Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

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/ Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

Your insight on limited mobility

deleted_user
deleted_user
I went for my errands today with my mom as I usually do. But the weather is getting cooler and my resistent to move legs are stiffening up even more so. Yesterday and today I used my walker to walk. Wow! The dirty looks I got!

My mom and I take the same errand route usually daily. We dress in our business clothes. She's been using the walker due to her injured foot healing. Yesterday and today I used the walker. It was so helpful too.

But the looks I got! As if I was to be ashamed of myself to be using the walker. My walk doesnt change when I dont have the walker...although I may drag my left side more. I walk slow. The walker helps my hips and my back. And as it gets colder out, the walker allows me to walk.

So, today I was using the walker. I was pleasant, said excuse me quite nicely when I needed to get by people, etc. And the looks!!... like I had offended the masses!

When your legs are resistant or arent working well, how do you get around?

Thanks! Hugs, Ellen
deleted_user
deleted_user
I use a rollator. At first I felt very self concious and it felt like everyone was looking down on me like I was lazy and wasn't trying my best. After the first month, I no longer felt that way. Now I just get it in and out of the car and use what I have to when I have to whether its a wheelchair or rollator. Don't feel bad. Those people will stop looking after a while and you will stop noticing them.
heather1
heather1
cane for short distances...like from the house to the car...grin... and the walker for longer distances... i just stare right back at them... heh heh heh... and if im feeling especially cranky that day i wink at them...rofl... just to see what they do....grin..
so much fun to play with other peoples heads for a change....grin...

mine comes with a built in seat....comes in handy when waiting in line-ups at department stores or grocery stores...grin....
when everyone else is bitching about how long they have to stand there....lol..i just grab a magazine out of the shelf near the cash registar and sit down and start reading...lol

you will get used to it... takes time though....smile...

hugs
heather
dnjnm
dnjnm
I use a cane for getting from car to store, but use the courtesy wheelchair carts in stores that have them, or if not, I always hold onto a shopping cart. At first I was a little awkward but my indepedence is worth a few glaring people.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I've only had this problem once before, and I used a cane. I understand what you mean when you say you get these dirty looks. I mean, I am ony 20, and older people look at me like I'm faking an injury or something. But, when I was younger, i did break my leg and arm and I notice that the places where the bones broke do hurt during cold weather, and my legs do hurt more during the cold weather, so, hold your head high, and my suggestion is try to ignore those dirty looks. Good luck!-Lisa
deleted_user
deleted_user
What is a rollator? I've used a walker every winter for the past two years, and this is the first summer I've had to use the walker periodically also. Was thinking of getting a walker with a seat, as Heather says she has. Also pondering one of those mobile scooters like a Hoveround. I aught to ask if anyone's had experience with one of those too?

Thanks for your input. Hugs Ellen
kellygrn
kellygrn
What would these people do/say if you walked like you were drunk? Heard nightmarish stories about being stopped by cops & them not believing you weren't on something.

Most people are living longer & will need to use some type of help before they die. I think we in our wheelchairs & walkers make others uncomfortable. Most don't want to be reminded that they may have to face this soon.
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