I don't have a powered chair, I have one someone has to push me in, but I was recently given a mobility scooter. I have found that using it means that I am able to get out of the house more often and since it's so hard to find someone who can push the chair and is available when I need the help, that has been a plus. Being stuck at home so much is depressing for me, so getting out also helps cheer me up - not to mention that I can now do things (like scoot around the local shopping centre) that I haven't been able to for a long time, so can browse at my own leisure and do the little things I used to need help for on my own. That makes me feel much better too.

I use a regular wheelchair when I go to the airport or amusement parks with my family, for obvious reasons. I have considered using one of the powered chairs in the grocery store, but my driving is notorious. So, perhaps it's not wise for me, but I'm about tired of sending my hubby. He does his best, but I have specific things that I want and it's hard to explain. Anyway, I digress. I am not sure the answer to your question. In some ways, I see the wisdom of conserving energy, but also, you don't want to lose any mobility you currently have. Maybe a physical therapist could give you a better answer than your doctor could. My PT seemed to understand more about my mobility issues than my PCP. Best of luck to you, dear. Much love.

I'd listen to your body. Physical therapists can be terrible...mine really messed my body up. You could use it when you feel you need to but be careful to still work within your energy envelope and do what you can. Most doctors don't understand the condition either. If I'd got a wheel chair in time I would never have got as disabled as I have.

cmiat - does using the scooter make your arms tired? A scooter would be easier to load in the car, etc for my hubby ... the wheelchair mom kindly got me is very heavy and I'd need to get a loading ramp or a hitch carrier if I use it often. Wondering if a used scooter would be smarter...but thought it would be hard on the arms... thx!

My scooter has an adjustable steering column, so when I'm seated I can pull it closer to me and have my arms resting on the armrests. My throttle hand still tends to get a bit tired though. The one I have is a heavy duty one - the sort you can't load into a car, but has a range of about 40 km (not that I'd ever drive it that far). My sister (who has MS) has two different ones, one basically the same as mine and a lightweight one that's like a motorized, sit-on version of one of those kid's small aluminium scooters that folds really small. She used that one when she went on an overseas holiday.

When I was pricing scooters, there were a number listed as airline approved but I was just looking for a folding one that I could load into the boot of the car. I couldn't afford one brand new. There are second hand ones available and that's what my sister recommended that I look for but I never managed to get together enough energy to do more than find them on internet sites. Actually going out to look them over was beyond me as a single person. I've been very blessed that an 85 year old lady from church who could no longer use hers gave it to me for free.

I have considered the same thing. I have a bad ankle that limits my activities. When I brought up the idea with my physical therapist she strongly discouraged me. She said my legs would get weaker. I have found that even when I am sick for a week or two my legs get a lot weaker and it takes a while to strengthen them again. So comma if you decide on the wheelchair I would consider the possibility that your ability to walk would decline. Unless, you worked with a physical therapist and did exercises to keep up your leg strength without wearing you out. Good luck

Cmiat, thanks so much for your reply ;)

Everyone - thanks very much for your input. It's such a balancing act. I don't want to lose the use of my legs totally if I can help it (if I can't then oh well). At this point I use a rolling office chair around the house, it's great in the kitchen. I can only stand for about 3 min before I get weak and I'm going to sit like it or not. So I guess it's just a matter of working with what I have and ever more acceptance to the reality that a seated motorized device is in my future...
You all rock :)

Yeah, this is a messy problem, isn't it? I don't own a wheelchair, but wherever I go, (food store, etc.) I hop into a motorized cart. I actually call stores ahead of time to see if they have some plugged In! May sound nuts, but they always accommodate me!

Physical therapy saved my upper body when I first got sick and was bed bound. These people were familiar with my conditions and limitations and helped me greatly with my upper body. My legs have lost tone, but these past few years I have been able to walk more. That has helped me regain strength.

It's a fine balancing act, Nina. We need to walk all we can. But, when we are out in a store, or going to a street fair, or anything that may require standing, I get my hands on a wheel chair. It's a must do. I refuse to stay in the house all the time.

We also have this "pride" thing going on. Its only normal I guess. But I'm over that! We all need to get over that and get out amongst people and LIVE! Yep! ♡♡

Like many others have posted, I use a wheelchair when I am in a situation that requires a lot of walking. I was approved by my doctor and physical therapist for a power chair, but Medicare wouldn't cover it, so I didn't get one. I also use a rolling walker with a seat - that way I can walk for a bit and then sit down for a bit. I'm kind of glad I didn't get the power chair after all, because I would have lost the little bit of leg strength I do have. But, if your standing or walking sets you back for days at a time, it might be worth it after all. I hope you find what works best for you to live life in the best way you can.