the only way to move sometimes is not to fight the walk but give in for a minute then with the offending leg that won't go try to give a kick forward as if you were passing a ball then make a move forward slowly kick kick real slow and don't force the kick let the leg come forward relaxed kick no speed to this do it slowly this will get you out of a freeze but you must relax the kick the leg will go forward compose yourself before you try to kick good luck hope you all don't freeze to much !!
got on the flicker and put 3 photos of my handrail User name Ian Shearer 2 But don't really know how to anything with them have a look sometime hope your doing alright yourself
I thought I was struggling then, but now I am at point of hiring (or buying) a self propelled wheelchair to try out at home.
In the autumn I purchased mobility scooter, which is a life saver to get to and around my local supermarket. Last time I tried it on foot, months ago I froze continually, got in everybody's way, felt so unstable and stressed that my partner had to go and get me one of the store's wheelchairs.
Since then I have avoided going out any where walking, except with my partner and the dog, as in the open I can just about walk normally. However I am taking longer and longer to get going after stopping. The last few times I have not been able to cross the main road even when I have the "green man" signal. Stressful and scary for all!
My previous life is just that - it belongs to somebody else! I no longer go shopping, to drawing classes, exercise classes, out for meals, travel to London or Bath for exhibitions etc, or any of the activities I used to enjoy. Almost a hermit!
At home I take forever to move from one room to another, and seem unable to employ the techniques that used to help, like counting or telling myself "heel/toe" or "big step". It is so frustrating and tiring. Cooking has become almost impossible. I get absolutely nothing done each day.
Sorry for a long moan, but any advice on choosing a wheelchair would be really useful. I am about 5 ft 4 ins and weigh about 8 st 7 lbs. We have mainly carpeted floors except for vinyl in kitchen.
Trouble is, I have never had an assessment by OT! Was supposed to but no appointment came. So, will be weeks or months before i can see someone as a 'new' patient.
I have contacted the Red Cross to borrow one if possible.
sorry to hear your having a job we are very much the same but at least I can still cycle how about you ? You will have to train edd to get the messages home for you , good luck ma wee sunflower
Hi Ian, yes still cycling, can't do the distances I used to, and struggle to walk into coffee stop etc. No way can I push bike to park it! I gather that you and Catriona cycled down to York. Well done both! Next time LEJOG in reverse?
Your description of your situation rings so many bells with me. I can hardly walk at all now and have bought a wheelchair for outside. Following an ot assessment I now have a walking frame to help me get around the house. Ask at your go surgery about an ot visit at home. They need to see you in situ to assess your specific needs.
My wheelchair is a g-lite pro . It is lightweight so easier to get in and out of the car and doesn't look so clunky as some chairs do.
I must say accessibility into shops can be very poor. Malls and big shops are OK but cure little boutiques and craft shops all seem to have steps to get in or tight gaps between shelves too small for chairs.
Have just caught up with your dbs blog. So sorry to read that it has had little improvement on your symptoms. This must be so disappointing after over a year of hopefulness and planning. You say that you had a consultant appointment in April. Any progress?
Back to.the subject of wheelchairs - I have hired one from the Red Cross for two weeks. It seems really hard work to propel around the house, both on carpet and vinyl. Maybe it is not a good design. Or maybe I am just not very strong. How easy do you find your G lite pro to manoeuvre and move?
I agree about the variability in access for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The larger stores and supermarkets are good but smaller ones often inaccessible or too cluttered. I continue to shop online as much as possible.
Thanks for taking a look at my blog. When I saw my consultant in April she explained the reasons for the slow progress with turning up the DBS which made me feel a bit better but I'm still find it frustrating that the deterioration in my symptoms seems to be outstripping the benefits of the DBS.
Since this appointment I've had a videoed 6 month assessment of my progress and I will see the consultant in June to discuss this and have the DBS turned up again. I continue to live in hope.
As regards the wheelchair I don't find it easy to push myself but I have put this down to my weight. I think a slimmer person would find it easier. I had to hire a wheelchair when I went to visit my son and he said it was much easier to push my lightweight chair than the heavier, more traditional one we hired.
all we can do is live in hope, of miracle cures, better meds to control symptoms, etc etc, but time certainly grinds on. You are very philosophical, and brave, so best wishes for your June session.
I think my upper body strength is poor, so makes it hard work to propel myself. Hopefully this will build up with practice. But, I have done lots of research online re wheelchairs and think I will order a g lite pro as seems best to fit the bill and within budget at £189. Gets lots of good genuine reviews from lady users. Closest to a bespoke at fraction of price. I have a wedding to attend at end of month, couldn't possibly go without some wheels !
good luck to you with the wheelchair eddy and yourself could end up looking like something from the gladiators , sorry but I am a bit daft sometimesall the best though on a serious note ma wee sunflower am tired and needs
have you. Tried a treadmill holding onto the handles and walking when you let go you can't walk but holding on you might find you can it's good for leg muscle to stop you falling over , good luck ma wee sunflower
I am planning to get a treadmill! What make is yours?
Not sure where it will go yet, maybe in the so-called garage.
Wheelchair arrived today, certainly a bit easier to move than the Red Cross one. And lighter, so I should be able to put it in the car by myself. Freedom!
I will try and find out where we got one but they are a wee bit bulky but our one is in the sitting room I call it Donald ( strange ) but that's it's name and I always give it a kick when I get off it as I always feel it wins !! You try and keep a wee bit muscle in your legs as they old you up even if you can't walk but I think you will walk holding the handles it's just finding the motivation to get on it but even ten mins a day will help good luck ma wee sunflower
the treadmill we got was a Reebok z9 treadmill they had a sale on them I can't remember how much I think it was about £400 good luck supa if you don't like one you can give edd a shot on it poor edd , good luck anyway egos had them
Aye poor edd give him a wee Scottish clap , good luck supa if you ever get a treadmill let us know how you get on , this walking is a problem eh but you will handle it well am sure . Good luck all the best tooraloo
