HI All---Seeking input from those in wheelchairs. How did you know and decide when it was the time for one? Do you use it only outside of the house and in the house walk with a walker?
I have SPMS and am living with a terrible amount of pain, related to walking. My feet and ankles want to be in unnatural positions due to foot drop and the degradation of other nerves that line things up properly. Although I've been working with an MS Physical Therapist, we are not able to get me walking freely in a new perfect fit pair of AFO's. Although it's been one tiny step at a time, the AFO's cause more pain that I get from walking without them. It seems that my legs' intention to be in improper positions are stronger than my work to get various muscles strengthened.
Everything is so very difficult. Showering and dressing, making our bed, tidying up if I decide to, are just so hard to do. I am still going to my volunteer jobs and doing as much in my sewing room as I can, and knitting as much as I can. But, I cannot believe how much work it all is and how painful things can get. Feet, ankles, calves, knees, hips, lower back, ouch. Arms are just weak, and we are working on that too. In addition to PT, I have had an OT in the house once a week for a while, to teach me efficient ways of doing things. We'd already simplified and downsized our home, and she was impressed with that.
I am 61 and I feel as if the best days of my life are behind me now. And, all I see when I look at the road ahead is me pushing and pushing and pushing.
I have SPMS and am living with a terrible amount of pain, related to walking. My feet and ankles want to be in unnatural positions due to foot drop and the degradation of other nerves that line things up properly. Although I've been working with an MS Physical Therapist, we are not able to get me walking freely in a new perfect fit pair of AFO's. Although it's been one tiny step at a time, the AFO's cause more pain that I get from walking without them. It seems that my legs' intention to be in improper positions are stronger than my work to get various muscles strengthened.
Everything is so very difficult. Showering and dressing, making our bed, tidying up if I decide to, are just so hard to do. I am still going to my volunteer jobs and doing as much in my sewing room as I can, and knitting as much as I can. But, I cannot believe how much work it all is and how painful things can get. Feet, ankles, calves, knees, hips, lower back, ouch. Arms are just weak, and we are working on that too. In addition to PT, I have had an OT in the house once a week for a while, to teach me efficient ways of doing things. We'd already simplified and downsized our home, and she was impressed with that.
I am 61 and I feel as if the best days of my life are behind me now. And, all I see when I look at the road ahead is me pushing and pushing and pushing.
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