Mobility Help

It has become clear to me that I'm in need of occasional mobility help. My muscle weakness/fast fatigue isn't getting any better. Any level of exertion just makes it much much worse. Even low impact activity like in a pool leaves me totally exhausted and "weak" feeling.

I used an electric cart for the first time yesterday and wondered why I waited to long to try it!

I wish every store had one.

But what device do I need? How do I choose? And will using one just make whatever's happening worse? It's important to me to choose the least invasive one so that I can still get exercise, but I also don't want my limitations to keep me home, or have me turning down invitations to be out in the world. It's a very tricky balance.

Funnily enough the most useful information I found about mobility options was through the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. It's a brochure titled "How to chose the right mobility device that's right for you." Now why they think this is only an MS thing, I have no idea. Many challenges can affect mobility and I thought they did an excellent job discussion options that were relevant to anyone, not just those with MS.

I found page 7 and on to be the most useful. I really like how the brochure breaks down each device into "What are the benefits - What are the limitations - How do I know weather this is the right device for me." Because of this helpful brochure I'm thinking of renting a "Rollator" to try for days we have more than 1 place (or 1 big place) to be.

This is a rollator. It's a walker with a seat.

Muscle weakness and fast fatigue are my main issues. I need a place to sit when I start to tire (which happens pretty fast.) Not being able to find a seat not only causes me pain, but it makes me really anxious. Last Sunday we were in a huge antique store and I swear that every chair had a "please don't sit" sign. It was like torture. When I finally did find a designated "rest area" I treated it like my home base. Yes, it significantly impacted my enjoyment of the outing. Had I brought a rollator with me I could have just sat whenever I felt the need, then kept exploring after I rested a bit.

Here's what the brochure has to say about the rollator:

How do I know whether a walker or rollator is the right mobility device for me?
A walker or rollator might be indicated for you if: 

• you can walk by yourself but feel that you need extra support for balance on both sides of your body
• you find that you are continuously holding onto the walls and furniture within your home for support
• you have good arm and hand function to move the walker or rollator forward while walking
• If you occasionally get tired and require frequent rest periods when out in the community, a rollator with a built-in seat may be a good option for you. 

It may be time to be evaluated for a more appropriate mobility device if, while using a walker or rollator, you: 

• hesitate to participate, or stop participating in the activities that you want to do in a day
• are falling or have a fear of falling
• are unable to independently walk with a walker or rollator for short distances in a reasonable time period
• are experiencing back, shoulder, arm, and/or wrist pain
• become very tired after walking short distances with a walker or rollator

That last one has me worried. My muscle fatigue might be so bad that:

1. Pushing it is too hard for my arms.
2. I'm just sitting every 20 steps or reluctant to get back up.
3. What if it hurts my hands too much or my grip isn't strong enough to push it.
4. It could be too hard on my back.

I have my upcoming medical appointments where I hope to get some answers and help. In the meantime I am finding that I'm limiting myself, my outings, what I do when and where because of mobility. I don't want to do that.

My plan is to look at renting a rollator for a month or so and see how I like it and how it goes. If it's a magical tool that is hugely useful, then I'll buy my own. If I'm unable to use it consistently or it's too tiring for me, then I'll look at trying out something else (like a scooter.) 

As far as mobility around my house I'm still golden. Hooray for a little house! The only exception I've noticed it when I'm standing for any period of time in the kitchen. My husband bought me this stool that I think will be a major help though. It also doesn't look out of place in a kitchen.

The hardest part about mobility is knowing what I need now. For how long I'll need it and will that tool keep me from using my muscles which will make my situation worse. I honestly don't care about what people think or how it will look. I just want what's healthiest and safest for me. And what will keep me out of my house and enjoying life as much as any introvert possibly can.