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Mobility

Posted: May 16th 2009

cellolover

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Hi, all! Recently I've heard several people mention different ways to get around and I thought it would make a nice topic. I started using a wheelchair because I was always getting into places and then not able to get back out! Now that I know more I am able to walk more, but I still bring a wheelchair along just incase. Sometimes a good comprimise for me is to use the wheelchair like a walker if I'm wobbly. I tend to do okay on car trips as long as I'm not driving. I bring LOTS of water, a blanket in all seasons, and lots of times a healthy snack. My mom likes a transport wheelchair we've been loaned because it is light. However, the four small wheels mean it can't handle big bumps. I have also been given a traditional wheelchair. I don't have the energy to push it far, so I almost always have someone else help me. The front wheels are still small so going back on the back wheels is necessary for speed bumps, gravel, grass, etc. Anyone have a favorite wheelchair, walker, cane, scooter, scateboard, etc? I would love to know if bikes are a decent way to go further for the energy money. Also, does anyone have ideas for fun things that involve movement such as tubing (would we mitovians just flop out?)?

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Rachel- I have abnormalities in Complex I,II, and V. I also married a wonderful man on June 5, 2010.
beck7422's picture

I use a walking stick

Submitted by beck7422 on Mon, 05/18/2009 - 4:18am.

I use a walking stick (purchased at a Renassaince Festival when I was 19), a regular wheelchair, and a scooter. When I purchased the walking stick, I thought it would be basically costume jewelry for my Halloween costume. Instead it has been the most valuable purchase ($20) I have ever made. I can't use walkers or canes. Walkers because they are too heavy and canes because they just feel wrong.
lorimar's picture

Hello everyone Have you ever

Submitted by lorimar on Mon, 05/18/2009 - 8:06pm.

Hello everyone Have you ever tried a crutch? It holds to your arm, and I rest on it when I'm tired, it also has a formed hand grip, so it's easy on your hand. That way your hand doesn't fatigue so easy. It comes in fashionable colors too. I chose blue, my mom's favorite color.I found it a good solution. I too

can't use a Walker or cane.I do have a wheelchair..........God Bless......Lori:)

I started out using a cane,

Submitted by MCStewart on Wed, 05/20/2009 - 6:09pm.

I started out using a cane, then on to forearm crutches (the kind that come just to the forearm, not under arm) I then moved on to a rollator walker. U Step was a good one. It moves about easily and in all directions, has a seat so that you can sit when fatigued. I'm now have to use a wheelchair, although I need someone to push me. I have a motorized chair, but it is difficult to transport. Since I no longer drive, I have to count on family and friends to get me about, so the manual wheelchair works best. I do have a really light weight transport chair, but as has been mentioned it's hard to get over bumps and thresholds. I wish I had read more and found message boards before I bought some of my equipment, I would say do your homework ask around. Blessings, Marla

cellolover's picture

Thanks Everyone! Great

Submitted by cellolover on Wed, 05/20/2009 - 6:23pm.

Thanks Everyone! Great suggestions. Miriam, how tall is your walking stick? Marla, I always tell people who are pushing the transport chair that raming speed is required to get over thresholds!
__________________

Rachel- I have abnormalities in Complex I,II, and V. I also married a wonderful man on June 5, 2010.

beck7422's picture

My wooden walking stick is

Submitted by beck7422 on Fri, 05/22/2009 - 9:06pm.

My wooden walking stick is 4ft tall. It has several natural hand holds. Additionally it has a slight curve. The stick is great at absorbing shock. Shock is one of my biggest complaints about canes. I just can't handle the jarring pain.

I use a cane (I got a pink

Submitted by smileyface on Fri, 07/31/2009 - 6:38pm.

I use a cane (I got a pink one--that makes me happy), I use that most of the time when my joints can handle it. When I'm more wobbly I use my walker, which has a seat which is nice. They actually make walkers that double as transport chairs, had I known about them I would've gotten one of those. I also have a power chair for when the weakness gets bad, it's relatively portable for a powerchair and I can use it both outside and inside.