Cane, grab bars, and handcap/disabled parking card

[daisy.girl]

I went to see my neuro today, and ended up with a prescription for a cane, grab bars for the shower, and a handcap/disabled parking card.

Also, my neuro visit showed increased ataxia and tremors in both arms.

Boy do I feel defeated. We are hopeful that the Tysabri will slow things down soon.

[RedFlame]

Hi Daisy,  

Sorry you are feeling badly about these things.  

It's OK to grieve what you have lost, it's sad that MS robs us of our mobility and strength.  I'm sorry!

I think these things are meant to enhance our lives, to keep us able to continue to do the things we love to do.  

I have had a disabled car license for over a year now and have to use a walker all the time.  I am waiting for a prescription for a chair because it will enable me to do the things I used to do, such as go to the mall or to the grocery store.

I think I would feel differently if I was in a different stage of my life.  I don't know how old you are but that could make a difference.  

XXXXOOO

Red

[sllowe]

Hi Daisy,

Hope the tysabri slows your MS down too.

I've seen some shower grab bars in magazines that are antimicrobial, and pretty sharp looking. They were in the MS quarterly from the United Spinal Assoc. Do you get that free mag?

-Shell

[RazCarver]

Lulu I like what you said. You always word thing so well.

I've had a handicap tag for almost a year and most the time I don't even think about it anymore. Sometimes it bothers me when folks older me give me that look. Then I watch them walking faster and straighter then I have walked in 5 years or more. I hold my head up and go on.

using a cane took getting use too, but its the first time in my life that people hold doors open and smile. I always make sure to thank them.In all honestly that took getting use to also. I'm a stubborn independent cuss. falls are less when using a cane. not that I put any weight on it. its just to keep from ziging when I should be zaging.

the grab bars I haven't gotten yet. be sure you do, ok? I can tell you towel bars don't work because they break.

Like Lulu said, its not defeat. It is living

Raz

[Sumanadevii]

My neuro didn't ask me.  I told her.  I think we need to be honest with what will keep us safe.  I knew I needed grab bars and a transfer seat without my neuro telling me.  I brought the paperwork to her for my handicapped parking.  I also told her I need a motorized wheelchair.  My scooter is not enough some days.  Heck if I was going to ask my husband to tote me that far.

It's like Lulu said, it is for your own safety.  Don't let pride stand in the way.

[addicted2harleys]

I have to agree with Lulu.  Though I will say that I see all the aids that I have surrounding me and I do get overwhelmed with it sometimes, I will say that I am grateful for every single one of them.  

Addi

[Lulu54]

Please don't view these aids as being defeated.  The cane and the grab bars both allow you to remain independent while staying safe. They let you do daily activies and are there to protect you..

The parking placard lets you save the energy from hiking in the parking lot to getting inside the stores and other places and still having energy left.

All three of these things are signs that you and your neuro are being smart and using your resources in the most efficient way.

Here's hoping the tysabri kicks in and really slows this down.
hugs, Lulu