IS ANYBODY IN A WHEELCHAIR OR USE ONE AT ANY TIME AT ALL??

[sexysooz7685]

wONDERING IF ANYBODY USES A WHEELCHAIR I AM FINDING IT REALLY HARD TO WALK I AM ONLY 28 HAVE FIBRO AND STILL UNDER THE HOSPITAL BACK FRIDAY MAYBE MORE TESTS I DNT KNOW

[ladymoth]

I have occasionally used a wheelchair if I have to visit anywhere that needs a bit of legwork. Kew Gardens loaned me one when I visited, and I enjoyed myself without the pain of walking everywhere.

Day to day I manage to get around altho' it's painful, and have not needed a wheelchair, but if you are really having problems I think you should go for it - why suffer needlessly?

Moffy x

[Hidden]

My friend said that to me yesterday, to get a wheelchair!! I'm 44 and Its not something i want to think about just yet. Id prob use a stick at a push if it was a difference between been stuck in the house or going out. Its the stigma that bothers me, but thats something that each individual has to choose. My friend tried to make a joke about it and said get a disabled buggy, I said yes if it has go faster stripes and a bottle off nitricoxide attached to it, so it can go 0 to 60 in 3 seconds lol.

If you need one to get around then go for it.

xx shelley

[sexysooz7685 in reply to Hidden]

hehehee when u said about the gas and thing thats made me laugh hehehe yeah i dnt mind i would rather that than be stuck in xx

[Hidden in reply to sexysooz7685]

Lol i am or was a bit of a speed freak, love fast cars, motorbikes so if i had one it woul dhave to be all singing all dancing lol. glad it made you smile lol xx

[fairycazzie in reply to Hidden]

ohh just going through this post .

i love fast cars too , my mum is a motorbike freak lol been going on them since was a teenager and her other half builds his own 'amazing' however motorbikes has never been my thing i just like the look!

my dad was into them too only got rid in past 2 yrs as he thinks at 62 he is too old lol i dont!! what ever floats your boat for me and what ever you are happy with..

My neighbour is a marshall at big races when on in summer i call him Tango for the Orange suit hehe he too has a red ninja (thinks thats it) i sat on it once and he tried to offer a ride whilst revving it but uhmm i kinda got all cold feet and said no.. i used to go on what i call banana bikes (scramblers when younger in the woods rallying around) but i stopped and never gone back.

Now cars i dont have anything flash but i love Top Gear!!! we have to record it if miss and watch it i just love RRS a dream for me to have one. xxxx nice to see this

i am a real challenger on the road as i have been brought uup in a mechanical family and cars so its in my blood i guess. i love to know how my car was fixed and what caused it xxx

[hamble99b]

I borrowed one in london.

I have a lot trouble walkng.

I tend to use mobility scooters in shops or shopping centres but now have one of my own.

ask for an ot referral.

regards,

sandra.

[sexysooz7685 in reply to hamble99b]

i spoke to my dr on friday she is going to speak to another dr and ask what they thing as she does not want me relying on it its just so i can go far as i was a active horse rider before all this xx

[donna67 in reply to sexysooz7685]

Oh me two I used to ride 3 times a week and so miss it,I use a wheelchair if going to be longer from home then hr or so as I too get alot pain I'm 45 and even if you think your feel silly DONT!!!!its better to save yourself from more pain then suffer xxx

[jom277 in reply to hamble99b]

Just to let you know if you are looking for a permanent wheelchair to ask your Gp for a referral to the physiotherapy department or dependent on where you live, they may be able to refer directly to wheelchair services.

I hope that helps save you time asking for OT referral to be later told the same info.

[diane63]

i use one now and again.... but need someone to push me.... even though my family say use it.. i can tell there not happy to push it... even my husband will say things like.... u not use ur stick and we will stop more often lol..... so if u can use it.. do it!!!!!!!

[sexysooz7685 in reply to diane63]

men!!!! lol thanks doll xx

[webby]

i have used one but get the same my hubby not happy about it always thinking about getting one permanetly but i keep on struggling onusing my sticks and putting up with pain go for it if u need one i will soon

[Hidden]

I use sticks for walking round the house and garden but for anything like the local shops , post box etc I use myrtle the turtle my mobility scooter, i got her last year, I felt a bit self concious at first as I was 47 and I did get some funny looks and tuts ... But it makes my life easier and anything that makes life easier is a positive in my book.. So if using one would make your life easier and more comfortable go for it... I go out with my family and the only time they moan is if I go too fast for their walking speed... Oh and at Christmas when I decorated it with tinsel....

