Coming to terms with limited mobility
Hi,
This is my first post and I'm not sure it is appropriate or proper but here goes.
Last year I broke a bone in my spine, this has left me unable to walk longer distances or over uneven ground without it causing back pain.
I really struggle to go out with the family because of this.
We want to go to a wildlife park that will hire out a mobility scooter but I'm really struggling to come to terms with using one. I struggle to admit I have a disability and would feel embarrassed using one.
I'm a male in my late 40's, How can I get around this?
Thanks for your help.
Comments
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My dad had to have spinal surgery a few years ago due to a slipped disk in his neck. He's still has to use a motability scooter. At first he was embarrassed but now he's in the swing of it. We have hired one before for forest walks and he also has his own own at home for general use. He is much older than you though but people really don't care. Some may look but most people say hi and smile. Don't feel embarrassed at all. I would definitely hire one, we as a family have had great day outs with those hired ones because they can go on all terrain. My dad can walk tiny distances with sticks but has to use the scooter to go further. Its not a problem at all. It doesn't matter what others think, go have a nice trip out at the wildlife park. You can also change the speed on those scooters so you can also zoom past anyone that you feel is staring. But people are in their own world most of the time and don't pay attention to others.
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Hi Spencer 1620.
I know just how you feel. When I lost my mobility and had to resort to a scooter or wheelchair for distances I absolutely hated it. I felt that people would think I was swinging the lead as I was younger too
I felt like a burden and a nuisance to everybody. I stopped going out to places I enjoyed with my family and friends because I felt embarrassed for them.
However after lots of badgering by my family I started going out. Initially on short journeys to families places like the local shops. As my confidence grew we started to go further afield. Now I whizz about all over the place and make good use of a hire scooter whenever I can.
you will encounter the odd person who has an issue but on the whole most people are kind and respectful. It also has its advantages as often people will let you pass fearing for their ankles 🤣. I have had the odd disaster when manoeuvring tight places. I took the ice cream cart out in a restaurant and have had a few spacial awareness issues but it’s all an experience and you do get used to it.6 -
When I start using a stick and then a mobility scooter I first try them out on a holiday. As no one knows you and you will not bump into people that you might know. And I used it every since. With the mobility scooter I hired one for a day as I know the next day I was going to be walking a lot in a tour. The next year I went to Barcelona for 5 and I know I will not manage so I rent one for handiness for me. It was a small boot one a pride gogo . After the 3 day I thought this is what will help me on full day trip out so I thought if I bought one how will I manage it so in the hotel room I took it apart to see could I lift the seconds and yes I could do when I came home I bought one. Ok the car i had at the time was small so the boot and half the back seat was full.untill I could change the car. But I now say it's the best thing I every brought. I was 35 at the the time
My father was all against it but when he visited me and we went out for the day he realized I really need it and is all for it now
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Thank you so much for sharing your experience.
I think I'm more worried about what other people think. I know I need to get over it, but it is a giant leap
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It can take time to get over the feeling. I lost my driving licence and the ability to walk back in July 23 due to dysautonomia. I have come to terms with the fact that this is my normal. I look at my mobility scooter as my only means of getting out and about now and don't care what others think. I'm using it for a reason other than sitting looking at 4 walls all day long. Yes you get people who look at you, yes you get people who verbally abuse you, ive always countered with the comment "at least you have legs you can use". If you need things to help you being mobile then it's the other people that have an issue, not you. They are not living with your problems and your just trying to get along. I still have periods where I feel embarrassed and a burden on my family and wife but this is life and you got to deal with it the best way that you can. I'm only 55, had to give up my own business and my hobby of kite buggying and squash because of mobility but I try to get out. So ignore the others out there and live your life as best you can with your disability..
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Hi @Spencer1620
I know how you feel, spinal injury in my 20s, had spinal fusion, collapsed, two more but too much damage meaning failure. It is hard to accept, but, you have to adapt to live. If that means using wheels, then don't waste a thought about what people will think or be embarrassed. Embrace being able to be 'normal' & go out & about when you can. Your family will love it when you can queue jump. 😉 Have an enjoyable family day out & many more once you've got that first trip under your belt. Oh & mind bumps, non drop kerbs & cobbles, they will not be your friend.
