There's a wheelchair in my living room ....

Wonkylegs · 5. Oct 2010, 12:19

...... and even though I ordered it I don't want it to be there :x :x

We are going away next week and intend to go birdwatching. Lots of walking and carrying stuff to do, and with a body that doesn't do much of any of that right now, it seemed to be a good idea to have a plan B should I be really tired.

I found somewhere that hires them out by the week, and delivers and collects them. it arrived this morning. I've pulled it out of the box, and put it up and it is sitting looking at me ......... and all I want to do to it is go

It's silly isnt' it? it will help if there is a bad day .... I don't have to use it if I don't want to or need to ..... but it's there sitting looking at me.

:roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

Wonky

c4thyg · 5. Oct 2010, 12:42

Good for you Wonky.

It was hard for my mother at first as well but she's glad to have the backup now. She doesn't use her's every day but it helps her to pace herself.

I have the same attitude with my blue badge. I feel embarrassed at my age using one. I often don't use it but it's good to have for the days when I need it.

Now onto the important question, do you have a hunk to push you around in it?

dreamdaisy · 5. Oct 2010, 12:44

It's not silly at all. I can sit here and spout all the usual 'think of the difference it will make . . . .conserves your energy . . . . . you can do what you want . . . . . helps others around you . . . . . BUT it is YOU sitting in it. Big, BIG, difference. Stick your tongue out all you like: just because you have been sensible and practical doesn't mean you have to welcome it with open arms. Give yourself time, and whilst doing so sulk for England. DD

tillytop · 5. Oct 2010, 13:06

Hi Wonky

Can't add anything to Cathy and DD's replies - so will just say hope you have a wonderful holiday!

Love Tilly xxx

skezier · 5. Oct 2010, 13:08

Hi Wonky,

I can't add anything to the others either except to say..... don't let it stop you enjoying your holidays! ((((( ))))) and a bucket of extra excited slurps Cris xx

dreamdaisy · 5. Oct 2010, 13:12

The 'extra-excited' slurps are the best! Enjoy! DD

dorcas · 5. Oct 2010, 13:47

Good on you Wonky!

that wasn't an easy thing to do... no matter how 'practical' and sensible ...it's still taken courage to face the possibility of needing that wheelchair.

get your own back on it's cheeky attitude....

you could threaten it with violence

ignore it

swear at it!

or lock it up and throw away the key.

but.... it might just be a godsend and allow you to pace yourself and enjoy your holiday to the full.. knowing that you can use it if need be and not miss out on any of the things you have planned to do.

have a great holiday!

Iris xxxx[/i]

stlucia · 5. Oct 2010, 13:52

How exciting that now you have a Plan B for when you are tired or need to conserve your spoon! So you can see and do more! Hurray!

Have a REALLY great time and let us know what you spot!

xx

barbara12 · 5. Oct 2010, 13:58

Hi Wonky
Think we all have an idea of how you are feeling, every time someone mention getting one to me I change the subject :roll:

Good on you I say, if it helps then it will be worth it weight in gold.
You have a lovely holiday.
Love
Barbara xx

salamander · 5. Oct 2010, 14:01

Hi Wonky, I can understand your feelings. I took a walking stick out with me today as a bit wobbly on my pins. Felt a bit of a prat but used it and people gave up their seats for me on the bus so very handy. Take the wheelchair with you and if you feel like it, use it, but you don't have to. Decide on the day.

Where are you going birdwatching?
xx

sharmaine · 5. Oct 2010, 14:41

Hi wonkylegs

I had to use a wheelchair for six months prior to my TKR it was the only way I got out and about with OH. It gave me some freedom. We decided to go to Chichester for a day out and it was hell for my husband pushing me on all the cobbled streets. So watch out for cobbled streets and hills! We soon found out where we could go, park easily, eat out etc. Wheelchairs don't come with instructions!
I always got ignored in the wheelchair - I think they thought I was simple or something and only spoke to my husband. In the end I made sure I paid for things and they had to look at me.

