Decision about using a wheelchair

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lynnhb
lynnhb Member Posts: 62
edited 22. Nov 2010, 01:45 in Chat to our Helpline Team archive
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

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  • helpline_team
    helpline_team Posts: 3,490
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
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    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
    lynnhb Member Posts: 62
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
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    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
    scoobiedoo Member Posts: 24
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
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    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
    Riley Member Posts: 1
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
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    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.
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