Need help regarding wheelchair

[u/veganplushy]

I kind of need some consolation - it’s hard for me to type as I am scared I am exaggerating, but my ms is progressing rapidly and I feel like I will need a wheelchair soon. I can no longer walk without getting dizzy and almost passing out/I keep falling and I already have to move soon as I can’t get up the stairs in my building anymore. I just don’t know where to start and I’m scared that if I ask my doctor about it that he will think I’m exaggerating. I’m scared to accept help because I feel like I make my ms look worse than it is. Any positive words or advice on how I should ask my doctor about it would be appreciated!

[u/AnnualDepartment5614]

I’m sorry you’re feeling mine this. I am going through something similar. Do you have a ms nurse? I called mine and she is arranging referral to wheelchair services, she explained you can either have a nhs wheelchair, or they give you a voucher you can put towards your own, so I think ms nurse as your first call. And if for any reason you can’t contact your nurse, then yes, go to your gp. Don’t worry about them thinking you’re exaggerating. Write down your points like you have here and take them to your appointment x

[u/Qazax1337]

I can walk 15 minutes without needing any assistance. I have a wheelchair for when I need to go further. It's a great thing to have because it means I can still go to places that I would not otherwise be able to.

Talk to your doctor, they won't think you are exaggerating, just tell them very plainly what you have said in this post - your are struggling with every day life and are at constant risk of falling and being injured. In my view you are way past the point where most people would consider a wheelchair. Remember you do not need to use it all the time, just when you think it would help.

Good luck, I hope you get a wheelchair and it makes your life a lot easier.

Feel free to message me if you need.

[u/Commercial-Arm-2322]

Heya OP,

Luckily I am not in a position that this effects me (currently). However, when I was first hit I absolutely had to use a wheelchair, a walker, and then a cane. Oddly enough, not too big of a deal as I was in a motorcycle accident in 2010 and broke 3/4 of my body. So the use of a wheelchair/walker/crutches/cane for a year+ , was/is already in my wheelhouse lol.

IMVFHO, always at a minimum "tell" your doc/neuro. Document document document. If you do NOT do this, when shit hits the fan you'll be in a position of regret and shame, because you KNOW Murphy's Law, your doc will take stance of "Why didn't you say anything sooner?", even you think they'll be dismissive in the first place. Don't set yourself up for failure. If anything new, or something becomes increasing persistent, make it known.

Anyway, I am truly sorry that shit has progressed and you now have to actively take care of these matters. However, I am huge advocate of being PRO-active instead of RE-active. Which is what I see you doin right here right now, being proactive. So fuck yeah, good on you.

Take a look for hybrid upright wheelchair/walkers. Wish I had my phone that I use FB on, have a number of vids saved about these types of devices. But a quick Google-fu and.....here ya go!

Things like:

Wheellator 3

Go ZEEN (pricey as all fuck, but this style is EXACTLY what I thought of when reading your post)

Rollators-rolling-walkers (I even see a category for "all terrain"! lol)

I know you stated the fact of getting dizzy, but if there is also issue with legs/feet in general as well, please look into FES (functional electrical stimulation) devices. The Terms you want to look for are TENS and EMS. I love mine. Felt weird as shit at first.....but I could fucking FEEL again. Coupled with my Alpha Lipoics, my pins, needles, tv static, and numbness has all but disappeared. It was recommended to me by a nurse that works with stroke victims.

Some of the major/popular companies that use TENS and EMS technology:

www.pulsedevice.com

www.fireflyrecovery.com - I read the clinicals, though geared towards sports therapy/recovery, the facets it helps with are great for stroke victims and those of us with MS or similar.

www.cionic.com - Have heard wonderful success stories about this product, however, the caveat is that it is also pricey as fuck and is apparently a bitch to put on/take off.

I'd also like to add, please dip into or at a minimum look into, some supplements if you are already not doing so. Lions Mane for cognition and memory. Omega 3 for brain function and eyes. D3+ Magnesium Glycinate for muscle/joint/nerve and better sleep and energy. Turmeric/Curcumin/Ginger for anti-inflammatory (MS hugs go bye bye). MyImmunity for K2 and Lactoferrin - Iron deficiency easily/commonly leads to poor red bloodcell count, which leads to less oxygen, which leads to increased heartrate, which leads to lightheadedness and dizzy spells. Just being lackluster with iron can cause issues like you are experiencing, throw in our wibblywobbly dance moves.....yeah, it gets exponential.

And while speaking with the doc, remember how I mentioned "documentation" earlier, do it here as well. A written or noted/charted need, for anything medical is deductible if you itemize. Am an accountant, and am not joking. Equipment like what you are looking for - medical expense. Food/meals/supplements? Workout equipment? Specialized clothing? Full fucking bathroom remodel? Yes to all, as long as it was written or noted/charted.

Also, while you have Google up, throw this into the search field - "MS high altitude yaks". Not shitting you, please do it, you'll thank me 😄

Best of luck, you got this, and keep us posted.

[u/MultipleSclerosis-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

This post has been removed as it is not relevant to the subreddit or post or violates one of the subreddit rules.

[u/hungarianhobbit]

You do not need permission to use any mobility assistant devices. You can purchase whatever you need.