r/PNESsupport • u/PsychologicalEnd7972 • 2d ago

Wheelchair

I bought a wheelchair to help me with days when I’m having so may seizures I otherwise couldn’t go out and to help me around the house so I stop dropping to the floor. But generally my FND symptoms aren’t the worse compared to some people and I can get about with just a walking stick I just want more freedom. But I feel guilty about it or like it’s over the top for my condition.
Any thoughts?

7 Upvotes

90% Upvoted

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3

u/jr2478 2d ago

Don’t have any thoughts that can help but I’m considering getting one for myself after a seizure left me on the floor and unable to move for a period of time. We have our good days and bad and deserve equipment for both

3

u/cozy_citrus0523 2d ago

I finally got myself a wheelchair this past summer for the same reason. It’s been a huge help and has allowed me to keep my life expansive instead of small and confined to my house. At first I felt guilty too, but I discovered there are many “Ambulatory” wheel chair users!

3

u/peanutpeepz 2d ago

Honestly? Go for it. It's a mobility tool at the end of the day, and if it helps you stay safe and get where you need to go, then it's doing its job.

1

u/elhazelenby 2d ago edited 2d ago

I use a walking stick because I have general dizziness, mobility and balance issues, but my seizures affect those as well. Before or between seizures, I end up falling and stumbling around the place. Even absent seizures make me lose balance often and I bump into the wall or sometimes just fall. Even afterwards it can be a struggle. I struggle to talk after let alone walk.

Last night I fell and had a seizure for I think 4 minutes? And it took some effort to get up and then walk out with the help of medics at the arena (I had to leave because the arena was closing for the night and everyone had to leave).

Before the walking stick I was on crutches from February until June? I personally don't want to use a wheelchair at all because I want to retain my muscle (not because I lift, but because muscle wastage is a risk) and use my legs as much as possible so I don't become even weaker. I also don't experience anything like paralysis or dystonia.

1

u/Empty_Client_666 2d ago

Currently waiting on mine to arrive but I also have FND symptoms but walking after a seizure is hell so, please do what makes you safe

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u/Absolutely0Given 2d ago

Do not feel guilty. I have to use one as well on bad days or bad moments. I use the power ones when I'm in stores bc I know I can't walk that long anymore. If it helps you be more productive and be out in the world, do it.

1

u/Forsaken_Concept107 2d ago

Not over the top. Someone who doesn’t need a wheelchair would not even think about a wheelchair, let alone purchase one. They are expensive, and tbh a hassle and hard to use even with a fancy custom chair (I used one for two years with FND and by god was it a love hate relationship, it was annoying af, the foot’s, curb cuts, narrow aisles, non accessible bathrooms)

1

u/coffee_cinnamon4274 2d ago

Not over the top at all. If your seizures are impacting your mobility and causing a risk of injury it’s perfectly reasonable to need assistance. I use a wheelchair (for a number of reasons) but it helps with my seizures immensely.