It does make you appreciate what disabled people have to put up with!

We found that it was useful to have a rucksack or wheelchair bag on the handles it was handy for bits of shopping etc. Also wrap up well because you get really cold sitting in one place. I invested in woollen socks; thermal vests etc. A firm cushion to sit on helps too.

It will make life easier for you.

Enjoy your holiday.

Sharmaine
X

Wonkylegs wrote:

...... and even though I ordered it I don't want it to be there :x :x

We are going away next week and intend to go birdwatching. Lots of walking and carrying stuff to do, and with a body that doesn't do much of any of that right now, it seemed to be a good idea to have a plan B should I be really tired.

I found somewhere that hires them out by the week, and delivers and collects them. it arrived this morning. I've pulled it out of the box, and put it up and it is sitting looking at me ......... and all I want to do to it is go

It's silly isnt' it? it will help if there is a bad day .... I don't have to use it if I don't want to or need to ..... but it's there sitting looking at me.

:roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

Wonky

woodbon · 5. Oct 2010, 14:51

Hi Not at all silly, sensible, Mum had arthritis in her spine and had walking difficulties outside. She liked to walk but we always had the chair and she would use it and we could go for long walks around the shops.

She used her walking stick to get through the crowds and that didn't make her very popular! Have a super weekend! Lots of love Suexxx

Wonkylegs · 5. Oct 2010, 14:57

HI c4thyg, DD, tilly, Cris, Iris, stlucia, Barbara, salamander & Sharmaine & thanks so much for all your replies ..... you did make me giggle

I've shown 'it' off to hubby now (yes he's the hunk who will be pushing it

), and he thinks he's happy to be seen out with it, as long as I'm in it

I notice it comes with a handy seatbelt, so he won't be able to tip me out

Mind you, he's had plenty of wheelchair-pushing practice with his mum ..... but I hope he is more gentle with me!!

Not sure if I fancy a trial run before we go away .... it's harder thinking about using it here than where no-one knows me I think :roll: :roll:

Mind you ...... I could try out the ramp access to the house in it

We're not likely to be near many hills as we're going to North Norfolk ..... staying in Old Hunstanton ...... but I'll look out for (and avoid!) cobbles - thanks

Iris - I'll keep your secret weapons in mind ...... very handy for badly behaved wheelchairs

Cris & DD - extra-excited slurps :shock: wow they're strong :shock:

love them!!!

Tomorrow I'll get hubby to try fitting it into the car .... apparently the wheels can pop off :shock: to make it easier .... but I won't be lifting it myself I promise

right ......... off to have a quick look round the forum as we've been in pocket-sitting mode for peeps today & I hope they are all ok.

hugs to you all and thanks for making this all seem not so bad.

WOnky

hileena111 · 5. Oct 2010, 17:49

Hi Wonky
Sorry just catching up now......
I know exactly how you feel...I felt like that about my scooter. But now....its fantastic.....
Still havent used it around our area so i really know what you mean but it goes in the back of the car when we go on hols or away for the day.....if it comes out it comes out ....and thats when I really need it and appreciate it but if I can manage without I do and if gets too much hubby goes back to the car and comes driving back to me {like a big kid}

with it.
Enjoy te extra freedom
Love
Hileena

lululu · 5. Oct 2010, 23:29

Hope you wrap up warm for your birdwwatching Wonky! Have a great time, you will find the world very defferent in a chair as has been said people will ignore you, and be rude, and look at the person pushing you as if you have no right to be there - that means you can do some people watching up close and personal and if someone realy grates on you just say what you think (have some fun with it)! go on be a devil I dare you! then you can keep us all amused with your stories when you come back.
**** them all you just enjoy your holiday.

dreamdaisy · 6. Oct 2010, 02:37

Old Hunstanton? Lovely! Get thee to Brancaster if you can - beach access is easy, the sand is lovely, the beach superb. I can't get to Holkham very easily now, there is a board walk thro the woods and by the time I have done that I am too knackered to tackle the beach, but at Brancaster you get out of the car, a few strides on the flat and Bob's your uncle. We go to North Norfolk every January/February, we love it there. I am envious. Very. DD

speedalong · 6. Oct 2010, 03:55

Hi Wonky,

I started using a wheelchair in shops before my hip op - I was embarrassed at first and a felt a fraud. However it meant instead of entering a big shop and moving slowly and painfully around on crutches and my main aim being surviving - I got to see the whole shop, had somewhere comfy to sit when browsing and instead of going home after one shop - could manage more!

