Hello all. It’s been a while. I’ve used a wheelchair for a number of years now. I’ve had self propel, but am lacking in upper body strength. I’ve got a small power chair for use at home and a bigger one for outdoor use (this disability malarkey is expensive, the nhs gave me a £250 voucher about ten years ago) At the moment I use a lightweight attendant push wheelchair because it’s easier to lift in and out of the car.
However I now need to use a transfer board, but my wheelchair arms don’t lift out of the way.
So any recommendations for a lightweight wheelchair with moveable arms please. I’ve already bought the board. Didn’t think about the arm rests!
Hi Flowerpot, so before you go spending any more money have a word with your MS nurse if you have one, as she should be able to put you in touch with wheelchair services, I live in West Yorkshire and my nurse did this for me, like you initially I bought my own wheelchair, because of the waiting list, I have bought my own scooter, no problem with that, but my nurse got me an indoor electric wheelchair and I was fitted properly for this by wheelchair services, they would be able to really help you, good on advice and properly supply the wheelchair too, anyway it’s just a thought, good luck.
Jean
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Thanks. It’s a bit of a post code lottery isn’t it?! I’ve been in touch with a local mobility supplier who told me to ask for a referral from my GP so I’ve done that online. Getting through on the phone is dreadful and last time I tried the snotty receptionist said they don’t do that and I wasn’t up for a fight! As for having an MS nurse…………. It’s been 17 years since my diagnosis and I’ve never seen one.
Well Flowerpot that’s ridiculous, how the hell are you supposed to monitor and manage your condition, I mean I’m SPMS and there’s noting really for me, tried most stuff, so apart from Baclofen just get on with it. I hope you get somewhere with the GP referral, just don’t give you, you are entitled.
Jean
Nothing for me either PPMS. I have an annual review with a neurologist who is well known for being abrupt. The last two have been by phone because of Covid. 2021’s took three minutes, last year my appointment was 0950, I picked up the call at 0943 he terminated the call at 0944! I got a copy of the letter he sent to my GP. It would’ve taken longer to dictate than the time he spent on the phone.
Urology have done more for me though. I have an overactive bladder which doesn’t empty fully so I learned to self catheterise, still had problems with urge incontinence and meds didn’t help, so now I have Botox injections in the bladder wall, 20 about every eight months. I have to self catheterise to empty my bladder, but it’s easy now and has transformed my life. No more worrying about finding accessible toilets in a hurry, no more soggy pads several times a day or worrying whether I smell or leave a damp patch wherever I sit.
Your neuro sounds about as good as mine, thankfully mine retired in December, no lose at all. So I have Botox every 6mths, I too self catheterised until the 6th December when I had a suprapubic catheter fitted, I have the flip flow type, so use the flip flow during the day and wear a bag at night as I was getting up about 4 times a night and if I was up, so was my hubby, because I can’t get up on my own, he’s my carer, honestly what a to do we have to go through, my bowel has started to be problem, I already have to do an annul irrigation, I can feel a full bowel one coming on 
oh well onwards and upwards, take care.
Jean
For how long u have been with MS?
My husband is my carer too. Being a man of a certain age he’s up several times a night to the toilet so he says it’s no problem taking me once or twice too!
I have a carer in a couple of mornings a week, just to help me dress and shower and keep me company for about an hour while my husband escapes to the golf club. Yep, we certainly have some stuff to put up with don’t we? Take care, it’s been nice “talking” with you.
You too flowerpot.
Jean
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Relative-MS if you’re asking me, then it’s 16yrs
I think you were asking Jean but I’ll throw mine in too. 17 years next month and I’m 66 years old.
Had symptoms at least 21 years ago
So Flowerpot, your a couple of years older than me. I’d had symptoms since 1990, that’s when I’d been diagnosed with Iritis, other symptoms followed, but just got on with life, have a good day.
Jean
Hi
When I read your post I want to send you a hug.
I’ve just been referred to Urology and expect to be self catheterising soon.
It’s impressive that you seem to be dealing with your issues without self pity. That’s what we all need, you’re an inspiration
Best wishes
Adam
Thank you AB1707, I try my very best, I’ve been doing self catheter for about 5yrs, I have Botox injected into my bladder every 5mths to paralyse my bladder and I find this works great for me, not going to the loo every 5mins. Hope you go on ok, good luck.
Jean
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