Looks like a Power Chair is in my near future

[Sarahsmom46]

I just wanted to drop you all a post to tell you about my appointment at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in DC and was after a 2 hour evealuation, they felt my condition was in line with what had been reported by my physician an thereapist and approved me for a power chair.

I don't know whether to be happy or sad. I am happy that now I'll be able to do more than I can right now and that I won't worry about getting worse and not having things in place.  But, I'm also sad because I was sure I would get better after this last relapse and that life would go back to normal.  

There's no more rrom for denial I guess.  

Well, I just wanted to share that with you guys.

Julie

[MarksMS]

Julie,

sorry you are dealing with this, having gotten a scooter 5 or 6 years ago, I'm very glad I did. It, and a power chair at home, have opened the world to me, I can spend hours in the library, go food shopping, go to Home Depot, travel most places, travel by air across the US.

W/o the scooter and chair I would be exhausted after a 100' . With them I can do just about everything.

The one suggestion I'd make is ask for a chair that lifts you as high as possible at the push of a button, the biggest drawback of sitting is people talk over you at parties and at work.

You can also expect cashiers and others to talk to your husband or companion when you make a purchase; I'm not shy and say "look at me, I'm the one buying this". I gave the young usher at a local theater a hard time last week when he avoided me.

You will find many people are more helpful than you want when you are crossing streets and going through door ways. It took me a while to accept these good natured gestures.

After a while I'm sure you'll be glad you have electrons doing most of the work.

Mark

[michelleric]

Julie,

I am sorry about the news of needing a power scooter.  It seems just when you accept the new life "normal", something else gets thrown in the way.  I do hope that this will be a good thing for you, and give you a greater opportunity to get around and do what you need to do.

Just one more thing on your list you will have to accept, but I know grieving is part of it. Perhaps, as lulu said, it wont be a permanent thing, and you will have it "in case" you need it.

Thinking of you my friend and sending big hugs your way...
Michelle

[rendean]

Julie,
I'm sorry , I know this is not what you wanted to hear.  I don't think any of us do. Heck, getting the handicapped placard is a trauma in itself so I can't imagine how down you must feel.  But, as Suma pointed out, as did GG, many are able to alternate between walking aids.

I so hope the case is the same for you!!! Lending a soft shoulder to cry on if needed (complete with Cheez-Doodles) !

Big hugs,
Ren

[Sumanadevii]

I have a scooter, a powerchair and a walker.  Some days I need one or the other.  Some days I can walk a bit without any aid.  I use my walker most days only as a safety issue..fear that I may fall.

[Guitar_grrrl]

Like Lulu, said... all that aside, I have a friend in my local support group who goes back and forth between using a cane, and his power chair.  Some days are better than others, as we all know.

[Lulu54]

Julie,  #$#$%$.  Ok, now that I have that out of my system I want to point out that the power chair doesn't have to be a permanent thing in your life.

It is still possible that there will be times that you absolutely don't need it to get around.  We can keep hoping for that and the days that you will park it in the corner.  

I'm sorry you got this news, but I can't help but hope for the best for you.

hugs and more hugs,
Laura