Power Chair/Mobility Scooter

[geminigirl1963]

I just returned from a doctor's visit to finalize the paperwork and do the face to face exam/interview that Medicare requires so that I can hopefully get a power chair or mobility scooter.  I've been talking with The Scooter Store and they have been exceptionally helpful in this process.  They highly recommend I go with teh power chair for a few reasons:

a) because I've had a shoulder replacement done, and the scooter's handlebars are out in front, it very well could be very uncomfortable/painful for me to operate it except for short periods

b) The scooter, because of its design, is unable to get close enough to a counter, sink, table, etc. to be able to sit in it and do what I need to do.  This is important to me because many, many times I cannot stand long enough to even prepare things for a meal and sometimes not even long enough to brush my teeth.  Fortunately, my apartment complex is already designed for people with disabilities, including those in wheelchairs, so the bathroom sink is such that a wheelchair could pull right up to the sink area without sticking way out.  In the kitchen, the bottom of the cabinets are also higher off the ground so that the bottom of a wheelchair would not bump it, making it unable to get close to the counter or sink.

c) They said the scooter's turning radius is much larger than the power chair and they are concerned that because of my shoulder and limited range of motion especially on that side, it would make it harder for me to be able to maneuver the scooter.

So.... we've pretty much decided on the power chair.  My doctor has also been great helping with this process - I had mentioned about this to her at a recent apointment I had for another issue and hse said absolutely, just decide where I want to get it from, get the paperwork and then make the appointment for the face to face.  I am sooooo thankful to both her and the Scooter Store for all they've been doing for me.  I truly believe (and so does my doctor) that getting this power chair will definitely add quite a bit to the quality of my life and allow me to gain back some of the independence that I have lost because of my chronic pain and other health issues.  I've been a bit reluctant in the past to even consider going to this point because I felt that it meant I was 'giving in" to my limitations.  However, I've come to realize that having this type of assitance device will not add to my limitations, it will only help alleviate some of them.  I'll be able to get out and enoy some of the things that I used - as well as feeling more comfortable and confident/safe in my own home.  Even though I live all on one level and have no stairs to contend with, I still worry constantly about falling (I have a history of it).  this power chair will help alleviate some of thta worry.

Even though I was there for the face to face today, my doctor and I were able to discuss my pain levels and current treatment.  I've been having a really, really bad time with the pain, fatigue, etc. for the past several weeks and have been just trying to to work through it with my current regime of medications and non-medicinal techniques (warm showers, heating pad, relaxation, etc.)  Of course it doesn't help that I'm also having a really, really hard time sleeping - vicious cycle - you can't sleep because you hurt and you hurt more because you're not getting the sleep that you need.

Anyway - she was a little upset with me for "trying to tough it out" and not ask if there was anything else that could be tried or changed.  We decided on changing my current pain meds to a higher dose and if that doesn't help, we can either change medications, add something like maybe a muscle relaxer, or a combination of both (or more).  I felt very relieved after hearing what she had to say.  It certainly helps when you have an understanding, caring doctor on your side - which she definitely is!

I guess most of my post today is just to let everyone know what's been going on, but I also wanted to ask if anyone else has ever dealt with The Scooter Store and if so, what their experience with them was.  So far I've been very very happy with them, but always like to get other's opinions, especially when it comes to a decision like this.

If anyone has any comments/ideas/suggestions, I'd be happy to hear them.

[jamlws]

I am glad your getting a power scooter, I don't know anything about them but I see them on tv all the time. I do think you can get back to the stuff you love to do with this chair and put your mind at ease on not falling all the time. I am glad you have a great dr that cares about you and your pain. That always helps! I hope the increase in your meds help you out more and your able to sleep better. I know when I am not sleeping good my pain always gets worse. I hope it all works out for you.
Jamie

[melissaky]

I think  that's great  that you are going to get a power scooter .My mom  got one and it has made all the difference  .She had 2 knee replacement surgeries and  then last summer she was diagnosed w/ stomach cancer .She is a steel magnolia I tell you. She went through things that would have killed lesser people . Back to topic . She absolutely loves her power scooter. Now she can get around and do all the things she wants .It has opened the world back up to her. She didn't get hers from the scooter store but I used to work in a assisted living facility and we dealt with the scooter store frequently and I would say they are really great.. Good luck to you and I hope everything works out to your satisfaction God bless Melissa

[geminigirl1963]

I don't mind at all!  You all have been so full of information and help to me, it would be absolutely wonderful if I could do the same for someone else.

I talked with the Scooter Store when I returned home from my appointment just to let them know that I had been and that the doctor said she was hoping to fax teh paperwork back to them sometime this afternoon.  Of course, things always get busy at a doctor's office, so I won't be too surprised if they weren't able to do it that quickly.  the Scooter Store said that once they have all the appropriate paperwork, the process is actually pretty quick, so I may even have my new chair, if not by the end of this week, then probably by the beginning of next (of course, depending upon when they get the fax from my doc).  I thought that was AMAZING!  so many things take FOREVER when you're dealing with Social Security or Medicare - it's nice to know that some things can go quickly.

the only downside to getting this chair is that my current car will not accomodate a lift for it.  Fortunately, a good friend of mine who lives very close to me has a vehicle that I know it will fit in.  At least until I can "upgrade" to a larger vehicle!

thank you all for your kind comments and well wishes - it really does mean a lot to know that people out there care about me.

I'll be sure to keep everyone posted on how things are progressing and what I think of the chair once I receive it.

Here's to better life through better mobility options.......

[Tuckamore]

Thank you so much for the information. These are facts that not everyone considers when purchasing a scooter type of vehicle. So your information is so wonderful.

I apologize that I cannot provide you with any personal information regarding the Scooter. You will be our resident expert. :)

I am so hopeful that this will improve the quality of your life. We're always for that. If it helps that will be marvelous, you deserve good things in your life!

I hope that this process goes smoothly for you. Please let us know how it does go. We will look forward to learning from you. You are our teacher and resource, that is if you don't mind.    

I'll be thinking of you.

Take Care,
~Tuck

[Jaybay]

Good for you!!  I tried to get a chair for my mother for over a year, but she stubbornly refused.  Like you said, she felt she would be "giving in" if she pursued it.  The pain she endured to appear "normal" only harmed herself.  Had Mom had a motorized chair, she may still be alive today and not fallen and broken her hip.

I spoke with both the Scooter Store and Hoveround and found reps from both companies to be extremely knowledgeable and helpful.  As you learned already, there are pros and cons to the different models and only the individual patient and doctor can determine which one will best fit the situation.  You are very blessed to have such a great doctor.

Congratulations for taking a major step toward a new and hopefully much better life.  You're a great example for all of us in turning life's lemons into lemonade.  :-)

[RunningMom]

That is wonderful that your doctor is taking the time out to help you through this.  What wonderful news!  Good luck with the medication change.  I hope it works out for you.  I have a hard time raising my medications due to the side effects.  They make me feel just awful until my body adjusts to them, but it is a necessary thing to do.

[namnam46]

I'm so glad that you are taking this step!! I'm sure that it will help with the quality of your life. Sometimes it is hard to get to the point that we have to admit that we just can't do it anymore. I'm VERY excited for you!!!

I've never dealt with the Scooter Store before BUT when that time comes I've already decided that it's the place I'm going to start with (after my Dr.  of course).

Congratulations and PLEASE let us know hwo it goes and how you like it!!!...Sherry