Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

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Turner 01/01/2017

I have had PPMS for 10 years and have had increasing difficulty in walking. To combat this, and to 'try and get myself a life' I have used small electric scooters to get around. For a couple of years I used one indoors too. This spring I was lucky enough to attend a rehabilitation clinic for 4 weeks with patients with many illnesses. None of them used a scooter. My room was a long way away from the dining room and I started to use a rollator/walker to get there. It was hard work for the first week and I had to keep stopping, but after 3 weeks it was quite ok. I never considered using a rullator before, but am glad that I had this opportunity. Now I only use my scooter when I have to, and try to use my rullator as much as possible (especially for short distances). Now, I regret going so quickly over to a scooter. I tell others who are still lucky enough to walk with mobility aids that they should keep it up as long as possible before they go over to motorised transport as a permanent solution.

lorrieonline 01/02/2017

What a wonderful post of hope. Thank you for sharing this. I too have just started using a rollator. The goal is to use it to get around and strengthen my legs a bit. I have a scooter but barely ever use it. I believe that we can regenerate our nerves through exercise so it's my goal to get stronger and stronger and grow nerves to help too. There's been lots of research done on biofeedback and I know that if I keep increasing the effort and the goals, it will happen.

Not so sure I can continue living in Florida though. It's just too warm here for me. That's another story but it's a huge part of my mobility issues. I'd rather be stuck indoors for a few months up north again and be able to move around in the house than feeling awful the majority of the time due to the heat, humidity, dew point and rainy weather, fear of hurricane damage. Anyone else feel that the climate is a huge issue?

Oh, and how soon to use a scooter should probably be only if it is absolutely necessary to keep from being injured or to give some enjoyment in life. Getting weaker is a horrible option but living our lives is imperative so it's a 50/50? Use it when needed but get that exercise too. ☺

djbritt 01/04/2017

Thank you for posting this. It is always nice to hear how other people handle their MS in a positive way.

Lorrieonline, I do believe climate is a huge issue.

lchoppel 01/04/2017

Hi lorrie, climate is a HUGE issue for me. I have just retired after 39 years + 1 week from NASA, 13 of those years with MS. My husband and I have decided to go separate ways. So, after the sale of our family home I will be looking for a new home. I would absolutely love to live on the water in one of the ocean-front condos I see on TV real estate shows. But then reality sets in and I think if I move anywhere I should go north. Right now I'm in Maryland where the weather is hot and humid only 2-3 months year. Therefore I think I should and will just stay here. I cannot understand anyone with NS living in such climate conditions as you do!

As far as a scooter goes, I don't have one but I do use a cane regularly and have a rollater that I've seemed to get away from. I think it is perfect for those times you go to the mall shopping. I'm going to start using mine more.

Anne8 01/08/2017

I also have PPMS (diagnosed 8+ years ago). I have to admit, my scooter has taken over for my legs in the past year, but in the street. At home I use the cane, or the last week or so I've been using my forearm crutches

ezone 01/09/2017

I agree that using a cane or walker can help you get your endurance for sure. But when you fall and bang yourself up like I have, I don't have the endurance to walk in a big box store without a motorized cart. I take a walker in a store like Penney's when they don't have a cart. I need two canes outside or I might fall. But I really tire. My fatigue is just not good for me to walk a long distance. I am terrified of falling outside.

I just got up from a fall in my house. It took me 15 minutes to get up. I live alone and have all the things necessary to get up but outside, it would be scary falling but I guess there would be more likely for help to get up. Right now I can't go outside because we got about 3" of ice and 2-3 inches of snow. As long as I don't lose my power, I am OK with the snow outside. Living in Florida would be hard over time. It is bad enough in North Carolina. We have about 3 months of really hot weather. Don't want to move any further south. Lynne, Maryland sounds about right. You are more likely to have snow than ice and not as hot as NC. So I guess we all have to count our blessings. Florida is nice right now. But then there are the hurricanes. We all have our pluses and minuses but heat is a big minus for Florida. You are doing good to stay in FL, Lorrie.

Bless all of y'all.

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