VGx

[sexysooz7685 in reply to Hidden]

my mam is 47 and is having the same problem she wants to get out more we are or was a very active family i had my horses and worked on a stuf yard she was a gardener and now we are both stuck like this i was helping my mam at first but now i cnt say i went up town i would have to get the bus up and back if i had walked about the town i would not be able to do the tea on a night which now resulting in me putting the weight back on i have lost so something has to give... xxx

[fairycazzie]

hi there

i have a stick but i usually walk house to car and any shopping i use a trolley it is so hard!!!

when SS came to see me to put rails in etc and give me some funky spongy knife fork and spoon (great help)!

the lady asked me but as i do not do much walking wise i was in denial really .. now we been offered by friends to go to warwickshire for a bank holiday wkend and my problem is the train station and iknow we have to go platforms and there is no way i will manage as much asi keep refusing to believe it.

so i was told i could hire one if needed so i need to look into it to see although i think ppl will find it strange using it for certain things and not others.

if i was to do supermarket and no trolley i would definately use the little scooters they provide as i can only do something if takes the weight.

as for crutches i been told i cannot use them as this will do more damage for me.

i thought it would be easier but it wont because of what problems i have , the stick is a torture after using it so perhaps this is why.

interesting to talk about htis though and to realise how many of you lovley fm friends actually need to use one!!

its an undescribeable feeling in the tops of legs and hips and the body feels like a cement of armour.

i guess i will have to hire via the Dr and order if need be then .

wheeely big hugs to you all and never feel embarrased about it either as no one understands it.

xxxxxxx caroline xxx

[jom277 in reply to fairycazzie]

I live in Warwickshire. Where abouts are you going? I might be able to get local information if you are near where i am, that you can sort before your visit.

Jo

[fairycazzie in reply to jom277]

hi there sorry late reply on this i am just trying to catch up now i am going commanders close . Oooh not exactly sure now near off B4100 wade lane?

I am visiting for Bank hols it is a completely different sceneery to where i live hehe xxx where are you ..

i also have an old customer who moved to Warwickshire who asked me to call if ever i go down. x

[hamble99b in reply to fairycazzie]

you can ask for disabled assistance a few days before you travel. they help you on and off the train and wheelchairs can be provided to meet you at the station - to and from the train and to and from the entrance/exit. they also have ramps when you need to take your own chair or scooter.

sandra.

[SuzyB]

The Red Cross hire them for a small donation

[littlemisshurty]

I use a mobility scooter as if also had spine surgery and can't carry shopping and live on my own it's got me out of the house a lot more and in summer great fun you don't get to hot cos moving and warmth helps the pain winter you freeze but dress like your going on expedition and you be ok

[Ginsing]

Hi Last autumn I admitted I needed help and got Jezabel she is bright red and means I can go out shopping with the girls. I also make use of Shop mobility you can join for a donation and the people are very helpful so can borrow one in the city center.

I felt it was a form of giving up but I have changed my mind now - if something makes our lives easier go for it xgins

[littlemisshurty]

If you need a mobility scooter do why worry about stigma if I'm on a bus with crutches cos I look young I don't get a sweet I get flung from one end of bus to other..I don't care if ppl tut yes I was self conscious at 1st now I love it..I hardly use the bus and in summer they are great..I live on own I don't have help I need to shop I can't carry it so sod every one else I get ppl being nasty even if on crutches pushing trolleys in my back all rush to get past me..even tho I'm in pain I'm left standing while 10 _20 ppl rush thru...or I get can't you move you ppl should have your own shopping time so you don't get in way of normal ppl.....but I ignore it and have reported it..disabled ppl put up with so much abuse so dont let family friends take the Mickey you know how you feel go for a scooter easier to shop and more fun in Sun lol

[Sthandra]

I've had a wheelchair since I was 25 but only used it when absolutely necessary, I'm 43 now and I now have a loverly little 4 wheel scooter she lives in the car I would be lost without her I have a beast as well he lives in the garden but is not in use at the moment as he needs new batteries and his don't come cheap he's on loan from a vwery good family friend. If you feel you would be better able to get about whith a wheelchair then get one you whil know whenn you need to use it and when you don't . Sithy

[ladymoth]

The one good thing about using a wheelchair is the fact that you can wear gorgeous killer shoes without pain. You can just sit there waving your glamorous tootsies in the air, without the agony of having to walk on them. Every cloud has a silver lining!

