Mobility assistance

Hi . When mobility issues begin limiting your freedom or threatening your safety, it is time. Would you consider keeping a walker with a seat in the car so you can grab it when you need it? There are some fun colors and styles out there. You might also want to use electric scooters when they are available on your bad days. It can be hard on the ego to use a walker or some other assistive device, especially at your age, but keep in mind that most people won't even notice. Using an assistive device will give you the freedom to keep doing what you want to do and relieve some of the stress so you don't have to pay for overdoing it the next day. I hope that helps. Wishing you the best. - Lori (Team Member)

Lori, thank you for your reply. I’m a nurse and by nature I push through things. I think I just push all day and by the time the day and the week are over, I’m spent. The long days on my feet are taking a toll. I agree, it is time to start looking at some sort of device❤️

I applied for disability parking plates after a woman in my support group for another condition asked me why I would want to waste what little energy I have on a parking lot. Since then, I've slowly added equipment to be used when needed. Having RA now has made it all even more useful. I now often use a cane or a walker or a seated walker. And I now use the motorized carts at the grocery store. It is wonderful to not feel sick and exhausted after shopping now. There are a lot better uses of your energy than in a parking lot or a shopping floor or anywhere you have to walk too far. You might get a look or two, but those people won't think about you in two seconds so it doesn't matter what they think.

Hi . It is understandable that the decision to use mobility assistance devices is not easy. My wife, Kelly Mack (a contributor here), was diagnosed at two and has had juvenile RA for over 40 years. She has also used a wheelchair since her teens. The decision by her and her family to use the wheelchair was difficult, but she has had no regrets, as it has enabled her a level of freedom and autonomy she would not have otherwise had. We met in Washington, DC where she was working and living by herself. I want to stress that she does what she can to maintain the abilities she has and using mobility assistance doesn't mean giving up. In fact, quite the opposite, it can enable a person to live a more fulfilling, complete life. Please know that people here understand and feel free, if you like, to keep us posted on how you are doing. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)