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From: Frank.Whitney@f1000.n261.z1.fidonet.org (Frank Whitney)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: electric mobility
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Date: 9 Feb 91 05:11:59 GMT
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>Well, I had already received the cart when the post was received about the
>wheelchair. I can't, at this time, handle acceptance of a wheelchair
>tough enough with the cart.
That's what I thought you would say.  The emotional adjustment of
having to accept a means of moving about other then your legs is a
very trying situation.  I still believe that after you have been
using the cart for awhile that you will look at it as an
indispensable piece of your equipment.  I know that my wife went
through the same stages of denial when she first had to use a cart or
wheelchair.  After your able to zip through a shopping mall or along a
sidewalk I think that you'll change your attitude.  First you'll not
experience as much pain in getting around and second you'll be able to
maneuver about much faster then you were able to walk.  Just think
about if you would have had to walk the distance around the block and
how tired you would have been.  The way that I try to look at these
things is look at how much energy you saved by using your cart.  Think
of how you can use this extra energy to do things that you really want
to do but normally can't because your to tired.
>behind me and watch as I am trying to back up and they won't move until I
>VERBALLY
>ask them to (stupidity at the maximum).  I also had a hospital worker ask
You have to remember that you now have a great equalizer.  Remember a
cart doesn't get hurt when its run into the people. when they see that
you are coming at them will soon learn to move at a greater rate of
speed.  A few nicked legs, ankles etc will get them to give quite
quickly.  I hate to have to be in my manual wheelchair because it's
not as intimidating to the masses that get in the way plus most people
that help me don't want to ram into the crowd as I would do!
>me
>if I needed assistance in getting into the lab and would I ALLOW her to
>help with the door - that made me feel great and was such a mind blower.
Yes, sometimes someone can surprise you by being civil and courteous.
Unfortunately, that's not as often as it should be.

>A chair, right now, would be too much for me.  I need to hold onto the hope
>that this is just temporary and I will be back driving soon.  This may be
>unrealistic but I NEED it right now.

I can completely identify with what you are saying because of having
my wife go through the same thing.  Instead of it being the MS it's a
urinary infection or other such thing  that is making her fatigue
worse.  That's why I believe that you and she although able to get
about as such having to always adapt to your changing conditions is
much more difficult then me being relatively stable but in a
wheelchair and paralyzed from the shoulders down.  I'm keeping you in
my prayers and I hope that it is just a temporary problem but even if
its a temporary problem remember to use anything that will help you
get about.  Why struggle to walk a block or two when you can just hop
on your cart?  Remember spend your energy and time doing things that
you want to do rather then need to do.
Best wishes,
Frank.

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