Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Hello:
In my past I have spent 12 years using a wheelchair and more recently I have been able to use forearm crutches......the freedom was amazing.
I am now in a crisis as with the progressive nature of MS my balance has become to rate 9 on a scale of 40 (40 being the higher function)
In reality I must look back at the major falls I have experienced - fractures included. It would seem that I have to make the decision to continue with the risk and use crutches or be safe between the wheels of a wheelchair.
My question to you is: What was the pivotal point that put you in a wheelchair? When you sat in it for the first time were you aware that it would likely be in your life and for the rest of your life?
Holly
I have such nice canes and I have them mounted on my walls, and they look so good, with pictures taken at the zoo from the
but I am coming Sherry/smomdukes
Hi Holly,
When I first sat in my chair -- actually an Amigo scooter -- I did not think it was a lifetime commitment. I guess I really didn't think of it at all.
I was having such problems walking with my cane, then with the walker, when I first rode down the sidewalk and felt the breeze in my hair -- that felt like freedom. I wondered why I had resisted a chair for so long.
Now let's be fair. The scooter is almost like a small golf cart, kind of cute and not really looking too disabled. I could still walk, and actually the chair gave me enough rest to make the walking easier. I knew several MSers who used a chair as a rest between walks, and I had that luxury for years.
It was only a few years ago that walking was no longer an option for me. I was eased into the idea, so now the chair does not seem so depressing. I know I will not walk or ven stand again, but I know this lifestyle is manageable. It is not what I would have chosen, but it is mobility.
hello Vicki:
thank
hello Vicki:
thank you
hello Vicki:
thank you kindly
hello Vicki:
thank you kindly for
Hello, TellnHelen
Thank your kind note. Yes a scooter is a tremendous adaptive mobility tool. I had one and it became my companion - free as the breeze! After two accidents I was asked by the physicial rehabilitation specialist to hand him the keys and he would see that it got delivered to my home and arranged for other transportation for me. I was in shock -- now when I look back at it my using the scooter was dangerous and as my sitting balance is compromised even with a seat belt on. Spasms also enters the picture as hand control is not reliable. I also have difficulty visually judging where obstacles are in my field of vision and the sense of speed -- these impairments eliminates my use of a motorized wheelchair.
So now it is one day at a time and I can finally say that I have a sense of comfort it living in the moment and working at doing so in a safe environment.
Thank you again for your support
Holly