Mobility aid: How did you know when it’s time for some... - NRAS

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Mobility aid

Punkdebutante profile image
13 Replies

How did you know when it’s time for some mobility help? I am 42 and struggling so much. I am on MTX, hydroxychloroquine, naproxen, tramadol and 30/500 cocodamol.

If you decide you need help, how do you get the aids? Can you just buy them or do you have to wait to for a doctor to tell you that you need them?

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Punkdebutante
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13 Replies
JayneN profile image
JayneN

If u have an occupational therapist at the hospital she will make a referral if not you can ring social services and they will assess what you need ... good luck

Punkdebutante profile image
Punkdebutante in reply toJayneN

Do I need to be referred to an OT? The only people I’ve seen so far are my rheumatologist and the nurses.

JayneN profile image
JayneN in reply toPunkdebutante

I asked my rheumatologist to refere me as I was struggling to manage and it only took 2 weeks . The one I have is amazing . Tbh I bought things I needed like cutlery and can openers on e bay . I just put in “ mobility aids “ but if u need raised seats, bathroom changing or handles she will do a referral to social services . Just ask otherwise you will be left .

Punkdebutante profile image
Punkdebutante

Thank you. I am thinking that crutches or a walking stick may help initially.

Nuttyshirlz profile image
Nuttyshirlz

Hi

my Rheumy nurse referred me and my Physiotherapy if you see them they can referred you to a occupational therapist. My occupational therapist got me all sorts to help me x

Punkdebutante profile image
Punkdebutante in reply toNuttyshirlz

Thank you so much.

Nuttyshirlz profile image
Nuttyshirlz in reply toPunkdebutante

Just ask at your next appointment.i was seen in a week after asking and even got other stuff too x

marie66 profile image
marie66

I'm in Scotland and there's a waiting list for OT Physios etc. especially if you are under 65 so I waited for orthotics splints toe supports etc but for small stuff to help? I spoke to Rheumatology and then bought my own. Lloyds chemist have an eBay page too which helps with costs. I got my tri walker for £35 because it was the last years colour! M x

Punkdebutante profile image
Punkdebutante in reply tomarie66

Thanks Marie. I am also in Scotland. I will ask for a referral but also try some things to help myself first.

I was asked by my physiotherapist if I thought that a rollator would help. At first I was reluctant as I thought it would make me look like an old woman using one, but after thinking about it, I decided it would help. He is now ordering me one and it will be delivered to the house shortly.

Just a thought, I notice you are on strong pain relief and Dmards but not biologic drugs. Have you tried biologics yet? If not and your ra is so painful it is effecting your mobility maybe your rheumatologist ought to be trying you on them. I'd make an appointment and ask for them. They can be a game changer x

Punkdebutante profile image
Punkdebutante in reply to

I am planning on asking at my next appointment in August. My daughter has been on several biologics and have changed her life.

Narniesangel73 profile image
Narniesangel73 in reply toPunkdebutante

Just a few weeks ago I wanted some aids for my mum.

I rung social services and asked for adult services. They were great at taking down all the information so they could pass it on to occ therapists. I received a call within a week booking an appointment for an home assessment.

My mum is very pleased with all her free mobility aids.

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