does anyone have to resort to using a wheelchair and is this ok??

[lash]

[irisjoy]

Hi Lash

i have contemplated using one when i was really ill a couple of years ago but didn't get one.

i can't see a problem with you having a wheelchair , its a mode of transport and if it makes your life easier and less painful i would say get one , i would if required

take care x

[Hidden]

When my fibro was joined by arthritis 5 years ago I was in a wheelchair for 3 months then I slowly got more mobile again now use sticks or crutches and a mobility scooter the wheelchair is in the garage covered up as I prefer my mobilty scooter , but if you need one use one my motto is make life as easy as possible.... I don't see it as a case of giving in to fibro just making life with fibro easier

VG x

[Mdaisy]

Hello Lash,

I personally used a wheelchair to go out, when I was experiencing my worst times living with Fibro. I was doing exercises that the Physio had shown me regularly at home at the same time to build strength. The advice I received at the time was not to use the wheelchair all the time and try to do gentle exercise when you can. I know this is sometimes difficult when you are experiencing pain & fatigue, but maybe try pacing mentioned in the links below.

fibroaction.org/Pages/About...

fibroaction.org/Articles/Be...

As VG says if you plan to use it to manage Fibro whilst you use pacing & gentle exercise to learn to manage the symptoms, then maybe it will help long term. I certainly felt it helped my situation and I found using a wheelchair to get out was a psychological boost as you can sometimes feel down being stuck indoors.

I would say do not worry if you need to use it for a temporary solution

I hope this has helped answer your question.

Emma

[ladymoth]

I find a wheelchair useful now and again if I am having a flare, or if I go somewhere that a lot of walking is necessary.

I visited Kew Gardens last year and borrowed a wheelchair which helped me to enjoy the day. Otherwise i would have been completely exhausted after and hour or so!

I also had to go to a very glamorous function a couple of years back, and my knees were very bad at the time. I had a wheelchair that evening and wore amazing killer heels - 'cos I didn't have to walk on 'em - it's an ill wind that blows no one any good!

Moffy x

[littlemisshurty]

I had to buy a scooter cos I can't carry shopping or use crutches at the moment as I'm in a lot of pain with my arms especially the right one .I need it so I use it got used to ppl insulting me telling me they should have special hours for ppl like not shop as normal ppl don't want us in the way..or 'll so busy with he a in phone don't see you ppl walking backwards into me stationary and say it's my fault...if had so much abuse of left my shopping and gone home to cry but I'm on my own so no matter how I'll I am I have to go myself...but I need it I would be stuck in the house all the time and I enjoy it in summer cos you get a breeze and you feel free..so go for it stuff the normal ppl they are horrible any way

[Ginsing]

Morning I have a scooter sitting in the hall she is wonderful it means I can get out and about when things are bad. However I am a determined person and I try to exercise as much as possible if a small potter about with sticks or crutches but if going to see something means a chair so be it. Life is hard enough and any help is welcome xgins

[Rubybooby]

Morning Lash,

My wheelchair has just arrived this week I'm only going to use it when I'm having a flare up or when I want to go out for a walk with my husband. It will allow me to get out more as I can only walk so far due to the Arthritis in my ankle.we have been out once this week in it and we both agreed he will have to get some training in on flat ground first It was a little strange at first but I think that was down to someone else being in control of your movement.

[sue32]

When I mentioned to my daughter my thoughts about getting a wheel chair she said I was getting old before my time. I'm 55. I tried explaining to her that it would enable me to get out more. However, I haven't got one, but I did think of trying one of these 4 wheeled walkers, with a seat on so that I could still 'exercise' my legs and feet, but be able to sit when needed. However, I would not have anyone to push me in a wheelchair and my arms are in no fit state to have a self propelling one. Is that the right phrase?? I know what I mean anyway!! Happy Mother's Day to everyone!! XXX

[Sthandra]

Hi lash if it would make your life easier I would advise you to get one, I had a wheelchair and it was great as on top of fibro my knee joints give out I got fed up with people stepping over me and calling me a b drunk, my mum had the same problem with her joints giving out so she bought herself a chair it was better for her as it was lighter than the ones she got through occupational therapist, my brother was her carer for 20 years and he has a curved spine and an extra vertebrae which gives him a lot of pain and as he was the one pushing her it made sense to have a lighter one as he had to lift it in and out of the car. I have it now as she no longer needs it. What I'm saing in a long round about way is yes get yourself a wheelchair if it will make your life easier . Sithy

[peely]

i have a four wheel walker it can help but you still get tired arms. The orthotist i see for my leg braces( i have drop foot) says i need to get an electric wheelchair so i am looking into it x

[Lima6MCT]

Depending on the circumstances I use either a shopmobility scooter or my portable scooter when I'm out and about. There's been a couple of times when I've been out shopping & the supermarket scooters were all out so my friend offered to push me round in a wheelchair but I'm afraid I just draw the line at that. She said she didn't mind but I just couldn't face it, not fair on her and too embarrassing for me.

[nannyjenno]

I have stopped going out completely because I need a wheelchair or a scooter to get around. I have been refused dla several times, so cannot possibly afford either so am stuck at home with no hope of getting out and about.

[lash]

thanks for all your advice, i am going to look into having one, as it would make my life a lot better........