It is hard when we are first losing our mobility
When it happened to me I stayed in my house
I did not live my life
Now wish I would have done things.
I have found the problems are in how WE think of it not in how others think of it.
I know what you are going through & my thoughts are with you

I completely understand how you are feeling. I get the same way and very anxious when I think of having to go into my office, or really go to any social event. I hate myself for what MS has done to me physically and feel embarrassed because of it. I don't know what to offer you to help you. There was a similar post a while back, and many people gave some really good reasons why you should not be afraid of this situation. I don't remember exactly what the words were of the threads, but they were all very good and motivating. I hope that you get lots of responses to encourage you not to be afraid. Go, and have a fun time. You might be surprised at yourself!

What exactly are you scared of? Is it fatigue, falling, not being able to manipulate the scooter at the event, or what others will think now that you need a scooter?I think identifying what exactly it is that you are afraid of and working through that fear will help you greatly. Everything will work out fine and if it's an event that you enjoy, do your best to not give it up. It's so easy to do and I, like Ichoppel, didn't go to many events due to some of the symptoms of MS. The best thing you can do is be tenacious and keep going to these types of things.

Let us know if you go and how things went.

I can understand you being scared of what people will think of you on a scooter. Turn around your thoughts to how your husband & you have enjoyed this event in the past. How would your husband feel if you didn't go (& people are bound to ask him where you are), or wouldn't he go because you didn't feel comfortable?

Remember you don't need to tell anyone you have ms as majority wont know what it is or be scared to be near you etc as don't know what to say. All you need to say if people ask how come you are on the scooter is something like "my legs get tired easy & this way my husband/kids can't get away from me easily" & make it into a bit of a joking way to answer but not inviting further questions. There are lots of things like that you can say (I have). I have also decoratated mine with cartoon character stickers (little one's) that they gave away in something but are cheap to buy. Kids don't ask why I am on it or anything just want to look at all my stickers. That way they are not afraid of it or curious about why on it & if they are I usually say my legs get tired chasing you all, & I can beat you too.
I use my sense of humour to turn the curiosity away.
Hope this helps & don't be afraid to go out on it with others, that's why you would have it so you can.

I hear it pain. I get so nervous when others see the way that I sometimes walk. This past Nov. I went to go & get out of my car when I realized my right leg was dragging making it very difficult to walk. I could go on & on, but I won't. I don't know y I get so nervous.

Just know that u r not alone. My heart goes out to u.

Thank you, all, for your comments and good wishes. I really appreciated them and kept them all with me as I went to this picnic.

I didn't feel... invisible. I didn't feel like the elephant in the room puttering along over the grass on a (rented) scooter. In fact, I didn't feel different at all, except that I didn't have to look for an empty space at a picnic table to have lunch. When the scooter stalled on one of the hills, while I'm sure I turned all shades of red, not a single person made me feel awkward as they offered to push the thing up the hill and find somewhere to charge if, if I need one.

Yes, I was scared but between you all and my reaffirmation of faith in my fellow man; at least this group, I made it through and had a really good time.

Thank you, all!

JCStormy, your feelings about this activity are completely normal! I remember when I first started using my adaptive equipment, I would feel nervous at first. But you know what? You are still exactly who you were at last years party, this year, you just need some help getting around and that's ok! If anything it will probably be more enjoyable for you since it will be easy for you to get around!

My suggestion (and something I do with my own significant other when we go do activities like this), is to have a code word or phrase so that when you're starting to drag and not feel so well you can let your husband know and you can make a quick exit! That way its not awkward and you don't have to feel like you're over doing it.

I really hope you go to this summer picnic, even if its just for a little while. I agree with others on this thread that its easier just not doing something but YOU deserve a wonderful event just like anyone else to enjoy. YOU ARE WORTH IT! Remember that! Please go and enjoy yourself as much as you can but don't over do it and make it a negative experience! You don't want MS to rob you of things you truly need like a little enjoyment with your husband! Have fun and try to remember, scooter or not, you are an amazing, strong woman either way!

I'm glad!

I was scared too...and with good reason. Although public places have to be handicap accessible by law...many are not, especially older establishments. The newer places are, but even then the minimums that the ADA requires are often inadequate. I found the best thing to do is call before you go and ask ALOT of questions. Don't just ask if they are handicap accessible - because they don't even know what that means. (The first time I called a restaurant and asked them that they said "you mean like for a wheelchair?") Ask about the parking, the entrance, the location of the restrooms, the size of the restroom, if there are grab bars in the handicap stall, etc. The better prepared you are the more confident you will be and the more comfortable you will feel and the more apt you will be to go out. :) Plus, you really do get special treatment in some cases - I was at a concert recently and the line for the handicap bathroom was a mile long - but the people working there - walked me right to the front of line! Good luck to you....