Mobility Scooter?: I’ve come to the... - My MSAA Community

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Mobility Scooter?

Qt314grl profile image
26 Replies

I’ve come to the realization that I probably need to think about a scooter for long distances. I can walk but then I pay the price. Spasticity flares in my left leg, my feet neuropathy gets bad and of course that whole fatigue thing.

The last trip to the zoo I ended up with eight sides numbness for a week after. Today we went exploring in Opryland Hotel and now I’m hurting.

I think I need one just for long distance days with my toddler. I hate the idea of using one-especially since 10 years ago I trained and did a Susan Komen 3 day Breast Cancer Walk (60 miles in 3 days. This is quite a blow to me but I don’t want to miss out on activities with my son just because I either physically can’t go the distance or I push forward and pay for it afterward.

How do you deal with this blow emotionally?

And any good recommendations for an easily transported scooter? I have a minivan so space is not the issue but making sure I can get it in and out by myself is very important.

Sigh. MS sucks.

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Qt314grl profile image
Qt314grl
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26 Replies
Qt314grl profile image
Qt314grl

That should be “right sided numbness”...-although it often feels like eight sided...

ssdw1958 profile image
ssdw1958

I knew it that’s what the S means in MS sucks I knew it. I have a scooter 🛴 i haven’t used it out side yet because the bottom of my ramp has pea size stones and if I am by myself l don’t want to get stuck or even flip. I got the scooter with 4 wheels so flipping won’t be that easy. Also the scooter can be taken apart so you just put it together. I wouldn’t be able to do it by myself, there is no way I can bend down with out falling. But if you do get on bring the charger with you. The way I was able to get one is my insurance paid for the whole thing. Awesome 👏 I wouldn’t have gotten it.

bhappy41b profile image
bhappy41b in reply tossdw1958

How did you get your insurance to pay for the whole thing?

Blessings,

Bobbi

ssdw1958 profile image
ssdw1958 in reply tobhappy41b

I have Blue Cross/Blue Shield and I didn’t think they would pay for it but they did I spoke with the person at the store where I got my wheelchair and they had said that they would look into it and I ended up waiting until my next calendar year and I got the call that they paid for it. You could call your insurance company to find out what is covered. See I am not on the state or government insurance I am on private insurance. I also got it when I was 58 years old I am not older enough to be on it yet. But let me tell you i am also not older enough to get social security.

But You should try any way possible to get that scooter.

bhappy41b profile image
bhappy41b in reply tossdw1958

I will. Did you get a RX from your MS doc got a scooter?

ssdw1958 profile image
ssdw1958 in reply tobhappy41b

Yes I did need a prescription to get it from my insurance company my neoro is good in giving me prescriptions if I need anything.

bhappy41b profile image
bhappy41b in reply tossdw1958

I’ll have to check with my neurologist. Thanks!

Jesmcd2 profile image
Jesmcd2CommunityAmbassador

Hi Qt314grl 1st here is the link for MSAA's Assistive Equipment services. You will need to fill out the forms and send them in.😊

mymsaa.org/msaa-help/assist...

As far as coming to terms with the 'next step' so to speak, I think everyone handles it differently.😊 And an AWESOME topic!

I have a tendency to look slightly in the future. I just don't dwell. It's not here an I don't care!😀 But will mindset. If that makes sense.

Otherwise, it's the 3day rule, Get sad 😢, Get mad 😠 and get over it.😊But that's me!😄

I hope you feel better today! And look at it this way, you will be able too keep up with that lil one of yours!💕

J 🌠

Qt314grl profile image
Qt314grl in reply toJesmcd2

Thank you for the link, looks like an awesome program. I would not feel right accepting the financial assistance as i am so very thankful that we are in a good place as far as finances are concerned. I just need some advice on good ones to consider purchasing.

I’m hurting big time today after overdoing it yesterday! I know it’s time to get one for sure now!

Kenu profile image
Kenu in reply toQt314grl

GoGo’s have some neat little carts, three and four wheels. One of my best friends is on her second three wheeler and loves it. The seat comes off easy and the battery lefts out easily and then she puts in the trunk. The base weighs about 35lbs which is the heaviest piece. Good luck and stay as healthy as possible 👍 lots of people out and about seem to offer to help her too 👌🐾🐶🐩🙏Ken I will post some photos 👍Cost $12-1500.00

rjoneslaw profile image
rjoneslaw in reply toKenu

@Kenu

What is the name of your friend's cart/ wheeler?

Kenu profile image
Kenu in reply torjoneslaw

Just posted some photo’s, GoGo made by Pride👍 Ken

rjoneslaw profile image
rjoneslaw

@Qt314grl

I was going to do a post about this today

Ev Rider website evrider.com 800.944.1997

I found a nice 1 it is small and portable and it folds up to the size of a carry on suitcase.

I talked to the rep she said the best 1 is the transport +

Kenu profile image
Kenu in reply torjoneslaw

Looks like a GoGo👍😉 Ken

Doodles57 profile image
Doodles57

Talk to your neurologist first. Have you been to physical and occupational therapy? They will be best for being able to determine your needs and can then recommend the best scooter for you. And it’s possible that you might even be able to regain a lot of strength from therapy and might not feel the need yet. Worth the try. And be proud of yourself for realizing that you need the help and want to stay active. So many have false pride and become house bound because they don’t want anyone to think they’re disabled and feel embarrassed being seen on a scooter. Well duh, it happens to the best of us and life still can be so much fun in spite of some physical limitations. Good for you!!

