I finally broke down and bought my walker a few months ago. I'd used one when I was little, but not since then. I tried a cane, but those only help with balance... not so much with stumbling. I guess just admitting that I needed the walker was hard.
Hi Violet. it isn't easy having to use disability aids as it tends to make people treat you differently. But I have found that I soon get used to it and I am grateful that they enable me to get around. I still haven't had the courage to let my wife push me in a wheechair yet though. Stupid male pride!
I called my walking stick Henry! Kind of helped to give it a name!
I had difficulty finding a wheelchair that was comfortable enough to sit in and move in - got an expensive one with pneumatic tyres and a very deep dunlopillo cushion to absorb the bumps - still cant go very far in it because of pain and hypersensitivity. Some also look better than others. What struck me was there were no mirrors in the mobility shops to see what you look like - believe me - some look better than others!
I saw a young woman in a wheelchair recently - it was bright pink and glittery and she had pink hair to match... I think making them fit your personality is COOL! There ought to be a TV show...
I would certainly get noticed in a pink and glittery wheel chair! I might attention of the wrong kind!Lol I have thought about getting a number plate for my mobility scooter with 'clapped out old git' on it! I think that might be more my style. Paul
I know when I have to be pushed in a wheelchair when I go through a severe relapse, it is hard. I always get looks of sympathy as I think people wonder what a 27 year old lady is doing in one! But when I do feel well enough to get out of the house, using a wheelchair does open up my life. Without it, during these times, I would be totally housebound.
i used to associate those 'props' with old people as well but since i became ill myself i took more notice. lots of younger people are using walking aids now. the saddest thing was seeing a little girl, i'd say no more than 7, being pushed along in a wheelchair- and she looked so sad:(
The strange thing is that I used to work with disabled childen, so I am not sure why I associate them with old people. I suppose, I like most people, think that disabilty is something we only suffer with age. I think the big problem for us able-bodied people who have become disabled, is admitting our weakness. It is not easy admitting that you can no longer do things you used to do. The'props' are a constant reminder of that, to ourselves and to other people.
Hehe Paul this made me smile a bit! I do understand where you're coming from... I have to use a walking stick/wheelchair because of my ME. And I'm sure people don't assosciate walking sticks with 18 year old girls! Haha.. oh well. If it helps it helps ! By the way, I was really worried about the wheelchair too, having to be pushed around by my parents at 18 years of age... but it was actually alot easier than I thought, I managed to adjust well... hope it's the same for you :-)
I'm just glad that thse things are available. I'm sure that I'll adjust. It's the only thing to if you want a life. I am sorry that you have this dreadful illness at such a young age.
I finally broke down and bought my walker a few months ago. I'd used one when I was little, but not since then. I tried a cane, but those only help with balance... not so much with stumbling. I guess just admitting that I needed the walker was hard.
VioletTigress 4 years ago
Hi Violet. it isn't easy having to use disability aids as it tends to make people treat you differently. But I have found that I soon get used to it and I am grateful that they enable me to get around. I still haven't had the courage to let my wife push me in a wheechair yet though. Stupid male pride!
kaazoom 4 years ago
I called my walking stick Henry! Kind of helped to give it a name!
I had difficulty finding a wheelchair that was comfortable enough to sit in and move in - got an expensive one with pneumatic tyres and a very deep dunlopillo cushion to absorb the bumps - still cant go very far in it because of pain and hypersensitivity. Some also look better than others. What struck me was there were no mirrors in the mobility shops to see what you look like - believe me - some look better than others!
gregcrowhurst 4 years ago
I say - Pimp Your Disability Props...
I saw a young woman in a wheelchair recently - it was bright pink and glittery and she had pink hair to match... I think making them fit your personality is COOL! There ought to be a TV show...
xxx
deadgirldreaming 4 years ago
I would certainly get noticed in a pink and glittery wheel chair! I might attention of the wrong kind!Lol I have thought about getting a number plate for my mobility scooter with 'clapped out old git' on it! I think that might be more my style. Paul
kaazoom 4 years ago
I know when I have to be pushed in a wheelchair when I go through a severe relapse, it is hard. I always get looks of sympathy as I think people wonder what a 27 year old lady is doing in one! But when I do feel well enough to get out of the house, using a wheelchair does open up my life. Without it, during these times, I would be totally housebound.
Alex
Alexsk1 4 years ago
i used to associate those 'props' with old people as well but since i became ill myself i took more notice. lots of younger people are using walking aids now. the saddest thing was seeing a little girl, i'd say no more than 7, being pushed along in a wheelchair- and she looked so sad:(
neelubird 4 years ago
The strange thing is that I used to work with disabled childen, so I am not sure why I associate them with old people. I suppose, I like most people, think that disabilty is something we only suffer with age. I think the big problem for us able-bodied people who have become disabled, is admitting our weakness. It is not easy admitting that you can no longer do things you used to do. The'props' are a constant reminder of that, to ourselves and to other people.
kaazoom 4 years ago
Hehe Paul this made me smile a bit! I do understand where you're coming from... I have to use a walking stick/wheelchair because of my ME. And I'm sure people don't assosciate walking sticks with 18 year old girls! Haha.. oh well. If it helps it helps ! By the way, I was really worried about the wheelchair too, having to be pushed around by my parents at 18 years of age... but it was actually alot easier than I thought, I managed to adjust well... hope it's the same for you :-)
twopointsix 4 years ago
I'm just glad that thse things are available. I'm sure that I'll adjust. It's the only thing to if you want a life. I am sorry that you have this dreadful illness at such a young age.
kaazoom 4 years ago