When should I use my wheelchair

wilko82

Hi everyone!

I'm new here. Feeling a bit flat and don't know what I just be doing for the best with regards to my mobility and aids. Please advise...

I'm 41 years old and suffer with fibromyalgia, degenerative disc disease, cervical disc disorder and 2 herniated discs in my neck. I also have a herniated disc in my back and narrowing of the spinal canal which I'm waiting to see the neurosurgeon for. I've also had 2 previous spinal surgeries. I also have osteoarthritis of the spine, Endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, chondromalacia patella, cerebal atrophy, anxiety and depression and postural hypotension. Sorry for the long list...

I use my crutch on a daily basis as my legs often feel weak due to my chronic fatigue and chronic pain. I do have a wheelchair that was provided via wheelchair services through my O.T.  The thing is I've tended to shy away from it as my family have not really supported me in this area and I slso live alone. I don't really want to go out in it alone and I would find it very hard getting it in and out of the car. It is self propell which I can manage in shops etc. My family don't think I really need it. They say things like, if you can walk up stairs then you don't need it. But I try and explain its to conserve energy,  fatigue management etc 

I can feel myself going into another depression and I wondered what your thoughts are on using a wheelchair just now and then. I just don't know what to do anymore. The more I do on foot sometimes the more I'm fatigued etc.

Thanks for reading xx

Albus_Scope

Hi there @wilko82 and welcome to the community.

I'm sorry to hear your family are being less than sympathetic with the wheelchair.  It's just my personal opinion, but I'd be listening more to what your body says, rather than what family say.  Do you have any friends that could go out with you? 

wilko82

@Albus_Scope
Thank you for your reply. I do have one friend I could ask but she is busy a lot of the time.  

I will try to listen to my body more and not listen to those who don't understand. I just often feel like I shouldn't be using it as there are others worse or getting used to it as I've been told.  But often my legs are like jelly and I just want to do things and get out. 

Albus_Scope

I'd try not to worry, people will always say "others have it worse" but that doesn't mean you yourself don't also deserve help and support in your life.  

wilko82

@Albus_Scope thank you 😊 

JessieJ

Hello @wilko88

My two penneth worth...if you need it, use it! 

Don't worry about what anyone thinks, although, it isn't so great that your family don't support you & it seems, don't listen. If you can manage more by using it, as it helps with pain & energy levels, then that's what it's there for, no point struggling when you don't need to.

wilko82

@JessieJ
Thanks for your kind comment. You're right. I was hoping to find a bit of support on here as people will seem to understand more and it's already proving right. 🙂🙂

JessieJ

Yes, @wilko88, we're in one big boat together & even though all our disabilities can be very different, we all share some of the same struggles, so there's always support on here.

Sandy_123

Hi @wilko82 the OT got you the chair because they feel you needed it.  Your family don't have your struggles so you do what's best for you. 

wilko82

@Sandy_123 That's so true. Thank you for your kind comment x