when/why do u use a wheelchair

[Zacksmomi]

I searched this topic and it is obviously a scarce and avoided topic (understandably, but I am just curious.  I am in a flare and I can use and feel my legs but it hurts soooo bad to walk.  I find myself sitting in my rollator and pulling myself around the house with my arms n feet. This is great and all but the turning capabilities of a rollator leave me thinking I could do less work if i had a chair.

I have prob the best ins I could ask for so if any one would cover it, mine will.  I was thinking about getting forearm crutches for "nonflare" life and just haven't done it.  Those might help me not be in this much pain at night if I would take some stress off my legs during the day.

I am waiting to hear back from UCSF neuro.  My tysabri was administered 3 weeks and 6 days ago and tomorrow is my treatment.  Maybe this is my norm as the tysabri wears off...oh I hope not  since I haven't heard back from UCSF at this point in the evening, I am not driving 45 miin the fog and have the tysabri administrator tell me they have to talk to the Dr before they can treat me.
Went to my (until today) regular neuro who sent me to UCSF for the tysabri. He has pretty much washed his hands of me. Sad too I thought I liked him.  Anyway...off topic sorry!  He thinks I am in a flare but says I have to talk to UCSF as they are my primary neuro now.  

So back to my question... when u have had to use a chair, what was ur reason? Was is because u lost use of one or both legs? Can u describe ur idea of "lost"?,Have some of you sat down because of pain?  I am sure balance will come up here.

I would just like to hear if I am being a woose or if I am putting myself into a next step that could lead to a place I don't want to be. Or if I have a valid reason to go to the Dr and say "hey I need to sit down for a while"  

[Wobbly]

Hi there. I use a Power Chair as I cannot manually move a manual chair.  My arms are too weak to use them that much.  But I sure wish I could get my Power chair in a vehicle.  I don't have that yet.  I guess we would need to get a different vehicle and lift.  

Or buy another one that is portable...sorry this is about manual ones...but I wanted to add what if you have weak arms.. how difficult is it to use a manual one?  Do you need strong arms?

take care
wobbly

[addicted2harleys]

I printed it out.  Lemme see if I can find the link for you...

[daisy.girl]

thank you....

I have read the 'spoon theory', it is great, and I was really excited when I read it, because I felt like someone had finally put words to how I feel.....but I was never able to describe it accurately.

[addicted2harleys]

Daisy - I am undiagnosed.  Not that that really matters when it comes to the topic of wheelchairs.  Several months back someone posted a link to a page that someone was explaining about how her lupus affected her daily life.  She uses spoons to explain it.  Maybe someone else will remember it and post it.  It was an excellent explanation and one I still use today to explain to people about my energy level.  

Basically she was saying that every morning she started out her day with (I think) ten spoons.  Different activities cost her a spoon or two.  When she ran out of spoons, that was it...she was done for the day for doing much of anything.  

With this in mind, a wheelchair *may* allow you to retain a spoon or two on your busy days.  I know it does for me.  

Accepting a wheelchair into my life was a really hard decision for me, as I am sure it was for many others.  I still don't feel comfortable with the thought of requiring a chair and it has been two years for me.  

In my opinion, from what you are saying here, you would benefit with a mobility aid, if only for those busy days.  But it is an extremely personal decision.  And, I believe you will know in your heart when it is time...

Addi

[daisy.girl]

I have a question about chairs. I don't think I am there yet. However, I always have to push the cart in walmart, so I can lean on it. I have severe tingling, burning numbness in my right arm, that I don't think I could use a cane. I am sure I could use it with my left hand, but then I wouldn't be able to get items with the right.

I have noticed lately, that anytime I have a busy day.....I pay for it the next few days.....so maybe a chair would help in that area. But I am still trying to wrap my head around being diagnosed with MS. Thinking of a chair really freaks me out. Also, only a handful of people know of my dx....I can help to think, what would they think if they saw me in a chair.

Somedays I think I walk pretty normal, and then others, I am shuffling and my feet are not clearing the floor very well. Then I get the sudden spasm/spasticity in my calves that comes out of nowhere. Not to mention the loss of balance that has me grabing the walls or furinture all the time.

[addicted2harleys]

I am using an iPad and I can't copy and paste your original message to start a new thread.  :(

Can you please do it, Candy?

Addi