I don’t like it, it feels like I have given in, and it is because of the (well known swear word here) Camba-whatever the word is, pills, that make me more unsteady. AAGGHH
David
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hi david
you haven’t given in, you have reached a compromise.
if the alternative to a scooter is being house bound well you had to do it.
i can’t think what pills you are referring to but pthh to them!
chin up mate
carole x
Hi David
One thing you need to know, which few people mention (or haven’t noticed) - scooters are fun!
I did a degree with the Open University several years ago, and had to do a week’s course in Edinburgh. Having contacted the OU and told them my problems, they ordered a mobility scooter for me, and got an assistant, Bob, to help me for the week, who also used a scooter. I had never considered a scooter before, and certainly didn’t want one, but I did very much want that degree. They showed me how to use it in the grounds. There were cones separating the two sides of the road…
‘What are you doing?’ asked Bob, somewhat perplexed. ‘Slaalem.’ I answered with a big grin, ‘Aren’t these great?’ ‘I’d never thought of doing that.’ was his answer, and promptly joined in. I don’t think he ever looked at his scooter in the same way again!
Once you’ve got used to it, don’t be put off. People telling me ‘you won’t do it on a scooter,’ i.e. rough tracks, hills, etc, are just issuing a challenge. You can go anywhere again now. You can either regard a scooter as giving up, or like being given your first bike when you were five.
Laugh in it’s face, say ‘f*** you MS, you don’t scare me!’
It may be an odd attitude, but it sure as hell helps!
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David. I felt like you when I realised I would need a w/chair to get about. I cried in front of my OT at the suggestion of getting one. I said it felt like I was “giving in”. What she said completely turned my way of thinking around…
She said, if I decided not to get one, and had to stay in the car when I really wanted to “walk” along the seafront with my hubby or remained there while he went to the pharmacy/post office etc for me, then surely THAT was “giving in”? That was letting MS dictate what I was allowed to do. By accepting a w/chair I was allowing myself to do these things. Be independant. Putting two fingers up to MS. That wasn’t “giving in”! NOT having a w/chair was letting MS win. Now THAT was giving in!
I’m waiting for a call soon telling me my Quickie Helium is ready and I can’t wait!
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So yesterday I spent the afternoon shopping with Mrs hillybilly without the scooter I would last ten minutes if that on a good day
I can take the dogs out for a walk with the scooter I have them trained to it they are very good when passing people wheelie bins etc the little jack Russel has been on for a lift when she had a bad foot .
I have Been twice round ikea with the scooter without it would be a no no so get it out and use it just make sure you keep the battery on charge . Take care george
It’s not giving in…It’s getting chuffin out!
Simple innit!
Pollsx
Yea know what you mean mate but what do you want; to keep on picking yourself up off the floor or get about nearly normally?
My avatar tells you; I decided 35 years ago I needed to get more mobile as my job with British Airways involved a lot of walking. This is a picture of the very first time in a wheelchair.
Yes people say you get used to it; you certainly do. I got used to being mobile again not struggling every minute.
Two things I strongly advise; if you keep your scooter outside make sure it is securely locked; I had my one nicked three times by kids hot wiring it and going for joy-ride. Get insurance especially if it’s roadworthy and don’t forget to tell the DVLA for free road tax.
George
Thank you Carole
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Thank you Poppy
Thank you Hilly
Thank you Polls
Thank you George
David,
i was in a similar position last year.
Prior to that I’d only used scooters when on holiday, e.g. Going round the parks at Disney, and only used wheelchairs (foolishly under protest) when my sensible wife booked airport assistance a number of times.
Then last year, after 20 odd years, of MS, I had a major relapse/deterioration. The wheelchair came first and was a godsend.
We have a big garden and I love gardening. The short way to access the garden is down half a dozen steps. Out of the question, last year with the mobility problems. The garden is also accessible by walking all around the house on a gentle slope. Also out of the question as the distance was way too far. After sitting in the wheelchair on the patio for way too long and having previously refusing to listen to anyone, I finally “gave in” and got a scooter. What a joy. I was off work last summer because of the MS and spent most good days in the garden. I’m certain that spending so much time in the garden helped me bounce back somewhat.
At the time I got the scooter, a joiner was doing work done on the house. He made a lovely ramp from wood that’s normally used for decking to get me from the conservatory (where I park my scooter or my quad bike, as I call it) to the patio.
Although, I mainly use the scooter for the garden, I also sometimes just go for a drive, whereas a few years ago I would go for a walk.
The wheelchair is still needed sometimes - absolutely essential while travelling. I’ve used airport assistance countless times over the past few years and my experience with them has been wonderful. I reluctantly used wheelchair assistance for the first time a few years ago and was worried about the effect this would have on my children seeing their Dad in a wheelchair. They didn’t care a monkeys and my two boys were fighting as to who should push Dad through the airport. My oldest son pushed me at 100 miles an hour. My youngest was much slower, at only 90 miles an hour and they both ignored Dad’s frequent instructions to slow down.
Anyway, enough from me. Hope you get as much out of your scooter as I have got from mine.
Derek
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