[hamble99b in reply to ladymoth]

an very old lady I knew had always been fit until she had a fall and broke her hip. I met her in our town hall and she was being pushed in a wheelchair with a huge beaming smile. I was delighted to find out why.

she lifted her blanket she was wearing bright red stilettos!

she'd just been in a charity shop, had always wanted a pair and she'd bought them!

she said "I can't walk in them but I don't care, they're under the blanket but I know they're there!" her "comfies" were in her bag. bless her.

sandra.

[trae]

Not yet although I do use a stick, sometimes crutches if I'm bad... however the doc frowns on this, even though it's obvious I struggle to go far x

[peely]

i use a trolly dolly a disability walker it has a seat too so best of both worlds keeps you going safer than a stick/crutches so a win win . I got referred from the consultant and its been brilliant but they can be bought for 50 quid ish on ebay too. May be a help to see the link

Folding 4 Wheel Walker Rollator Mobility Walking Frame Zimmer Disability Aid

more options : Price

Get fast delivery and excellent service when you buy from eBay Top-rated sellers

£39.99

to £47.99

Free Posta

[Lima6MCT in reply to peely]

Don't forget to shop somewhere which gives you VAT free equipment - you need to sign a VAT Exemption form stating your disability

[babebatista]

Hi,

I was finding it very difficult to get around, still do actually. I use a stick to get around the house. If I'm having an okay day with my legs then I use a 4wheeled walker which has a seat attached, so if I do get tired or my legs go weird then my hubbie can still push me to the car and I use a wheelchair to get around to the doctors, hospital ect. I use it so I go around town. I hate being stuck in at home. The only problem with using and having a chair is the looks I get. I'm only 32 and regularly tell myself that people are staring because I'm so young, or they can;t see anything wrong with me! The way I look at it is its pain relief. For me it means that I can get around and still enjoy my life. All of these things that I have, help me to live my life as it is now, the best way that I possibly can. If that means I need to use a wheelchair then so be it. Each person is different and as one person said a lot of it is about the stigma. Now if people look at me while I'm using my chair, then that's their problem and not mine. I needed to use a wheelchair after I could not long get around just using my stick. Each of us has pain, all over our bodies and we all support each other through that pain, This illness that we suffer is invisible and I think if I'd broken my leg and was using a wheelchair its almost as if I have an explanation for it. But with having Fibro, ME and a nerve problem you can't see it and explain to people. Trust in yourself hun, to make the right decision for you. Don't worry about anyone else, be who you are.

Kind regards, and best wishes

Kimberley, fellow sufferer and here to offer support and fibro hugs xxxxxxx

[sheena123]

Hi All

I use a walking stick on short walks, but mostly use a mobility scooter, especially when I am walking my dogs. I find people stop and talk to me and laugh about the dogs pulling me if my battery runs out, it is especially handy when I go to the local shops as I have a basket on the front of my trolly. My lovely hubby bought it on e-bay, it is old but who cares, I go on the heath and it gets muddy so I do not care. I have also got one at our chalet which we have on the Isle of Sheppy, Kent.

Gentle Hugs

[Midori]

I am currently awaiting a wheelchair, got measured by Occupational Therapists early December, several months wait in my area apparently.

[sexysooz7685 in reply to Midori]

they said i dnt need one arse holes they are sorry but i do......

[scruffybabe]

i use a wheelchair, my OH has to push it. I cannot use any sticks or anthing that needs to be gripped by my hands as they bhurt all the time and the pain is too much. I did try and get on my mother in laws mobility scooter which is in her living room but had big problems as i couldnt hold the handles and would not be able to use it. its very hard having to rely on your OH and family when you need anything and you cannot go out and get it yourself.

Take care everyone.

XXXXXX

[hamble99b in reply to scruffybabe]

there's different ones, try a few. I did that then bought one second hand.

sandra.

[sexysooz7685 in reply to hamble99b]

im looking at ebay hun ya think thats any good mail me if u like this batters my head in all the comments x

[hamble99b]

This is a blog I recently posted,

sandra.

I've started using my own scooter while out. I've decided that it's a positive step as -

I can be out for a bit longer;

I can get further;

the pain is less;

more quality time with friends as I'm not struggling to breathe/move/keep up;

I get to be out where life is going on;

I meet nice people who smile or pass a moment [eg "cold today"] or ask if I can reach;

I'm acknowledged as a person - not invisible, I exist!

I get to be independent.