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You just need to go for it, I'm afraid. I started using my scooter last March, and now don't even give it a second thought, even though I was slightly anxious about taking it out for the first time.
Mine comes with a cloak of invisibility as standard; either that or I am now being ignored! I quite like that aspect tbh.
I should also mention that I graduated from stick, to rollator, to class 3 scooter ( can go on the road or pavement). I felt like a right Charlie using the rollator!
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And watch out for those wheelie bins!
Too right about being more able out and about. I am now able to take my dog out for 10 mile walks, rather than wobbling along with a rollator..
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It does take a while, I found it the same. It brought me to the scope site. It still feels surreal sometimes. A scooter makes a huge difference as it meant we regained our holidays again.
I find people are mostly helpful as they can find a way to help ( opening doors ).3 -
Hi, I had to learn to walk again after an industrial accident and was grateful for the use of a mobility scooter to regain some form of mobility.
Yes, it is odd and strange at first, especially looking at other people's backsides and items on the lower shelves of supermarkets etc., but for distances it was better than struggling with crutches and sticks, not just walking but standing tolerances also.
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I was embarrassed about using mobility aids (first crutches then scooter) but then realised I actually looked & felt more disabled NOT using them. My first trial on a scooter (a fab off-road Tramper) was at a local country park that had them. After grappling with feeling embarrassed we set off and, as I felt the air on my face and interacted with dog-walkers (ok, with the dogs!) I started to relax…big sigh…then smile….then a little tear at being able to get out into the country. I'd missed it so much. I now feel sorry for anyone struggling walking and think 'get wheels!'. I know some people will say "Use it or lose it" well I have progressive multiple sclerosis so I can do both - use it AND lose it!! I exercise & stretch to keep things working as much as poss. I call all my aids "enablers" as they help me to do things that, without that bit of assistance, I just couldn't do or not without much pain and struggle. Wheels leaves me free to put my efforts into enjoying life. I wish you luck in your journey to a more joyful place and being able to keep up with your friends and family.
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Hi all I have just started using a mobility scooter and feel embarrassed when I go out,everyone says it’s reallygood& am pleased for me,I have has both knees replaced and my right hip done twice but also it’s left me with a severe gait from the second hip joint being done but I feel so safe now it’s just the Embarrassment bit.
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I quite like the Tramper and the TWV. I was suspicious and am glad to know they are legitimate.
I have a TGA Breeze S4, and it can handle being off the road too. I would however get the S3 next time, as it halves the turning circle.
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I only feel embarrassed now when passing elderly people who use no walking aids. They stand outside the British Legion, having a smoke and some of them stare. {comment removed - uncivil}
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Ranald, yes it's the turning circle that lets the Tramper down. I'm weaker than I was so it's a bit of an oomph to turn it.
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if you haven't seen one, take a look at the TGA Breeze S3. Pretty much as stable as S4, but half the turning circle.
I got mine from Mobility Giant, 1 yo for £3100. They had if delivered, it came with 1 year warranty, which they honoured when I had a mechanical issue.
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Earlier I meant TWS, (Three Wheel Scooter), not TWV. That is a Tramper. I like the look of them.
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Thanks, Ranald, I have some lumpy, bumpy fields to cross to get to our local wood. I'm not sure I'd feel safe on a 3-wheeler, they can tip over more easily, can't they?
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Why pay attention to strangers? Your health is the most important thing for you.
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Heya @Spencer1620 and a warm welcome to the community. 😊
I'm sorry to hear you're struggling, I'm sure there's loads of us who can empathise to some degree. It really isnt an easy thing to come to terms with, but one day it just suddenly pops. A period of mourning for being able to do the things we always used to do is always there, but it really does get better!
I'm also a male in his late 40s who will soon be having to use a mobility scooter for any decent walk. It does get to me a bit, but ultimately I'll be ok once I pimp that scooter out a bit. It'll be better than lugging crutches about "just in case"1
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