Hi Guys,
I need some help. I have RRMS since 2008 and things have gone down hill from there. I will not bore you with laborious details…
However due to pain, fatigue and dreaded falls and seizures I do not get to leave the house often. Yesterday I went to go into Central London (I live only 4 miles from the square mile) and had to come back pretty quickly (didn’t get past the bus stop) as I had a fall and a little seizure…My legs often go and seizures, although minimised through meds, are more and more frequent… These are happening more and more often and sometimes I have to crawl on the road. People do not help you up as they consider you a drunk (especially in Brixton)…
So, do you guys think a stick would hold me up in the instances…?
I do not have friends to help me about so I would be really grateful if you guys could comment and help out. Feeling pretty lonely during the ‘festive season’.
Hello there!
I am sorry you feel alone with no friends to help. is there not a local MS group you could join?
About the falls, yes a stick would help, as would a wheelchair. But if you can be assessed by wheelchair services or a physio, or maybe an OT, they would be able to make sure you get the right equipment for you.
luv Pollx
l know the feeling - l started to use a walking stick because - yes l needed it - but also because it gives people reason to see that you are in need of a walking aid and not drunk.
Now l am not able to walk with a stick - and have a rollator. Patrick - on this site was able to advise me on a good one. l wanted something that l could push over grass/gravel. Something sturdy - with a good carry bag and seat. lt made such a difference to my mobility. l use it all the time in doors as well as out. Now l have one at the top of the stair-lift to get me to the bedroom.
lts a Topro Olympus. lt folds very neatly so is no trouble taking anywhere. Everyone is impressed with it - and l get lots of comments about it. lt hold me upright and balanced. And l can get to the loo faster!!!
Hi,
You need something to help you get about safely and with confidence. Wheelchair services would not be able to help you with an electric chair. If you have seizures it would preclude them giving you a power chair because it would not be safe (for you or others around you) They would help with a manual chair but I don’t know if you would be able to self propel (I can’t, I just go round in circles)
A stick is a good flag to others that you need a little more space and consideration but it would not support you in the event of a seizure. Like Francis I find a rollator much better than a stick (I’ve got a Topro Toja, a bit smaller than Frances’s but I only use it in the house) But again it will not keep you up if you have a seizure.
I think you need the support of a person rather than an aid. Contact Adult Social Care at the council for a care plan assessment. You may be eligible for help from a personal assistant who could accompany you on outings (They could push you in the manual chair)
Crawling down the road is just not acceptable. There is help out there – you just need to access it. Is your GP supportive? They may be able to suggest other avenues.
Jane
Hi All,
Thank you very much for your thoughtout replies. I am going to do as you have suggested and contact my GP and see if I can get an OT referral; which seems reasonable considering the circumstances.
I have been pretty down about loosing my footing and falls. I am in a chronic pain so seizures and falls are an extra headache I could do without!
I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas and hopefully 2014 (gosh! already!) will be great for all of us. I hope that you are healthy and happy!
Thanks again, you guys are wonderful. Thanks for your time.
XTTTD