Any mobility device advice?: Looking for... - My MSAA Community

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Any mobility device advice?

Tinker-Belle profile image
Tinker-Belle
โ€ข38 Replies

Looking for any helpful tips and suggestions any of you have who are no longer mobile. Specifically, I would like to hear about helpful devices and even places to find them. I can no longer walk AT ALL and need help with practically everything so I'm always looking for ideas.

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Tinker-Belle profile image
Tinker-Belle
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38 Replies
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Jazzyinco profile image
Jazzyinco

Please watch Dr. Terry Walhs on Y2BE. SHE HAD SPMS, &is now out of herw/c, with "the hunter, gathers" diet... She encouraged me to just do it!๐Ÿ˜Ž๐Ÿ’๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ˜

rjoneslaw profile image
rjoneslawโ€ข in reply toJazzyinco

Can you post the link?

Jazzyinco profile image
Jazzyincoโ€ข in reply torjoneslaw

m.youtube.com/watch?list=PL...

Sure rj...she has awesome info#

rjoneslaw profile image
rjoneslawโ€ข in reply toJazzyinco

saw this article " How This Doctor with MS Went from a Wheelchair to Walking" it's about Dr. Terry Wahls and how she reflects on her personal experiences living with MS, her recovery, and how she copes.

here is the link below

healthline.com/health/multi...

Jazzyinco profile image
Jazzyincoโ€ข in reply torjoneslaw

Or w/out mobile link, i just did a Dr. Terry Wahls search, she has mant to glean lots of info from!๐Ÿ˜Ž๐Ÿ’๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜‚

Tinker-Belle profile image
Tinker-Belleโ€ข in reply toJazzyinco

I will have to check her out. Until I have that miracle cure, I'm looking for ways to adapt. I certainly believe in following healthy food options. Thanks. I did not even think of looking for her, or anybody MS related, on YouTube. Great idea.

Kenu profile image
Kenu

If you go to my posts, three months ago I posted several photos and information on a GOGO scooter ๐Ÿคท๐Ÿผโ€โ™‚๏ธ Check it out. ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿพ๐Ÿ˜‰ Ken

Tinker-Belle profile image
Tinker-Belleโ€ข in reply toKenu

Now, I'd love to have something like that. I have an Invacare wheechair that my husband has to push everywhere. He has a bad back and has had multiple knee surgeries so, although he says it isn't a problem, I know it's difficult for him...especially lifting in and out of our van. You said you can use it places like amusement parks and such, too. I'm curious how well it holds up a charge. Also, do you have some sort of lift to get it in the vehicle? Thanks so much!

Kenu profile image
Kenuโ€ข in reply toTinker-Belle

It actually breaks down and you can put in your trunk ๐Ÿ‘The seat comes off, battery lifts out, and handle folds down. Heaviest piece is about 35-40 pounds. Battery lasts about 10 miles before charge ๐Ÿ‘. Went to amusement park for 10 hours and it worked Great. It comes in 3-wheel and couple hundred more for 4-wheels. Mine was given to me by my best friend and he bought his wife a new one. She loves the 3-wheel and used mainly in the house. She can get it next to toilet ๐Ÿšฝ and recliner and can slide herself onto each ๐Ÿ‘. She needs help into ๐Ÿ› and out, also dressing. She has had a Hover-round ($5,000.00)with hand control,but likes this better ๐Ÿคท๐Ÿผโ€โ™‚๏ธ. He has a portable ramp for back of vehicle and has used it twice in 12 years. Good luck and let us know how it goes ๐Ÿคท๐Ÿผโ€โ™‚๏ธ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ™๐ŸพKen

Tinker-Belle profile image
Tinker-Belleโ€ข in reply toKenu

Thank you! Another question...let's say you are out somewhere and the battery dies. Does it come with a back up battery you could have with you to change on the spot or do you have to charge the battery you are using? Not sure that made sense. Hopefully, you can figure me out.

