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Sunday, November, 29, 2009
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Mobility Aids and MS: Manual Wheelchairs

Vicki
Vicki
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Writer with Progressive MS and severe Osteoporosis

I was diagnosed in 1989 after seven years of living with seemingly...

Vicki

Wednesday, October 14, 2009
View All of Vicki's Posts
Nothing says disability like a wheelchair, and the wheelchair is one of the greatest fears of MSers. But MSers are not alone in this fear. Last year a Disaboom survey asked: "Would you rather be disabled or dead?" 52% of the respondents said they would rather die. There are more than 54 million Ameri...
  1. wheelchairs
    just2tired
    Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at 04:05 PM

    Vicki -

     

    Even though I do not have to use it a lot, I would not know where I would be without my power wheelchair.  When I was first diagnosed and waiting for medicare to kick in, I talked to my doctor about the trouble I had walking after about 15 minutes worth, that it made it very difficult for me to go to events with my husband and severely limited my shopping abilities (yeah, I know-this could have been a blessing lol).  As soon as my medicare kicked in the doctor wrote the prescription and I ordered the chair from an Oregon business that came to my house and measured me, the doors, and gave suggestions about ramps and such.  I LOVE my chair!  I never travel without it, and only sometimes do I have to use it at home.  What a Godsend!

     

    I don't think that being disabled is in any way a minus to me - just having MS, FIbromyalgia, Restless LEg Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction, Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis has made me stronger than ever.  Yes, I have down periods - today I had to give myself a very stern lecture in the shower about sucking it up, and I needed it.  I do allow myslef to have grieving periods, but sometimes they last too long and I look at my chair and think - I have the tools I need, the love and support of my husband and family, what else is there?

     

    NEVER feel ashamed or embarrassed about having to use a wheelchair or cane or crutches or anything else.  A surveyor has his equipment, a secretary has her equipment, a doctor has his/her equipment, and I have mine (and you too).  Think of the thousands of folks who need equipment and cannot afford it or get it for one reason or the other.  Then  bless your condition, accept it, and roll on!  The first time is hard, but it gets easier every time you do it.  I thank the Creator every day not only for the good things in my life, but especially the bad things in my life - for without bad there cannot be good.

     

    Love and Light to ALL!

    Jan

    Reply
  2. Wheelchairs
    David Madison
    Monday, October 26, 2009 at 02:18 PM

    Hello Vicki.  Missed your articles.

     

    I have a wheelchair, but have not used it yet.  The bugaboo is getting down from the deck to the walkway leading to the sidewalk.  We have installed a heavy cast-iron railing for the three-step descent, but I have not tried it yet.  I expect to be able to manage it when I try, and then a great deal of mobility will open up.

    Reply
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