my scooter

[hamble99b]

I've started using my own scooter while out. I've decided that it's a positive step as -

I can be out for a bit longer;

I can get further;

the pain is less;

more quality time with friends as I'm not struggling to breathe/move/keep up;

I get to be out where life is going on;

I meet nice people who smile or pass a moment [eg "cold today"] or ask if I can reach;

I'm acknowledged as a person - not invisible, I exist!

I get to be independent.

I know there are negatives but they're the same as everyday when I'm on my crutch [es] so they aren't botherable [ I just made that word up! ]

try the scooters out in supermarkets first. I hope this might help someone.

regards,

sandra.

[superannie]

Good for you. Yes, I have noticed since I have started using a walker that people are so friendly and helpful. If you had told me a year ago that I would be using one of these I would have laughed. Life throws a lot of things at you and we have to deal with them the best way we can. I am past the stage of caring what I look like or I am too young for this, i need to get out and if this helps me then so be it. I am going to try the scooters in the shops but I think I will need someone with me if I am doing a weekly shop, the basket is,nt very big is it and how do you reach the top shelves? I have found when shopping that I really struggle to bend down to the lower shelves, funny how all the cheaper stuff is always down below! Enjoy your scooter and have a good day. cheers Ann

[Hidden]

Swings and roundabouts

Chuckling, I'm tall so often get asked to reach things off the top shelf, which is delivered with a cheery smile and the grace to appreciate someone elses difficulty.

Why then am I met with astonishment, rudeness and ignorance when I ask a shorter petson to get something off the bottom shelf for me?

Sandra - really pleased you've made the scoot (had written leap but thought that inappropriate). It takes time to get used to new ways of doing things.

My Grandad was a really proud man and it took him ages and many falls before he accepted a wheelchair. He found his inner child and would do coin in ear magic with us while we were waiting in cafes, parks etc, as we were perfect height for him to reach. He joined in our games - we would make cardboard cutouts of cars, buses boats and stick them to the sides of his wheelchair.

Anything can become bearable if you can work out a way to accept it.

Annie, most supermarkets have a shopper who goes round with you to make sure you get everything you need. And if you prefer to put your energies towards something else, you can always order on line and get it delivered.

[hamble99b]

I ask staff or handy people, most people don't mind. some offer to get something else on another aisle. I've had people at the checkout offer to unload the shopping or me.

I love the idea of disguising Grandad's wheelchair, you should market it - I couldn't get up that spiral staircase on dragon's den!

regards,

sandra.

[RoisinFinch]

I used to feel the same about using my wheelchair. I was worried that i was 'giving in' to the pain. Even though I hadnt left the house for over a week I still believed that it was better than 'giving in' to the pain. However my husband finally forced me to come for a walk/wheel with the dog and I didnt look back. I know think that refusing to use it and not leaving the house is letting pain win. Like you say, i had some degree of a social life and I could be outside! The next time I have a flare up I wont think twice about it.

[emb398]

I endorse your comments! I live too far out of town to make use of a scooter, but I use one in the supermarkets, in order to do my own shopping!

I find the looks of small children to be priceless! First astonishment, then obvious envy! Sometimes they ask me why/how I get to ride the scooter, and I explain that I can't walk because I didn't look properly on the road. Sometimes I ask them to get me a jar or a can that is out of reach, and beam with pleasure after I say Thank You.

Not all the Adults are quite so friendly, or helpful!

Elaine

[hamble99b]

Hi Elaine, you are right, some adults have a lot to learn from the children. Overall though, you get a feeling about who to ask for help.

[Heorte]

You sound such a nice positive person! Yes, I agree. I went to a Motability exhibition and got the chance to try several different ones and have a ride about too.

[Heorte]

I sometimes ask kids to help (being female it's not a taboo) and it makes their day when an adult says something nice back to them. 9/10 times they are all smiles and rush to parents to tell them what they have done. It's good to be part of society not separated by disability.