I know there are negatives but they're the same as everyday when I'm on my crutch [es] so they aren't botherable [ I just made that word up! ]

try the scooters out in supermarkets first. I hope this might help someone.

regards,

sandra.

[ellablade]

Hi i use crutches or sticks in the house depending on how bad I am

Going out I use a wheelchair - but if i ever take the dogs out I use a mobility scoota the only problem is I am so embarrassed by it . Im sure people think I;m lazy I get sympathy in the wheelchair but not in the scoota

[Sarah-Jane]

Please don't let yourself become a victim. When I am out in my wheelchair or on my scooter and someone looks at me, I smile and ask if I can help them. Usually I am met with a polite reply or question. I recall being one of those people myself and being too shy to ask a question, found myself caught staring at someone. I am so sorry I did that but it was not through malice.

I would also advise anyone suffering pain to consider whether they are being stubborn for a good reason or whether they are actually doing themselves more damage? Regain your freedom, travel a greater distance on four wheels and get some of your life back!

I use my cane around the house, when I need to, my wheelchair to cover distances like a shop floor, my scooter to go out when and where I like with no one dictacting which direction I go in!

Go for it!

[pearl76]

I had to use for 3 months but no one was kin in pushing me around, made me feel really down,anyway I wasn't kin on going out at all... Sad to say but I rather stay home than go out and use the wheelchair...My 2 boys were also affected emotionally by seeing me on a wheelchair just after their father left home.So, may sound silly... I don't wanna put anyone off the idea but using a wheelchair has some emotional issues with me. I also had this panic attack in the middle of the supermaket that I wanted to go home..I was wondering why I was there in a wheelchair feeling so unwell and in pain. Honestly the wheelchair made my neck pain worse and I would get home in agony.Suddely everywhere on my body was aching like hell...What's the point in trying to go out to feel better and come back home like you need to be hospitalized!? Home always felt safe for me, it is where I can rest and avoid the pain to increase...but... guys I know we all need fresh air...Just sharing my experience... If you are not like me, scared of the world around and have someone jolly and happy person that would push you around, and the wheelchair helps you to avoid pain&fatigue then it is a good thing, but for me, made my pain worse... I still don't know how is going to be for me in future, at the moment my house is a safe place.

[clairethebear]

Because of RA, my hands and wrists (and knuckles) are permenantly swollen and sore so I find it hard to use a walking stick even one for RA, as I walk my dog for the sake of my mental health as much as for her health, I've never gotten a mobility scooter or wheelchair, but I could do with them, its depressing to know as little as you do walk you are in agony during and after, its as if its never going to go away (the distress and pain and hopelessness), for the sake of my serotonin levels, I have to walk a bit, but I cant walk too far before it affects me really badly, and I may ask the doctor about a scooter or wheelchair tell him how depressing it is to be so limited by pain and exhaustion and that I'm feeling alienated, all the time, wish me luck xx

[circuitrunner in reply to clairethebear]

Hi Clair have you applied for disability allowance or care allowance - if you get the disability allowance then it would pay for a scooter. Myself I have been using a scooter for over 15 years without it I would lose my freedom x

[circuitrunner]

Could be an idea to see if you borrow a wheelchair from the Red cross to see if it helps. Just make sure they give you one with the big wheels that you can get yourself around and not one that you have to have someone to push it for you. I use a scooter now [live on top of a hill].

At leat then you can try it out and see if it helps you more - which I am sure it will.

[clairethebear]

Hi Circuitrunner,

Thank you for answering my post, and for your concern, much obliged, you know, I may just do that, as in apply for a wheelchair, I've already told my 'other half', that I'm not going to be doing the big shopping centres again unless I use one because of the really dreadful affect it has on my well being, how bad, weak and wrecked it makes every fibre of me feel, not to mention the dreadful feeling of alienation and depression, during and afterwards, all because its too much for me.

And I have applied for DLA twice, and am waiting to be called up to a tribunal again, the first time I was called I was too ill to go so they are sending me out a new appointment. The 'atos' Doctor that had called out to see me told loads of lies about me and my illnesses and abilities, what else can anyone expect from them, sad to say I thought she was nice, a well hopefully they will see I am sincerely really quite ill in every way and I need help, take care best wishes Claire.

P.S. Were you shy the first time you went out in you wheelchair/scooter, I am slightly afraid I'll look strange to people since I force myself to go out for a little walk with my dog as many days as I can, will they think I'm putting it on?, or should I care I wonder, a well cheers