Thank you for the comment. I've always said I'll sit there and cry the day I have to use them, but now I can't go to the grocery store, I have to depend on my kids to go grocery shopping for me or push myself to go get my meds and a few things.

You help me to realize this is a tool and it is available as a tool to help people who need it, like us. I just went to a Christmas Tree display with my husband. I couldn't make it through, only a few rows. I seen another lady in a wheel chair, and thought, I need that. :( Maybe not all the time, but to get around large places. Thanks again :)

You are welcome! I am glad I can help! :)
I use it even when I think I feel fine.... because if I don't I will feel so much pain about 10 mins into shopping and can't function the rest of the day. It saves me a lot of unnecessary aggravation. I don't know if it is like that for you too. If it is than I suggest using them even when you think you are ok that day. Trust me, it is a big help to get through the day when you have a to do list.
Good luck with the holidays! :)
God bless!

I'm going to try the cart the next time I go to the grocery store. I just thought I couldn't us them because I'm not handycap. They just don't see the pain. My husband goes to the store with me and push the basket, so I can drive the cart and he can put the grocerys in it. Going grocery shopping wears me out. May have to invest in one of those scooter to go up and down the mall shopping. I miss going shopping, use to shop all day long and never got tried, then two years ago my whole life changed with Fibro.
Thanks for the info, I'm going to do it....

I use my cart everytime I go out. It makes me a less painful person.

I just haven't mustered up enough courage to give one of those thing a try yet. Blue, I'm a lot like you...and I think I'll need to be hogtied and strapped to one of those babies before I use one willingly.

But with that being said, I do watch people in them. I see young, old, etc. And only once did I see someone abusing them. (kids during homecoming....hazing like event)

For now, if I honestly can not make it out to the stores, then I just don't go. Otherwise I push myself through the pain, fatigue.

I'm happy your hubster made you get into one. He's a smart man!

I did break down and get a handicap parking plaque. I don't use it unless I need to and there are days I sure am glad I have it.

bluesun...I'm so glad that has worked for you and that you have a wonderful man who understands what you're going through. I've looked at those carts, sometimes longingly wishing I could use one and have come close a few times but then I would see someone who needed it more than I and would pass it up. Right now my husband does all the grocery shopping and sometimes I will go with him. If our Walmart would get more than 2 of those carts, I might consider using it. I'm about to that point and your words of encouragement help me to know that even though I'm only 40, I do need help now and then and I should quit being so stubborn. Warm hugs to you.

I have a handicapped sticker for the car. I also have a wheelchair and a cane. I rely a lot on the Internet for shopping at this time of year. My sister also helps me. I feel that you just have to adapt and not worry about what other people might think about it. Anything that allows a better quality of life is what it is all about. Take care.

Thank you for your replies!
Yes whatever helps reduce / prevent more pain... and whatever helps you get through the day. And who cares what people think. SOmeone else may LOOK like they hurt more, but honestly just because they have a cane or walker just means their pain is VISUAL. If we aren't making it out of the car or even worse not making out of the house our suffering is probably worse that day, so yes, use the friggin cart. Stop minimizing your suffering that day just because you may be too proud to use one or because we are in denial and think this is temporary and will wake up normal again one day soon. The carts are there to help you.
I've come to realize that the sooner I accepted / make use of whatever assistance is around, the easier and the happier life got. Also the better it got to manage my pain and fatigue.
Since i"ve started using things like the carts and the handicapped placard I feel much better when I go places. I also have cushions I take everywhere with me to sit on for my butt and back and I dont care who looks at me funny... as long as I am comfortable and not triggering anymore pain for the day, that's all that matters.

For everyone doing what you can to take care fo your selves, kudos to you! And to everyone else you will get the hang of it as time goes. I'm still learning a lot of things. And my pain constantly changes over the years so I have to adjust things a lot. THat's how fibro goes.....
Take care and God bless! Remember to never loose hope!

i did all of my christmas shopping on line this year. no long lines, no pushing and shoving. it was great!

Good for you, Julie! Glad you had a safe shopping! :)