It sometimes feels like I am giving in to this condition but I am seriously thinking about getting myself some wheels. I got myself a scooter a while ago that lives in the boot of my car. Its great for when I visit supermarkets or go to places where there is a lot of walking to do. However, I have never felt comfortable about using a scooter to get into my office. It just doesn't seem like the right vehicle.
So I started to think about a powered wheelchair. My office is not very wheelchair friendly but it could be made to be. I would have to use the goods lift (there is a formal step-free route but its a big long winded).
To start the ball rolling I have been referred to my local Wheelchair service by my MS nurse. They are going to come and assess my needs. If nothing else they will give me advice and point me to the next step (I don't expect them to hand me a powered wheelchair). I might need an access to work grant but this is hopefully the sort of advice they will give me.
I have to do something as I only go to the office twice a week and work from home the rest of the time because of the fatigue I suffer from and yet i am still getting so worn out.
It seems like everything I do is too much effort. Walking to the office from the car park, walking around the office and going to meetings all make those 'in office' days so tiring. Then once tired through physical effort I then find myself mentally fatigued.
I have a similar issue at home. Getting washed and dressed, taking a bath, all seem to use up so much energy. I had an OT in a while ago who suggested a perching stool for the bathroom which has helped but now I am planning taking the bath out completely and getting a walk in shower.
Of all the symptoms of MS I have, Fatigue is the worst. I can deal with pain, loss of balance and weakness in my arms and legs but fatigue stops me doing things and even stops me thinking and remembering stuff (important stuff too).
Will wheels make much difference? I don't know. The scooter helps so I am guessing a powered wheelchair should. On the other hand it also can be a life changer. Is it better to fight on? or should we just accept it as a necessary evil? I don't know, I guess I am just too tired to think about it. I also don't know how much this is going to cost and so that might make the decision for me.
I will no doubt keep you informed on my progress,
Regards,
John
Yesterday, after being dragged around B&Q, Waitrose and Pets at Home , we finally made up our minds and ordered a Mobility Scooter. I decided to go for the Pride GoGo Elite Traveller Plus. We bought it through the internet as it's half the price of the Mobility shops.
It comes to bits so it can live in the back of my car.
I have used the Scooter provided at B&Q and it does make a big difference. Shopping shouldn't be leaving me as drained as my wallet and hopefully this scooter will do the job.
I will have to take it for a test drive with a couple of dogs (them walking alongside, not riding in it).
Regards,
John
Hi everyone,
I've been trotting (well maybe not trotting, more like limping) round car showrooms these last few days as I have decided that it is time to go for an automatic car as I'm having trouble operating the clutch in my old manual.
I'm looking for a car with a low lip on the drivers side and a high seat so I can get it in and out more easily. Found two or three that would fit the bill, but got to wondering what everyone drives and what you all look for in a car to help your disabilities.
Any thoughts?
Hils x
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