Considering a Mobility Aid: Seeking Advice and Stories

Getting a mobility aid is the opposite of giving up. It's making sure you keep getting on with your life.

I have 2 wheelchairs (a lighter kinda crappy one, and a heavy duty but super heavy one a friend gave me), crutches, and my upright walker. I started using a cane in 2021 I do believe? Either early 2021 or late 2020. I got my walker in 2021, as well as both of my wheelchairs. I got my crutches for myself in December of 2021 because my cane hurt my wrist too badly to use. I started using mobility aids because in 2020, my health took a nose dive. I went from occasional joint instability and subluxations as well as fairly chronic pain, to being basically bed bound for several weeks with horrible fatigue and nausea. Walking or standing for long periods of time without help became super difficult for me but I was super worried about using mobility aids. What changed my mind was going to the aquarium and borrowing a wheelchair from them. None of my worries happened, noone stared, noone was rude to me, in fact, everyone was really helpful. To make it even better, I wasn't in pain, I wasn't so exhausted I couldn't get out of bed the next day. One thing I've learned, is if the draw backs of having a Mobility aid (traveling with it, carrying it up stairs, ect) do not out weigh the positive effects, its worth it to use the mobility aid. I also decorate all my aids so they feel more like an accessory thats fun than an ugly medical device

I use a bunch of different thing depending on the day. I fought it for years. But once I finally gave in I realized it was the best thing that I did. It gives me freedom and allows me to feel safer when on my own. If you feel like it would help I'd say get it.❤️

My crutches are covered in stickera

What helped me when I got my “crippy stick” was telling those around me it was to help with POTS (it’s symptoms are more visible than subluxations) and that I can use it to wack people in emergency situations. I got one that folds up small, so I can detach the bottom and spin it around like nunchucks. I’ve never had to do it, but it’s comforting knowing that I can, and most people around me just go with it. I decided to get it after my hip decided to abandon me at a grocery store. They noise? Horrific. The child in the grocery cart with her mom who was next to me? Horrified. I stood up after getting things situated, and POTS took over. I just sat on the floor for a bit. I felt really defeated at the time, but looking back at it, I find it hilarious. Just know that having a mobility aid is not something to be embarrassed or ashamed of! Have fun with it! Give it a name! Dress that thing up! If someone makes a comment? Wack ‘em.

I don't think a mobility aid is giving up. Would it give you more confidence to go out and to go out more often? Then I think you have the courage to take your life back. I was 12 when I used a chair. Then at 19 a cane. At 32 I use a cane rarely but it's there. I know it's embarrassing maybe but it changes things for me. I would recommend maybe having a PT showing you how to use. I have hurt myself before by using wrongly

I use platform crutches and afo leg braces. For me it was really just not being able to walk without aweful pain and frequent collapsing of various parts. My family was not very supportive at first, but now that they’ve seen it help me so much, they are better (still not great though). I’m now headed off to college with my braces, crutches, and service dog. I hat my disability, but I’ve come to accept it. Now just have to wait for others to accept it too