Now here's a thing

[Thinkimjob]

My doctor gave me five free visits to her mate, the physical therapist.
Sounds good, says I, crashing my wheelie walker into her door.

Go to see Ms PT.
Now last month I went to see the MS specialist who lives on a hill, but at least it was doable with a rollator.
That kinda sucked, but this PT woman, her office is completely inaccessible. Stairs, stairs and more stairs.
I stood there, after unloading the walker and lurching up the path, and thought, this ain't gonna happen.

I rang her on my mobile from the bottom of the flight of stairs and asked whether she had any suggestions about how a person who is only just able to walk might avail herself of her service.

How on earth can can PT have an office where the differently abled cannot possibly get in?

Oh I like to work from home, she says. We could meet at the hospital, instead. She did come out and weigh up the reality.

Yeah, no, I'll look elsewhere.
Aaarrhghhh

[Seasha]

Seriously? I know that PT's like to get people walking, but this??
Next Dr or PT or other medical professional appt you have - ask first about accessibility!

[shel67]

I don't mean to laugh but that's funny.

[NYJenn]

I've been to 2 Physical Therapy offices that were upstairs. One, had an elevator. The other did not.

[Thinkimjob]

Surely it can't be legal. I can understand (through gritted teeth) why most older shops and restaurants have steps, but not medical facilities.

[AMJ]

Think, that is just unbelievable. Look up human rights Australia, they will set out the guidelines for assessibility, which the PT is not compliant with.

That PT must be daft. Notwithstanding all MS patients who may have permanent mobility disabilities, just think of all those who seek physio due to a temporary mobility issue. She is certainly limiting her business, no wonder her mate was handing out free treatment certificates.

I agree with you, I would seek out another physiotherapist.

[palmtree]

If you really wanted to get tough, you could probably get her license taken away. But then, why waste the energy? The expression, "there is no free lunch" certainly applies here.

Just think about all the physical conditions that prevent people from walking up stairs! It's not just MS. People with knee conditions, foot conditions, hip replacements and on and on need a flight of stairs like a hole in the head.

I rented an apartment on the second floor because I thought the exercise would be good for me. It was at first until I tore another meniscus in my left knee and my arthritis started flaring. Now I have to figure out how to get up and down without slaughtering my knees. Lifts cost $15,000. Moving would require so much going up and down that I'd end up with a knee replacement. I think I will look into mountain climbing equipment.

I got off track talking about my own condition. I would go back to that doctor and tell her that you need a free PT that you can get to. Maybe she has some other friends.

[Thinkimjob]

I feel for you, Palmtree.
I bought my ye olde worlde charm house many years ago.

I loved the verandah (porch) and thought I could manage the steps (all three of them) come what may.
Ha!

At least the railings help.
I now have four wheelie walkers, so I feel like I run a Home for the Aged.

One at work, one in the car, one at the front door and one at my parents' house.

I can go up steps much better than I can go down. Which isn't saying much.
Is it the same with arthritis? Or is it equally hard?

[palmtree]

I've got the arthritis under my kneecap. Going upstairs just tears my knees to pieces. Going down isn't too bad.

Thats good you can still go upstairs. Having wheely walkers for all occasions is the way to go! You could even get one for black tie events.

[toot2818]

My doctor recommended PT/OT. Co pay is $45 per session . It's at the clinic I go to, 2nd floor with elevator. I got the first exam and only did two follow ups. They were great and gave me worksheets so I can do things at home.

Good luck, I do find it helps.

I use a four wheel walker. Have one in the house and one for the car. Cuz I live upstairs above my husband's business I have a chair lift on the back stairs. All works for now. We will look for condo when hubbie can sell the building. He's ready to retire.

[Thinkimjob]

Black tie events! I can see that, no high or even flat heels necessary, just a nice chrome sparkling wheelie walker.
How about smart-casual (which I have never quite understood.) How smart? How casual?