I just have to share this with everyone. I have said before that I was finding the fact that I needed to use a walking stick to get about was really embarrassing me. Enough that I was in tears and reluctant to go out. It soon became clear I needed two as both hips were really painful reducing me to silent tears as I was walking. Anyway, enough of the drama. My husband kept on telling me I needed a mobility scooter and enlisted the whole family and friends to keep on at me. About a week ago my niece’s father phoned me from London (I live in Wales) to say he had a scooter that I could have for free and she would bring it home with her in the boot. It arrived looking hardly used but needed a new battery. Next day delivery sorted that out on eBay. My husband took me on a test run around the town centre. Yesterday I ventured out on my own to meet a friend for coffee. I went into the shopping mall only to find the lift out of order and the cafe upstairs. The security man said they had permission from Wilco’s shop to use their big steel goods lift but he had to take me. He told me to drive into the lift. In I went then the loudest bang you’ve heard as I hit the back steel wall of the lift! Mr security man ran in asking if I was okay. My friend was nearly wetting herself laughing which caused Mr security man to too. We got out at the top and he guided me out. Going down we had to ask another security man for help who told me he had been warned about me - with a big grin on his face. When we went down, the lift opens in the Wilko store. He got out first and cleared about 3 display stands and kept people back whilst I reversed out under his instruction! Again my friend was in a heap. As she said, it could only happen to me. Anyone else had any mishaps??
First outing on my disability scooter! - LUPUS UK
First outing on my disability scooter!
😂😂😂 this had me in absolute stitches , so glad you had a friend with you for moral support - I think it’s a fab idea and will give you a new sense of freedom so well done xxxx
they're not easy to drive. I used one in morrisons once 🤪 I'd rather have a golf buggy with a steering wheel
Coming home I was looking for indicators as you would in a car! It’s been a huge learning curve, and I have new respect for those who zip around the town so quickly and accurately.
Oh man. You should create a blog titled Adventures on the Rascal. This story gave me a good laugh.
🤣🤣🤣👍 happy scootering 🤗x
Well done you!!!! I too am rapidly realising it is about working out what you can do and how, rather than waiting to get better. So glad you could see the funny side of it. Yesterday I took delivery of two new trekking poles for walking. According to the information they can reduce the pressure on your knees by 30,% which l am hoping will mean l can walk either further or in less pain, or hopefully both. Still researching electric bike which I think will be next. Rheumatology appointment on Tuesday, still hoping there might be more they can do to control this👍
It’s a terrible realisation isn’t it? I saw my rheumatologist about 10 weeks ago and I was walking reasonably well then but this hip pain is so debilitating now. I phoned just over two weeks ago to order more meds on an answer machine which is the only way to contact them. I also said I needed someone to contact me urgently for advice as my condition had worsened greatly. Both feet were stinging and extremely painful, one foot had swollen hugely and I had what looked like discoid lupus circles all over my ankles and lower leg. Not a word! GP surgery will only give appointments to people in “immediate emergency and infections don’t get considered as that”. Thankfully everything has calmed down now but the extreme hip pain when walking has been there for about 6-7 weeks. So I tried a walking stick after my husband kept on at me. It took pressure off, then the other side was hurting so I keep changing sides. Husband said I needed 2 sticks, I’ve bought moulded ones now so it should be easier but can’t make myself use them in public. It’s because people say I don’t look ill, or I look healthy. I am a qualified Nordic Walking instructor (couldn’t do it now I think) but Nordic poles are so helpful in general walking as they gently push you forward as you go and are strapped to your hands. Never used the poles you are using but please let me know how you get on. I have fibre glass poles which are so light. I may try them in the garden, good luck. X
If you do use them, people won't say that you don't look ill or that you look healthy. I know that when I use my cane, I am treated differently than when I do not. Guess there is more compassion when you look ill.