Kenu profile image
Kenuโ€ข in reply toTinker-Belle

No, you could have an extra battery with you for backup ๐Ÿ‘. Easy to change out๐Ÿ˜‰. ๐Ÿพ Ken

MSAAPamela223 profile image
MSAAPamela223

I have a pink cane with pink flowers named, "Rose." My son purchased a burgundy walker, 4 wheels, brakes, a seat hat is over a carry bag with a zipper inside for papers, her bane is "Scarlet "I bought a chair for the shower and so nice.

Tinker-Belle profile image
Tinker-Belleโ€ข in reply toMSAAPamela223

I have a shower seat, too. It is wonderful. No way I could do it without. When I could still use a cane, I had to get a pretty one, too. My favorite was a hand carved, mainly pink, striped one. I got it from a place called, "Fashionable Canes." I have a burgundy rollator that my husband puts in front of the bathroom sink. I transfer to it to brush my teeth. An electric toothbrush makes all the difference, too. I'd like to find things made to help me get up and transfer different places. Like getting into the shower seat. Bars would help, I know. But, walk in...uh, I can't walk...and that little tiny ledge most people probably wouldn't even notice...I have to have help getting my leg over it. I'm sure there are simple things I can do. Maybe an OT or PT could help. Thanks so much.

Kenu profile image
Kenuโ€ข in reply toTinker-Belle

They make a slider board for bath chair, toilet, recliner, car, etc. Tony, my best friend uses one all the time to save husbands back๐Ÿ‘. They run about $45.00 for a good one. ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ™๐Ÿพ Ken

Tinker-Belle profile image
Tinker-Belleโ€ข in reply toKenu

Hmmmm. Slider board. I have to look that up. Thanks!

Iggyvair profile image
Iggyvair

Tinker Bell. I don't know where you are but the Chosen Mission in Erie Pennsylvania USA has free, used mobility equipment. 814-836-4673

Tinker-Belle profile image
Tinker-Belleโ€ข in reply toIggyvair

Wow, that is awesome. I've heard PA is beautiful but I'm nowhere close. I'm in SC. Thank you, though!

Iggyvair profile image
Iggyvairโ€ข in reply toTinker-Belle

I LOVE the Carolinas ๐Ÿ˜ I have ridden the length of the Blue Ridge Parkway 5 times on my motorcycle. I am so extremely happy that I was able to ride the parkway before the MS stopped me from riding. I have told my wife that when I die I want my ashes mixed with the asphalt on the parkway. Sitting here typing makes me want to get back on the BRP.

Tinker-Belle profile image
Tinker-Belleโ€ข in reply toIggyvair

What a wonderful memory. I always dreamed of having a Harley. Not sure even when I could drive, if they made one small enough for me! I'm pretty little. I sure would have loved being on the back with my husband riding, though. I couldn't do that anymore, either, because somebody would have to get me up there and then tie my legs down to keep them from flailing around! It would probably make a pretty funny video, though. I like living in the Carolinas. I think we have the perfect weather. We have seasons but the extreme cold and hot are short lived and not near as extreme or severe as other parts of the country.

Iggyvair profile image
Iggyvairโ€ข in reply toTinker-Belle

I worked for Harley, rode a Honda.. I put 130, 000 miles on the Honda. I enjoyed our the quiet, comfort of the Honda.

At the same time I was teaching motorcycle safety for the state of Pennsylvania.

Tinker-Belle profile image
Tinker-Belleโ€ข in reply toIggyvair

Yes, they are smooth. Gosh, now that's a childhood memory for me. I rode on the back of a family member's big ole huge Honda. If memory serves me correctly, they even had speakers in their helmets so we could talk to each other. Good stuff. I never ever would have been tall enough to pilot one of those.

CloverPrincess profile image
CloverPrincess

nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia...

Not sure if you are using Medicare but they have affordable scooters and wheelchairs through disability benefits if you qualify

I believe there are many other programs.

Can you ask your dr?

๐Ÿค—๐Ÿค—๐Ÿค—

Tinker-Belle profile image
Tinker-Belleโ€ข in reply toCloverPrincess

Yes, I am on Medicare. Have been for several years. I go back to see my doctor soon so I will be talking to him. He has mentioned having an Occupational Therapist visit in the past. I will probably take him up on it this time. I'm just afraid it will be another expense I don't need. I don't want to keep getting worse and more restricted, though, so it's probably something I need to do.

