Decision about using a wheelchair

lynnhb

Hi. I have just spent 2 weeks on holiday with my Husband. We own a 2 berth towing caravan & he is more than willing to top-up water etc. so I can use our own facilities. Occasionally I use the site facilities as many shower blocks are heated & easy to access. My problem is my walking; it has become so bad; I walk a very short distance then get terrible knee/leg/hip pain, sometimes I feel faint. I use a stick & have medication for pain. This holiday my Husband suggested I might try using a wheelchair, as I get so upset when I cannot go places & because it stops him going (although I am happy to stay back he wants to be with me). I find this so depressing. I feel if I use a wheelchair I am 'giving in', yet with one I could do so much more. Is it a bad thought to think about this as an option? I am 55 & go to work, & I am able to drive (I have a blue badge but do not claim benefits & would be wiling to buy a wheelchair). Best regards, Lynn

helpline_team

Hi Lynn

Thanks for your posting.

I am sorry to hear about all of the difficulties you are having with your knee, leg and hip pain.

Have you seen your doctor/specialist about this recently to see if there is anything they can do about your condition and the pain? If you havent already it may be worth getting a referall to a Pain clinic (via your doctor), as the current medication you are taking may not be effective enough.

If a wheelchair will help you in certain situations, then it's fine to get one, even if its for a short period.

Because of your current condition you may be eligible for a wheelchair. You can ask for one through your doctor. Otherwise you could purchase one. The best people to contact regarding this are the Disability Living Foundation at http://www.dlf.org.uk/.

I hope this information is useful to you.

Please ring our helplines on 0808 808 2000 if you would like to have a chat about your condition and talk all this through.

Regards

Nick

lynnhb

helpline_team wrote:

Hi Lynn

Thanks for your posting.

I am sorry to hear about all of the difficulties you are having with your knee, leg and hip pain.

Have you seen your doctor/specialist about this recently to see if there is anything they can do about your condition and the pain? If you havent already it may be worth getting a referall to a Pain clinic (via your doctor), as the current medication you are taking may not be effective enough.

If a wheelchair will help you in certain situations, then it's fine to get one, even if its for a short period.

Because of your current condition you may be eligible for a wheelchair. You can ask for one through your doctor. Otherwise you could purchase one. The best people to contact regarding this are the Disability Living Foundation at http://www.dlf.org.uk/.

I hope this information is useful to you.

Please ring our helplines on 0808 808 2000 if you would like to have a chat about your condition and talk all this through.

Regards

Nick

Thank you Nick. I also posted this on the Living with Arthritis forum. People are so kind and encouraging. I will heed your advice . Best wishes, Lynn

scoobiedoo

hi..sorry to hear of your predicament..I too was facde with a simillar situation some years ago as wlaking was causing spasms and pain..and the distance i could walk really didnt get me very far at all..
for me it was a difficult one to make..and slowly i started to use a wheelchair..reluctantly..but after a few months..my pain was lesss..the spaspm had gone and i had more energy.my friends noticed it in my face..i also became fitter too..more independant and my life changed..for the better..it was hard seeing the world from a lower position but looking back i have no regerets..however you may loose the mobility you have but you have to decide if that is necessary or do you want to get from a to b in a different way?? you can get a wheelchair voucher from the nhs for a custom made wheelchair that is designed for you..not off the shelf..mine is titanium..very light weigh..aesy to wheel about in.worth looking into perhaps..
i hope my experience helps you on your decision..:-) em

Riley

It would be better if you consult first your doctor. The doctor would help you clarify the matter for your security. You should be glad because your husband is thinking a way to comfort you.

My wheelchair lift tips.