I think you are right. I am a terrible worrier and usually say I am fine when people ask, and they say I am looking well. Many don’t know I have Lupus or anything wrong with me. So if they now see me with sticks or a scooter I’m worried they will think I’m lazy or exaggerating. My sister says to hell with them and hold my head high but it will take time I guess. At the moment I can’t even talk to someone about my condition without crying. I just don’t know what the hell is wrong with me. Rheumatologists don’t tell you how to deal with the emotional side of things. I feel I’ve lost my old life and it’s hard to deal with. I’ve always done things for people all my life from the age of 12 and now I have a 4 year old asking me to check if I’ve taken my meds because I keep forgetting! Hard work. X
This is completely normal in my experience Bowenlady 🤗I think that we have to go through a grieving process because so much is lost..we have to grieve about the life we have lost..it's a natural process!
Honour it n if u wanna cry, cry...if u get angry, get angry..punch some pillows..have a stamp outside..anything that helps you get through it!!
The first time a wheelchair appeared in my bedroom when I was so so sick..I couldn't even look at it..I cried and got really angry...no way..no way was I going to be using it!! That was four years ago n I have adjusted n grown myself a thick skin!! Well I had to..I'm dressed up in all the UV protection too..indoors n out. There's absolutely no way that this wouldn't effect me emotionally! Standing I am 5ft 10..sitting I only catch eye contact from children!! Oh n groins, bums, n footwear!! 😹
Keep that sense of humour my love coz it'll really come in handy..it's what keeps me sane..well sane-ish!!
Your story made me chuckle thank you!!
I too have a mobilty scooter..unfortunately the lady before had had a stroke n consequently got the controls switched on the handles..so I have a left hand scooter n my left side is the weakest so I can't drive it for too long!! I've taken it out for a couple of spins in the carpark n local area but I won't have the strength to ride into town! So I'm looking for a scooter guy to change the controls to right handed again!!
Try to just think of yourself as a mod...scooter girl!! U can jazz it up a bit? Make it yours!!
Oh and try not to run anyone over!! 😉🌈😽😽Xx
Thank you for that. I do realise that there are people far worse off than me, and may be seen as a moaner but this is all happening so fast. Downhill at that too! I’ll keep on reporting any adventures, it made me laugh just repeating what had happened.
Oh I'm sorry if it appears that way..I didn't get any inclination that u were moaning at all.i just wanted to offer some support. Sometimes I don't come across to well. Please accept my apologies 😔🌈😽😽xx
Oh no it didn’t appear that way to me either I was just saying that I feel as if I am moaning over things when others are in a worse state. No offence taken at all. Didn’t even think of it. ❤️
Nordic poles.... tell me more if you can as I need help walking. X
Hope the poles help you, please let me know how you get on with them.
I totally agree with your sister. You have to do what is best for you. People will always find something to criticize.
Omg how hilarious . Not only can you be more independent, in less pain but you get a good belly laugh too which is great for the soul. I am so delighted for you. I haven’t tried a mobility scooter but on my first outing in my wheelchair, my husband took me to the opening of the new M&S. His steering skills were awful. He drove me into a rack of clothing and an assistant came running to pick up the hangers on the floor and on me. Then we decided to go up to the cafe. As we entered the lift there was a slight lip so he thrust me forward so hard that I actually left the seat and hit my head on the mirror before falling back into the chair. The faces on the other people in the lift was priceless. As we exited a little old lady told him sternly you need lessons. I was creased up. I wish you many, many more wonderful experiences on your scooter xxx
Omg! I hope he has honed his skills since then? Now that story is far more funny than a mere steel lift wall! Hilarious! And you were still speaking to him when you got home? My husband would have had cold tongue for at least a month for that. Been out again today to the post office and am pleased to report nobody has been injured, maimed, or otherwise threatened by my lack of scooter driving skills. X
Honestly I hate him taking me out in the wheelchair, even the chairs with wheels at the hospital are a nightmare. He actually let me go on a slope once without the brake on and I went scooting down onto the car Park. Thankfully no cars were coming 😱. His concentration is poor and his patience minimal lol Hence I don’t use the wheelchair very often xxx
Hysterical and really cheered me up🤣🤣
Enjoy your scooting! Please don’t worry about what anyone else thinks- it’s none of their business.
you will soon get used to it, I have used one for 11 years now, just get over the embarrassment and enjoy the freedom it gives you! xx
My lupus journey
People's nasty attitudes
Update on my Dermatology Appointment, with my Knight, 13th September
Update on my daughters rheumy appoitment
