The next step?

Slosh

Once again I am after advice.
In case you don't know I currently use two crutches when out, not because of Arthritis but due to another problem which means the muscles of my left leg are weak and as well as this affecting my movement of it means I can't safely bear weight on it. I also have arthritis in my neck which causes severe pain in my arms and shoulders, especially if I have to do things which involve moving them a lot.

I don't think my mobility has got worse as such, I just think that I am becoming more frustrated with it/facing up to my limitations.
Basically I have to accept that as my leg tires easily, to the extent that I struggle to move it as I walk, get out of breath with the effort and if I try to push through, as I tend to, I get to the stage where I feel like crying with frustration and as well as it becoming more difficult, I am putting more weight on my shoulders, causing more pain.

Last week I was struggling to get back to my car from the hairdressers, taking micro-breaks as needed when an elderly lady stopped to ask if I was ok.

The distance from my house to the end of my road is about 50ft but if I have to park there at the end of a day at work I struggle.

I drive so don't need a mobility scooter, but would like something that would give me a bit more freedom and confidence to go out and about without always having to worry about how far I will need to walk.

What would you advise? Am I being unrealistic? If I do need to get something else how should I go about it? Arrange to see an OT or visit my local mobility equipment shop?

Sorry it was a long post.

emmaadams

oh slosh i do hope your ok ...

i think that speaking to your OT might be a good thing , or your Gp see what he/she can recommend ? if they feel you need extra equipment they might be able to pint you in the right direction

unfortunately i don't know what else to suggest as that's what im doing at the moment . i did rent a wheel chair from a friend ( im still waiting to hear from the Red Cross)

maybe the Physiotherapist might help ?/

i hope you get something sorted soon xxx

Emma xx

Slosh

Thanks Emma
I'm not under physio anymore as I was discharged a couple of months ago.

My local OT service is great once you get to see them but even though I've been seen once I don't know how long I'd have to wait to be seen again. I will try to get through tomorrow but might also try and get a private OT appointment.

I saw your post and I'm so glad that your first trip out in your wheels went well.

dreamdaisy

I find my rollator invaluable - it's not the traditional square design with four wheels or a three wheeler, rather it's an L shape which folds in half laterally so takes up little space and self-supports when closed. My first one had exposed brake cables which would get caught on things so for my second one I opted for hidden cables and its far better. I'm now considering a further upgrade to the Let's Go Out model, it has suspension and lovely large wheels, complete with a mudguard so hopefully I'll stop getting my long skirts caught around the wheels.

The benefit of the L shape is that I walk between the struts so my stance is more upright. It gives me much more confidence and I can stop for a breather thanks to the seat. Going downhill is easier because I can lightly apply the brakes so controlling my speed and, best of all, I can queue again! I did not seek any advice when I bought the first one, I knew that my crutches were no longer cutting the mustard and reckoned I was in the best position to assess my mobility limitations. The first one was a very cheap model which was rapidly named The Clatterator - it was blissfully quiet in the shop but once outside? I suggest you visit a disability store and try the models they have - or look on the web and they may order a particular one in for you to try. DD

Slosh

Thank you DD, I don't really want to pay out for a private OT unless I need to so will visit my local shop as you suggest.

dibdab

Two things occur to me Slosh, firstly my auntie's rollator has a basket on the front to put in her bag/bits and bobs which may also be useful if you go down that line, to save you toting your school bag around (at least I always had a big school bag when I was still teaching!); the other is in our town there is an authority funded disability living centre where you can get advice-is there anything similar in your locality? Or might your rheumy team have any useful suggestions....again locally we have a specialist rheumatology OT to whom you can self refer, I found her advice spot on and she had options to try out before buying.

Hope you have a reasonable first week back post half term.

Deb x

Slosh

I don't have RA and our local OT service is very slow to respond. Luckily I don't have to move too far when teaching, most groups are in my room and the other is quite close so I manage fine with a large shoulder bag and get children to fetch and carry anything too heavy, or a TA.

In any case the rooms I am in are quite small so I don't think a rollator would fit.

