Moving from cane to forearm crutches

Hey everyone.  I haven't been around for a while.

I had to stop working and have been tripping and stumbling a lot with my cane.

I am getting forearm crutches for more stability but am struggling with the decision.

I feel like each step I take towards helping with my stability is getting me closer to needing a wheelchair.

Don't get me wrong, I don't see a wheelchair as then end of my life, I just feel like I am getting there a lot quicker than I thoughts would.

My arm weakness is increasing also.

Does anyone have experience with this, I am sure someone does, and what do you say to yourself and your family?
It is clear to them that I am not able to walk well,but I just can't help but feeling like I am fighting a losing battle.

I will start copaxone this week.  I don't expect it to help my mobility.  I do look forward to not having to worry about the flare up.  After this last one, my walking declined a lot.

I look forward to all of your advice and wish you all a merry Christmas and happy new year.

Kerri

[kel1lost]

Hi!!  I'm sorry your feeling this way.  You have been through a lot.  Stay strong and keep your head up.  I'm glad your starting the copaxone! I think when your on the interfuron, things will even out for you.  That's what happend with me when I started the interfuron.  I wish you the best.  You'll be in my prayers!!  

Hugs 2 U!!
    Kell

[HVAC]

Every change is hard. It has been harder for my husband. He does not like the attention it attracts. When I started with Polly my Service Dog he would say when we went shopping why don't you leave her home. I finally looked at him and said okay you go shopping and I will go shopping and I will take the dog, I need her to walk around. He did not like the crutches either. I was not happy at first. Now I think the heck with it. The crutches give me more stability and ability to do things longer. I do not want to be tired out in ten minutes. Today we went to a parade and he brought chairs.

All of the steps are a grieving process of sorts. The shots make this disease real. Then all the other things. It is real.  He mourns his life with an active wife as well. I look at it this way we live in a great time with many aids for life and I am going to use whatever I can to get through the day more easily.

Alex

[kerrtelli]

Thanks Alex.  Your post helped a lot.  I think it is that I am grieving the loss of my mobility.  That makes so much sense.

Luckily my husband isn't bothered by this nearly as much as I am.

We do not do much outside of the house together because of all the children so he really never gets to see how bad I walk when I am on my own.

What does Polly do for you in terms of mobility?
I am fearful mostly of how quickly my mobility has declined since last April when this all began.

I am 41 and feel like things have changed so quickly.
It's almost funny how sometimes I think if I really ut my mind to it I will be able to walks normal.  Then I try it and I am quickly reminded that it just Isnt in the cards for me anymore.

I am definately interested in hearing about the service dog and Am going to post the question on the forum.

Thanks again.

[Lulu54]

Here's to getting on therapy and hoping that it kicks in quickly.  I need to back up and corect that Copaxone is an interferon.  It is not an interferon and doesn't have the same side effects.  

I hope the copaxone helps, but remember it takes a good 6 months to retrain your immune system.

Lu

[maestro1959]

Hi Kerri,

I am sorry you are having to face these changes.

I had to come to grips with it myself.  I went to a cane then forearms quickly.  Then, I had to admit my strength was waining enough to make a wheelchair feasible.  It was a wonderful decision.  I can go out with friends or family, and come home still having energy.  When we are out I can also keep up with their strides, and not feel like I am holding them back.  If anything, that idea of making them wait made me want to stay at home.  

We would have to leave for the movies an extra 15 minutes early to allow for my shuffle into the building.  I was more embarrassed by that, frankly.  Most of them have been very encouraging to me when I was trying to decide.

As was said above by Alex, there is a grieving process with all of our changes.  I assure you, however that in the long run you will be happy with any of your choices that help reserve your energy.

If I could make one recommendation to you.  If your insurance allows for it, do whatever it takes to get an ultralightweight wheelchair.  It makes a world of difference, too.  The paperwork can seem a little daunting, but it is well worth the added effort.  My new chair weighs only 15 pounds, and it is great not to have a struggle getting it in and out of vehicles.  Press them for the very lightest one for which they agree to pay.  

Do your homework before requesting one.  In that way, you will not get "snowed" into getting the less-than-best one for you.  I assure you most insurance companies will try and get you into the cheapest possible, but that may not be what is best for you.  Then, get the sportiest, most fun look you can.  I chose white with a chrome trim package.  It helped me adjust to my new life in a wheelchair.  When you get to that point, you may as well have a bit of fun with it, too.

I wish you all the best in your decisions.  Remember, the various equipment is to make the challenges this disease inserts into your life easier to handle.

Most sincerely,
Beth

[Buffy1970]

Hi there.  I am not diagnosed with MS but I have balance issues off/on and recently broke a couple toes in a fall.  I tried crutches and it was very difficult b/c of weakness.  

Are you sure forearms are what is best... safest for you with balance and weakness issues?  

Like others say who have posted above it is a major adjustment just living with a disease that strips away the life you worked for.  For me it is worse having to admit it.  I hope you find a safe way to stay mobile and have some peace.

[sllowe]

Hi Kerr,

With starting a disease modifier you may very well see improvement. Not saying disease modifier "make" you feel better instantly. But, if Copax works for you - you may see fewer relapse, prolonged progression, and then some.

Please don't feel your limitations now will be there forever, or it's all down hill from here.  There is a chance you could greatly improve. Keep the faith.

Did you start your PT? This may help with your strength in your arms and legs.  Ampyra has worked as well for many MSers. This may be an option for you too :)

-shell

[kerrtelli]

Thanks everyone.  I appreciate all of your input.  I am hoping to see improvement and know that my life isn't over.

I also know that we are all different and I can't compare my symptoms and changes to other people.

I will keep you all posted.