CloverPrincess profile image
CloverPrincessโ€ข in reply toTinker-Belle

Hope it all works out! :)

CloverPrincess profile image
CloverPrincessโ€ข in reply toTinker-Belle

By the way the scooters and wheelchairs should be no cost with Medicare if the scooter can help!

Tinker-Belle profile image
Tinker-Belleโ€ข in reply toCloverPrincess

Are you serious? Good gracious, that would be awesome. I got my wheelchair through insurance several years ago before I was on Medicare and I think I paid more out of pocket than if I'd just bought one at Costco! I would LOVE to have a scooter...a small easy to manage one. LOL. I don't want to be a menace to those around me!! I wonder if they cover, even partially, lifts or something to get them into a vehicle? Thanks, again. My doctor, although, I love him, is not real familiar with what is covered and what is not. Thanks, again.

REDLIPS44 profile image
REDLIPS44

where in SC are you? I live in Summerville near Charleston

Tinker-Belle profile image
Tinker-Belleโ€ข in reply toREDLIPS44

I live near Greenville, at least for now. My house has become so UNaccessible for me that I'd love to find something more accommodating. I wouldn't know where or how to begin to look, though.

REDLIPS44 profile image
REDLIPS44

Don't know how old you are, I'm in an apartment and I will soon be looking at the 55 or older places to live.

Tinker-Belle profile image
Tinker-Belleโ€ข in reply toREDLIPS44

I'm not quite there yet but, hey, I'm not opposed to that, either!

CraigS profile image
CraigS

Hi Tinker-Belle

Iโ€™m partially mobile with a cane or walker which helps a lot. On longer excursions, I have an electric wheelchair (Golden).

It breaks down into (4) pieces at (37 lbs. ) for the heaviest piece. The cost was $1,800.00, but itโ€™s real comfy for cruising around town and the long trips to the doctors office. I donโ€™t know about you, but where I go to Kaiser for anything medical, the distances between offices is and can be very far. It really helps.

I thought that the cost was very reasonable. However, I have to install an elevator to get to the ground floor of my house. (a ramp would be at least 20-25โ€™ long and who wants that out in front of their house, right?

Iโ€™m in San Jose, CA. But the cost of these things seems reasonable. Hell, Amazon will even deliver right to your door!

Of course, I donโ€™t know what your financial situation is, but there must be available financing to afford these things.

C

Tinker-Belle profile image
Tinker-Belleโ€ข in reply toCraigS

Thanks! I will check this out, too. I would hope Medicare would help cover that cost but they may limit what I can get, too. Not sure. I haven't checked yet. I will be, though! I wonder which is preferable and why....scooter or wheelchair? Hmmmm. Thanks, again!

CraigS profile image
CraigS

I weighed the two and the wheelchair fit my needs better because you can roll right up to the table to eat. I did see one that I would have really wanted, that went up and down too! You could take it to Vegas and be at the card table height!

Too heavy for my wife to pick up though.

Tinker-Belle profile image
Tinker-Belle

Ah, good point! I'd want to be able to pull up to a table if we went anywhere for sure. I never thought of that. I guess folks in scooters have to transfer. I don't want to have to do that. I wonder how the two compare with how long the battery lasts. Thanks!

Linda3579 profile image
Linda3579

Hi Tinker-Belle, I think itโ€™s a great idea to ask your neuro for an appointment with an OT. Itโ€™s their job to know about all the devices that can make your life easier, and the best way to get Medicare to pay for them. Wishing you all the best, Linda

Tinker-Belle profile image
Tinker-Belleโ€ข in reply toLinda3579

Thank you, Linda. Yeh, I'm to that point. Maybe I should have been a long time ago. Best wishes to you, too!

Linda3579 profile image
Linda3579

I know, Iโ€™m an expert at putting things off. Sometimes just getting through the day is enough. I bought a book on Amazon called Multiple Sclerosis 300 Tips For Making Life Easier. You might get some good ideas from it. ๐Ÿ˜„ Linda

Tinker-Belle profile image
Tinker-Belleโ€ข in reply toLinda3579

Oooh, I need to check that out. Thanks!!

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