Anyway I went to my local shop and have purchased an "entry level " one, metallic burgandy colour, breaks, seat, back rest etc. It's a bit of a hassle to get in my car but I can manage it myself. I took it for a spin round Sainsburys and it definitely helped, especially as I could balance a basket on the seat, and then next year as the weather gets better I can upgrade.

I have christened it "Anton", as fans of Strictly will now female celebrities always say they like being in Anton Du Beke's arms as he makes them feel safe and secure!

dibdab

That all sounds positive, I'm definitely an Strictly fan.....and Anton is such a gentleman it's a good name for your new friend! I used to teach early years so children weren't big enough to help carry stuff, and their books and toys were always giant size and awkward to carry. Anything that helps with the Sainsbury ordeal sounds like a good plan :oops: .

Deb x

nearlybionic

Hi
Sounds like you have done the right thing and I hope that Anton gives you the independence you need , and comfortable support.
NB

dreamdaisy

I am pleased that you have done this, I think you will find Anton invaluable! He will definitely make you feel more secure, can indeed be used to carry stuff and I'm sure you will become adept at wrestling him in and out of the car be prepared for some bumps and scrapes though, Beatrice is a mess on the rear passenger side. DD

Slosh

Thank you all. I have a letter to post tomorrow, the post box is only down the end of my road but recently I have had drive down there or stop by it on my way out as I found walking there and back too much, will see if I can manage better with Anton tomorrow. I kept the dance theme going as my crutches are called Fred and Ginger!

Slosh

I've also decided it might be a good idea to take one of my nhs crutches into school to keep in my office so that if I am having a bad day I can use Anton to move around school in terms of corridors but use the crutch in my office.

DD, the" lets go out one " looks very good, and if I do decide it's worth upgrading next year that is the one I will go for.

dreamdaisy

Both are sensible plans, using Anton to get you to the post box and back will be a good test run and leaving a crutch in the office is sensible. I have a number of pairs, one set is permanently in the car, another pair in the kitchen. They are also scattered throughout the house at the moment because currently things are not good.

The Finns, Swedes and Norwegians are streets ahead in design of rollators, they come at a cost but they also come with quality. I find the idea of suspension attractive because it should help to reduce vibrations on my wrists when crossing a bumpy surface such as cobbles and old paving. DD

Slosh

I need to use one all the time indoors so always have Fred with me and Ginger by the front door for when I go out. I was wondering how you were getting on yesterday as I know things have not been good, or as good as they get for you for some time now.

dreamdaisy

Thank you for wondering about me, to be honest things continue to be pretty grim due to the flare, the weather and the general business of life when all I want to do is curl up in bed. Hey-ho, never mind. The decorating continues apace and I am waiting for the delivery of two fridge freezers, we are currently without refrigeration and it's not fun. One of those is integrated so I suspect some part of the kitchen may have to be disassembled to fit it in - more bother and fuss but it will be worth it. DD

PS I hope the trip to the post box went well.

dreamdaisy

Hello again, we're a couple of days on now - how are things going with Anton? I hope he's being useful! DD

emmaadams

Glad Anton is helping out it sounds like your in good hands lol ..

hope you are feeling better today slosh .

theresak

Hope you feel more secure moving about with Anton, Slosh. Hope he`s a great help.

villier

Been away so just seen your post, I am so pleased you got sorted out glad Anton is working out for you Slosh long may it continue xx

Slosh

Been at work so he's been tucked up in my car as I didn't need him. Will be paying a visit to hobbycraft and sainsburys over the weekend and then have my book club Monday so he will get an outing then. Just makes me feel better that I have him for when I need him.

Thanks all for asking.

Slosh

Had a very good trip out with Anton today and it convinced me that it was a good purchase. I was visiting my daughter today and she asked if I would take her to her local and very large Sainsburys. He really came into his own, I found it much easier to get round the shop and when she needed to look at something and take some time I took the chance to sit down. Definitely a good buy.

dibdab

Glad to hear that Anton served you well today.

Deb x