Qt314grl profile image
Qt314grl in reply toDoodles57

Yes, I’m also overweight and I’m afraid folks will think “well if she just lost weight she wouldn’t need that scooter!” But before MS hit me hard I’ve spent the last 8 years or so at this weight and was quite active.

I guess it’s time to stop caring what others think. Lol

Doodles57 profile image
Doodles57 in reply toQt314grl

Get yourself out there and enjoy your life. Don’t waste time worrying about what someone might think of you.

Morllyn profile image
Morllyn

Qt314grl you asked how you deal with this, so this is how I deal. I had my first attack in 1977. I was scared and angry and depressed. I let the depression go on, way to long, and barely got out of the bed for about 9 months. Then one day I realized that (in my case) my symptoms had mostly all subsided and I was still alive. So I got up and moved on with my life.

It was about 6 years between that first attack and the second and about 3 years between the second and third and about a year and a half between the third and forth. Each of those attacks left me with some disability, pain and/or weird sensations. They were scary, and I visited a lot of neurologists over the years but each time I would have to take a look at my life, the goods and the bads. Were there things that I could still do, things that I could maybe change how I did them so that I could still do them. Could I find new interests? Did I have things/people to live for. If our depression is bad we may not think we have any reason to go on, any worth to anyone but stop and look around! If you have children especially, they need you! If you have a loving spouse, he/she needs you or brothers and/or sisters, they all need you. In the end you should do it for yourself, you are worth caring about and the world needs more caring, understanding people in it like all of those on this site who reach out with information, understanding and an ear to listen to our rants.

Canes, crutches, walkers and scooters are just there to allow us to keep going. They do not mean that you have given up, they mean that you haven’t given in to the disease/condition, that you choose to keep fighting and living. If physical/occupational therapy can keep you walking, then great but if you continue to be at risk for falls then use the tools that are out there to help you. I bet your tottler will love riding with you!

Now I return you to the previously scheduled program. 😜😘

greaterexp profile image
greaterexp

Qt314grl I’ll be watching this post with interest, since the choice can be a bit overwhelming. It’s hard to compare them without test driving, although reading reviews can be helpful.

Joni Earecksen Tada helped me get over my reluctance to use a cane or crutches in public. She related that at first, she despised her wheelchair because she saw it as a prison. She later recognized that her wheelchair was precisely the opposite; it meant freedom!

I hope and pray you will began to feel that sense of power and freedom with your mobility aids. You’re obviously a smart person to know you need something to help you keep up with a toddler! You won’t limit yourself or the toddler nearly so much if you have that scooter.

Good_enough profile image
Good_enough

Get one! It allows you to be free in soo many ways.

It's all in the conservation, it sounds like.

Don't forget about a ramp and the problem of transporting it with your vehicle.

sybermomm profile image
sybermomm

I bought a Dasher 4, scooter through Amazon. I bought this particular model because it can be taken apart & placed inside a trunk of a car. It can go 7 miles on one charge and its maximum speed is 3.8 mph. You can contact Shoprider if you have any questions. Their number is 1-888-896-8866. Only down side is I can't use it if there is snow or ice on the pavement. I have to wait till is dries. Hope this helps. I have been using mine for over a year. It works great. Even added a walker bracket on the back so I can take my walker with me.

Qt314grl profile image
Qt314grl in reply tosybermomm

Thank You! I’ve been doing preliminary research and there are so many options, good to hear from users!

RobertCalifornia profile image
RobertCalifornia

I used my mother in laws go go 3 wheel scooter, but it died on the inclines at Yosemite national park. I bought a Pride 10-3. It will go up the hills quite well but it is very heavy. We have a heavy duty ramp on the back of the car but it is a pain and the ramp is starting to breakdown. Think about what you want to use it for, look on the web. They have small light weight three wheelers to almost golf cart size scooters. I am looking into a folding light weight one for air travel and other travels where I do not expect to climb hills. As a side note the National parks have accessible trail maps, just ask a park ranger for one. Also, if you are disabled or over 65 you can get a national park pass that gives you free entry into the parks and 50% off camping fees.

eharoot profile image
eharoot

I have a three wheel scooter and I have an hydraulic lift in the back of my CRV. its easy to use. I haven't solved the problem of winter use though as it can't be left in the garage in freezing weather. I don't have room for a ramp into the house and I'm wondering about some kind of outdoor lift to get on the three step high porch

jackiesj profile image
jackiesj

I am thinking the same as you....it is a hard one especially with a spouse who refuses to consider it...best to have a scooter for "those times" and enjoy activities.I have taken an electric cart in stores and dealt with my mind issues on it but being grateful not to hurt worse.I must admit I had to call for back up at first to put isles together again!

YLGram profile image
YLGram

If at a zoo, amusement park etc, rent one for the day near the entrance. Make it a treat for your little one, give it a name, do follow and chase ( watch out racing they can and do tip). Fix your mind set. You GET to sit, others HAVE to walk. Most of all enjoy every minute.

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