Wheelchair for Chronic Pain

JessB

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience.
I got diagnosed in 2014 with Chrondomalicia Patella, I had physio at the time but got discharged due to lack of progress. Fast forward to 2021 and after having many more flare-ups and my pain getting to the point I couldn't manage it I decided to go back to the GP. At this point, I was using crutches full-time. The GP I went to was new as I had moved to a new area for university. This GP went on to tell me I no longer have the condition (after a phone consult) and that I no longer needed to use crutches. They moved me to the physio anyway but said I would be fine. Seeing the physio this time round they told me there was nothing they could do until I had my pain under control but the GP refused to help. During the time I was waiting for Physio I self brought a wheelchair as it was getting to the point where I couldn't manage day to day. This wheelchair all be it big and bulky opened so many doors but it is now getting to the point where this wheelchair is causing me pain. The way I sit in it is causing my back pain and numbness in my legs but I don't want to stop using it because I know without it I wont be able to cope. Has anyone been able to get a wheelchair through Wheelchair Services for chronic pain?

Alex_Alumni

Hi there @JessB and thanks for your query, I'm sorry to hear your GP isn't very supportive, that must be frustrating. 

Does your county have it's own wheelchair services? If so, see if you can enquire with them about what might be possible.

I know there's usually a referral involved, but whether this needs to be from your GP, or can be from another health professional, I'm not sure.

Have you mentioned what's happened to your physio, if you're still having physio at the moment?

anthy

Hello
I needed a wheelchair and i phone my council and ask for the OT team to come and access me they did and they got me a wheelchair since then as i can't use my arms to wheel me around and my Husband can't push me due to his health i brought myself an electric one best thing ive ever done and i got it for around £800 which isn't a bad price

Hannah_Alumni

Hi @JessB

I can see Alex and anthy have already responded with some great advice, I just wanted to check in and see how you were? 

I also wanted to share the NHS page on Walking aids, wheelchairs and mobility scooters with you. There are a few ways from borrowing to buying as well as a section on choosing a wheelchair and help with costs.

janer1967

Hi there 

I have had wheelchair from wheelchair services not for pain but the chairs are very basic that they supply in my experience 

I'm a full time chair user and purchased my own manual and electric chair due to the red tape and going through hoops with wheelchair services 

They have strict criteria for type of chair they supply but don't let my experience put you off