My Chair With Wheels

My Chair With Wheels

 Please enjoy this old My Odd Sock “instant replay.”  I’m stuck for a new idea!

  

 

wheelchair 2The wheelchair.

Long associated with the weak.

The feeble.

And the disabled.

 

 

 

 

The old, shiny-metal designs accentuated a feeling of stale, medically induced flavor.

Scary and intimidating.  No doubt.

 

Maybe that’s why so many MSers I know have a hatred towards wheelchairs.

 

 

wheelchair

 

They feel using a wheelchair means giving in to the disease.

I know of one MSer who defiantly says “I will never use a wheelchair!  Once you’re in a wheelchair, you never get out!”

(I left out his expletives to keep this “G” rated.)

 

 

It’s a shame he thinks that way.  And I know others who feel the same.

In fact years ago, I echoed that thought.  I wasn’t going to let MS beat me.  I was stronger than that.

But as my MS progressed, I moved slower & slower.  I struggled to keep up with my active family.

Finally, my wife said “Look, you can stay home—or you can use the wheelchair and come with us.  It’s your decision.”

That was my cue to sit and roll.

 

The Funny Meter

 

Yeah,  figured the Funny Meter was about to make an appearance.

 

No, Funny Meter, I didn’t leave my sense of humor in England.

And no, it wasn’t confiscated by a Customs agent.

 

Don’t you have an Adam Sandler movie to interrupt?

 

There now, where was I?

 

My chariot!

 

It’s been years now.  And my chair has carried my behind a lot of places.

I have since realized the shame and guilt I felt previous was a useless waste of energy & thought.

Most of all, I learned that using a wheelchair isn’t giving in.

I am not saying “Uncle” to multiple sclerosis.  I’m actually thumbing my nose at it.  Saying “You can’t keep me down.” 

 And “F.U.”      (OK, so I’m “R” rated.)

 

Using a wheelchair opens doors to the outside world.  You can go places and do & see things that weren’t possible before.

And my chair is an energy-saver.  I suppose I could walk through the big-box retail stores.  But I would be left exhausted at trip’s end.  Using the chair, I can get about in a fraction of the time and still have plenty of energy left to do other things.

 

What are your feelings on the wheelchair?  Do you use one?  How does it help you?  Can you relate to the feelings of hesitation in plopping into a seat?

 

If you are one who thinks the wheelchair is the cursed ending, I hope this has shed some light.

The chair isn’t a final resting place.  It is a vehicle to live life.

Happy rolling.

sock

13 Replies to “My Chair With Wheels”

  1. I have one of those old medical metal shiny ones…and I never use it as it’s uncomfortable and well…belongs in a hospital. I have rented a chair to use at the zoo to be able to do the family stuff much easier. But I’ve also found that a part of me (must be sadistic) likes to push myself as long as possible before I must fall on my face again and be forced to give in. Until then, I guess I’m not ready…until the family forces me. lol

  2. That’s still a tough one for me. I’ve only started using wheelchair service in airports so I can travel to consultant meetings and I don’t mind it at all, it’s helped me get over my fear of them and made me more confident about traveling. Other than that, I don’t use store scooters and don’t own one. It’ll be a while before I give in, I’m afraid.

  3. Speckled,

    I understand about “pushing myself.” Must be a guy thing I say.
    Just be safe.

    Kim,

    It took me awhile to give in. But, it wasn’t as bad as you think. I still walk as much as I can, but the chair just makes it that much easier.

  4. When I was first diagnosed 17 years ago, I sat in the Dr. office crying and saying I didn’t want to end up in a wheelchair. His response was, that I would walk to my grave. Little did I know that 14 years later, I would suffer a major exaserbation, and never be able to move my legs again. I was on Copaxone for 7 years, but for whatever reason, it stopped working overnight. Time, and 4 months of inpatient therapy never got me back the way I was. Now I am confined to a power chair, and for me it sucks. My dad, “Mr. Positve”, keeps tellig me I’m lucky to be able to have a power chair, and a van to transport me and the chair. Still, I wish what that doctor had told me 17 years ago was true.

  5. Margaret,
    I know your frustration. In fact, we all do.
    Keep in mind doctors scratch their heads about this disease as much as those of us with MS.
    I have to agree with your Dad for the most part. When I am falling & cussing & spitting nails about this MS thing, I take a moment to realize there are others who are far worse off than myself. I know of many who are in nursing homes, unable to feed themselves & pee in diapers.
    Be thankful for what you have.

    Stay strong & keep rolling. Go girl! You are my favorite “Odd Sock!”

  6. I avoided the thought of me in a wheelchair. I now have had one for 2 months and realize it is the greatest thing since sliced bread. I still use my walker at home but, when “out and about” it just makes life easy. So I say to all those still on the fence, get it.

  8. Replaying again…cool. We’ll figure out a new topic soon…like how about exercise! 🙂 I’m hoping to hit the pool soon.

  9. You described how I feel about the chair. It gives me a way to live my life, conserve energy to do things I want to do. It helped me raise my kids and live a sorta normal life. I use the power chair and I call the one in your photo my horse and buggy lol. Now I can walk with a walker so confined was not the end for me, and I hope others can walk again

    1. Kim,
      “horse & buggy”…that’s funny! Fantastic news about you & your walker! Keep using it–it will get better! Thanks for your comment.

  10. Great replay, Doug! It perfectly hits all the pros, cons and feelings about wheelchairs. It is so inaccurate to say “confined to a wheelchair.” The chair is what gives people independence 😊