All About Assistive Devices for MS Mobility

[rjoneslaw]

Saw this article on assistive devices for MS and wanted to pass it along

Here is the link

everydayhealth.com/multiple...

[jimeka]

rjoneslaw good article, thank you.

[Kenu]

Enjoyed the information 👍🎄❤️🙏Ken

[SometimesCrazy]

Thank you because I am now starting to look for something. Great start.

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

Thank you rjoneslaw 😊

J 🌠🎄

[Texandyroe]

Thank you! Good article

[Sukie427]

rjoneslaw , I read that article with interest. A corollary to the use of assistive devices is getting too dependent on them. I have horrible mobility and even worse balance, and my neuro suggested a cane a few years before I actually began using one. As you know, a litigator has to project an image of strength, and I felt that the cane made me look weak. I had a 3-day federal bench trial, when I was walking with a noticeable limp and almost hit the floor several times the U.S. marshal (or the judge) noticed and the marshal started coming to my podium to get the evidence from me and handing it to the witness and the judge rather than me asking permission to approach. I realized then that I needed an assistive device, so I relented and got a cane. I still refused to take it to court with me, and I noticed that when I stopped using it I felt weaker and less steady. I eventually switched to a walker after I retired, because the cane was making me put too much weight on it for balance, and my neck, shoulders and back began to ache. Although the walker added the advantage of equal weight on both sides, I still was putting too much weight on it, so both sides of my neck, back and shoulders were now hurting. I have now been trying too walk all small distances, both inside and outside, without an assistive device, unless, like the supermarkets, the place provides an electric cart. For longer walks, such as through an airport or when my kids force me to go to Disney World, I can't make it without a wheelchair. I have applied for a service dog, but it's a 5-year wait. In the meantime, I am trying to learn to walk again and having too many intimate moments with my floor. Sukie427

[rjoneslaw in reply to Sukie427]

@Sukie427

I know what you mean.

I stopped going to court because the walk to the rooms was sooo long. Then when I got to the room the judge would tell me to stay where I was.

Then I was transferred to the ALJ division and I sat on a stool the whole day which can take a toll on you as well.

Now I do arbitration for the law and commercial calendar. When I'm assigned a case it's close to the employee bathroom (during the break I would go to the public bathroom just to exercise my legs) and entrance.