Hi Guys, Having had a lot of falls recently and deteriorating weakness in my left side, my OT has now referred me to the wheelchair service. She thinks an electric wheelchair is now the way to go as due to left side weakness I cannot self propel a manual wheelchair. Can anyone tell me what to expect? I really need a chair for indoors/outdoors, will I get a choice? Any recommendations please? Also, although I do know deep down the time is right for a chair, I can only manage a very small distance trying to walk and increasingly often cant walk at all,I feel very upset by it and broke into tears. Up to now I’ve been positive about accepting change and deterioration but this feels like the final straw and the slippery slope Thanks in advance of any words or help you can offer me. Abs x
Hi Abs, I know it is so hard when you go from your legs to a wheelchair full time. It happened to me quite quickly on my MS journey.
At 45 I was fine…at 46 I was falling all over the place. At 47 I used a chair part time. At 50 it became full time.
That`s 18 years ago now.!
The way I dealt with the change was to think how I felt going out and trying to walk (or even at home). I was totally exhausted and kept hurting myself with falls. Shopping, visiting friends became a nightmare. I stayed home and missed out and became more miserable.
Then I used Shopmobility…what a marvellous service. Then I bought my own scooter and what a Godsend it was!!! Going out was wonderful again.
When transferring from wheelchair to scooter was too dodgy, I gave up my trusty scooter…I bought a self propel wheelchair…it was ok till I couldnt push myself anymore.
WS were excellent and kitted me out with an indoor/outdoor chair. They dont give you one of each!
Over the years I have had a few chairs. I like the kerb climber type…very handy.
Try not to be sad over the change…life can be so much better when we find things to make life safer and better.
On a plus note…I am exempted from meal and refreshment making…I drop stuff or cant get near enough!
Let us know how it goes yeh?
Boudsx
Hi Bouds, thank you for the reply, I know deep down a chair is the best way forward, because of the lack of balance and weakness in the left side life has become very difficult. I cant cook or make drinks either and frustrating though it is I do have an excellent carer who does it for me. I’ll try and approach this with an open mind and positive heart, I appreciate the advice and I’m gonna work on the acceptance of my new normal. Thanks again Abs x
Hi Abs,
Always difficult to accept that you need extra help to try and live as normal a life as we can.
I’ve progressed from not needing any equipment 10 years ago to using a stick, then a wheelchair for certain situations if someone pushes me, small boot scooter to go shopping and now walking frame indoors to walk any steps.
Each time I realise I need something it’s a little deflating but then I try and be positive and think that the extra equipment will help me live my life. I live on my own so need to be independent.
The OTs will assess you and I’m sure find something that will suit your lifestyle. My chair was measured for me, I’m quite small, so it’s quite small.
Let us know how you get on.
Take care
Jen
Hi Jen, thank you for the reply, I do try use a stick and rollator indoors but I’m frequently falling which is why they are referring me for an electric wheelchair. I’ve little strength in my arms and hands so cant use a self propel wheelchair, my legs go from under me with no warning then I cant get back up. It’s a real body blow to lose more independence. I’m also quite small and thin so being measured for a chair sounds good, as they all look so big to me. I’ll update as I go along. Thanks again Abs x