After comparing the experiences - I started hoping the next shop would have one I could borrow!! It meant I could accomplish more and not have to just focus on my own mobility (or lack of it!)

I'm not a great passenger and each new pusher had to earn my trust and where ever possible I was happier pushing myself ...

Just view it as a another aid ... and have a fab time.

Speedy

Wonkylegs · 6. Oct 2010, 08:28

Thanks DD .... we'll add that to the list of 'must see' places .... not sure how many we'll fit into 7 days

the list is getting quite long!

Speedy - I know that it will help .... it's just the mind having to accept the need of it. ..... but I'm feeling better by the minute now that it is here ..... and it looks quite swish

Lulu ..... great idea ... I do know what people can be like with those in wheelchairs . In the past I've been the one pushing my MIL to doctors appointments etc, and peeps always try to talk to me rather than to her, even when they don't know me and they know her :shock: :x :x

Have been to town this morning and was so slow walking that I know I need the help ..... and not to have to struggle will be great .... though poor hubby will have a tough time with me front-seat driving

right ... better go and see what else I can get ready for the weekend .....so far the only things ready are meds, pillows, creams, lotions & the wheelchair! better find some clothes .... but determined not to iron anything ... no-one will notice

hugs again to all of you

WOnky

hileena111 · 6. Oct 2010, 09:07

Hi Wonky
I went into the metro center yesterday {not for very long} and I could feel the difference walking compared to the scooter.
I'm sure pain showed in my face not matter how hard i ried not to let it.
Wheras on the scooter I can be bright and cheerful withouttrying to
Just another addition to the list

Love
Hileena

carola · 7. Oct 2010, 04:43

Hey Wonky

I felt the same shen my boyfriend bought me a raised toilet seat. I actually stuck two fingers up to it but then quickly realised it's benefits.

Enjoy your time away and use the wheelie when you need to.

Carol

frogmorton · 7. Oct 2010, 10:49

Oh Wonky

I DO get it and I love Carol's sticking her two fingers up at a raised loo seat

Carol I think I can actually see it happening

Poor poor wheelchair all it wants to do is help.

I hope you don't need it but if you do try being nice to it incase it gets its own back on you :shock:

Love

Toni xx

fayrose · 7. Oct 2010, 12:52

Ah Wonky, bless you.

xx

hileena111 · 8. Oct 2010, 17:18

Hi Wonky
Is the wheelchair still there

It hasnt taken the huff and disappeared because you were ungrateful

You feeling anybetter about it

Love
Hileena

Wonkylegs · 8. Oct 2010, 17:52

HI Hileena

wheelchair was taken to pieces yesterday to put into the boot. Thant showed it

just finished packing ..... off in the morning

I'll let you know if it behaves

WOnky

hileena111 · 8. Oct 2010, 18:04

Hi Wonky......glad I posted...I didnt realise it was this weekend
Have a great time and let us know about it {wheelchair and hol} when you get back

Love
Hileena

trisher · 8. Oct 2010, 18:36

Wonky

I was like that at first. When I came back from an op and woke up there was this chair sitting there looking at me like a visitor does.

Well as you know I cannot be without it. It has become part of life for me now.

I hope you can get about without using it. But, think about how much you might have missed not having it with you if you had had to go back to where you are staying.

You have a great holiday with or without using the wheelchair.

Trish xxxx

There's a wheelchair in my living room ....

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