Halp!!! (no really!! Help!!!)

[KalikaLily]

Ok, so I live in a SMALL central Alberta town with no resources.
I have been calling my nearest AISH office for a week now, and after I talk to the receptionist for all of three seconds, and get transferred to an answering machine. I have left now four messages, and NOTHING!!
Is there a place I can print off the application forms online?? I can't seem to find ANY!! ACK!
Also... Does anyone know of any programs for getting assistance with walkers and such? The only one I have found won't assist unless my house (that I am renting) is 100% wheelchair accessible... Grrr!!
Any help would be great!!
Thanks!

[jazzgirl]

I know the NMSS has an assistive device "loan" program (the "loan" is permanent ) down here in the lower 48. Have you contacted your chapter of the MS Society where you live?

Try contacting their National office to get the name of the closest affiliate to where you live:

http://mssociety.ca/en/community/national/default.htm

Good luck, and keep us posted

[RedRose2]

Home Care?

I don't know if Alberta is similar to MB - but you might try asking your doctor to make a referral to home care for you - they may be able to connect with OT/PT to assess you and your home, and then make recommendations for equipment.(and any other personal care needs you have)

[kif8skip]

Assisted devices program in Ontario covers many things once you meet their "standards"- I am sure your province must have something similar....

If your worker does not respond , you can outreach to someone else in their office (ie their boss) -

The squeaky wheel gets oiled is my motto in dealing with the medical community at large

[Amy634]

foot drop

It has been about three years since I started using the XFT-2001 foot drop device. The first thing I mention to medical professionals is that I take more steps correctly than I do incorrectly.

I re-read what I had previously written and basically the improvements are the same. I have no hip and knee pain with continued use of the XFT-2001 foot drop device (there have been a few times where I couldn’t use the XFT-2001 on a daily basis and I almost immediately started to feel pain in my hips and knees. Back pain has been reduced significantly but if I over-do it, I will have pain. Stiffness has been reduced. My gait is better than pre-XFT foot drop device and stability is better but still poor.

I believe it continues to boost my energy level but I just don’t notice it – it has become part of my being. And most important, greatly reduced drop foot. I still use a cane and look for every sturdy object to get from here to there when not using a cane or cart.

** Moderator's note - Post broken into paragraphs for easier reading. Many people with MS have visual difficulties that prevent them from reading large blocks of print. **

[littlebelle]

I would try finding what area your MS chapter is in.

http://mssociety.ca/alberta/Default.htm

I know my MS chapter in Barrie helped pay for part of my chair that ADP did not cover. They also have a loan storage of walkers etc.

ADP covers 75% it is a simple application. You really need to contact the Alberta MS Regional office if you are unsure what area you fit in. They should be able to help.

[cadiman]

Your frustration is quite understandable.

Even though I am an Ontarian (a flatlander), I know someone who works in the health-care system near Edmonton. She may have some ideas on how you can expedite your requests.

Would you like me to ask her?