, not theirs.
I have a wheelchair, which lurks in the garage, because it is rather hilly here and my arms aren't strong, so I can't push myself.
I can still walk a little, but age and arthritis as well as the fibro, make it all such a hassle, so I use a Rollator 80% of the time and either one or two sticks otherwise.
Good luck.
Cheers, Midori
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