Re: My supermarket traffic jam -

January 1, 2006

Hi:

I know what you mean - on my bad days, I walk slowly

too, and use the cart to lean on. I have been tempted

to try those motorized scooter things they have now in

stores, but I am afraid that I will get the controls

wrong and run someone down lol. I also don't want to

admit yet that I really need one - silly, I know, but

it would be yet another blow to my already suffering

self-esteem. I also " look normal " but am overweight,

and I don't want someone I'm using it just because I

am fat. I should probably just do it, though, and

maybe that would also help you too. At least you will

be able to go a bit faster, and people would not be as

impatient, hopefully. Would you be able to purchase

one so that you would be more able to leave your home?

I also think I have heard that there are some

programs that will help people who don't have the

funds to get a scooter, sometimes free of cost, and

maybe you could look into that. Just a thought.

Kathe

-- alblau999 <alblau999@...> wrote:

> Hi,

> Two posts ago, I mentioned being unable to walk more

> than half

> a block and was effectively homebound. This was

> from this past

> weekend and actually from 12/29.

>

> On 12/28, I went to the supermarket. I noticed that

> I was slower

> than usual, and of course, I paid no attention to

> that. I slowed a

> bit more after walking the two short and half of one

> long block to

> the supermarket, and again I paid no attention. I

> got a cart and

> started walking around the aisles, concentrating on

> what i was

> getting. The aisles were crowded with boxes that

> day. After a

> while, about halfway down an aisle, I looked behind

> me to see a

> line of carts that stretched to the end of the

> aisle! Everyone was

> looking at me, and no one was smiling. I pulled

> over to the

> nearest clear space, hauling my cart to one side.

> The other

> shoppers passed by, but at least none of them cast

> me a dirty

> look!

>

> Of course, I thought that was the end of the matter.

> I had two

> more aisles to go, and I went merrily (read,

> painfully) down the

> next aisle and plodded along until a rather annoyed

> sounding

> voice said, " Excuse me, please. " Another line of

> carts stretched

> behind mine, and my shoulders screamed again as I

> lurched to

> another empty space. Fortunately, I got through the

> last aisle

> without incident.

>

> Until I hear from my brilliant physicians, I'll take

> slowing suddenly

> as sign to stay in. That is, if I remember.

>

Kathe in CA

__________________________________

for Good - Make a difference this year.

http://brand./cybergivingweek2005/

January 1, 2006

WWorking in nursing homes, I was accustomed to mobility aides. When I could no

longer work, when I could not even dress myself anymore, I was sitting here at

home looking at my kids and I was so angry over not being able to go to the zoo,

or the park, or school events cuz I could not walk far enough. I got impatient

and bored and first thing I did when I got my social security back pay was go

buy a scooter. I did not ask my doc...I did not look at our already stretched

far too thin budget (my husband had been on disability already for over 10 years

and I had been a student much of that time, so our budget was VERY thin) I

decided that well, no matter what- life was going to keep on going on me and my

kids would be doing without me far too often.....so recklessly I went and bought

the scooter. LOL- one day I was riding my scooter at this business expo thing

where the kids get all kinds of freebie things-----next thing we saw mt rheumy.

LOL. He saw me chasing down my kids, laughing and keeping up with my kids just

fine and teasing thme cuz hey now I really could keep up with them and he LOL

and said hey good idea!

Had I asked my doc, he might have written an order and insurance might have paid

for part of my scooter.

Why should I wait until I cannot walk at all?

My best friend had MS then.and she could not always walk well or distances and

she was unstable. But - even tho she worked with me at the nursing home- she

could not would not accept using a scooter. SHe opted instead to just tell her

kids " no " and she stayed home when she could not get around. Well, then she

got cancer- and then it went to her spine. ANd her legs became useless

completely. But even then she could not admit needing help. SO instead of

going anywhere- she stayed home. I begged her to use my scooter. Begged her to

go places with me, my kids and her kids. But she simply could not make that

jump to using an aide.

It is not easy but- at the same time, limiting my world to my home was not easy

for me. Sadly when I first got my scooter, I could still manhandle it into my

car and out of my car by myself- but my wrists and shoulders have deteiriated

more and now I cannot do it myself and I did not get a lift to help put it in my

car-----so I am once again back to needing help. BUT the good news is the last

year- I have not needed the scooter except for the time I went to the big

outdoor country music festival in the cornfields.

For me, I so much wanted to go to so many things that required me to be able to

cover a lot of distance, and I wanted to be where my kids were---(my youngest is

10) without my scooter, I could NOT have been a camp counselor at his day camp-

and it is required a parents volunteer at least one day....

I could not go to the zoo and amusement park and outdoor concerts we love so

much.the fireworks displays etc.(I demand we sit out near where they set

fireworks off)

The scooter allowed me to participate and keep up with chasing my kids down. I

did not see it as " giving up and giving in " like my dear best friend- I saw it

as continuing on doing as many things as I still could- just with more ease.

As for how people around me react? people can be rude, more so in my town than

other areas. I think my own town has difficulties with all kinds of

" differences " and I personally find my own town to be very rude and intolerant

in general. Not just to handicapped issues but in general. Our drivers are

ugly, our store people can be unpleasant---

I wish I could tell you people are kind when I am in my scooter- but- well at

one outdoor country music concert, me hubby and kids were watching the concert

and next thing ya know a drunk couple were leaning against the back of my

scooter having sex!!!!! ACK!

I am quite adept at handling my scooter and can open doors myself and get in

alone, and I can do elevators etc- and I even traveled by train to city to a

hotel and to a major medical personnel seminar in my scooter all by myself----

There are times when people are rude- but there are times when people are kind.

Yes, sometimes people talk over my head, addressing not me but my

companion----acting like just cuz I am in a scooter I am also mentally deficient

or something- and people have slammed doors in my face (I hope by accident)

and sometimes in crowds starnegers will come sit ON MY SCOOTER. (like at

parades)

But- I keep thinking hey, why should I stay home just cuz my legs and feet do

not want to cooperate?

and ye,s I have gone out to eat even when my wrists and fingers refuse to

cooperate, too. I LOVE to go out to eat- why should I stay home just cuz my

hands do not work on a given day? SOmetimes my hubby or kids have to cut my

food, once in awhile they have to hold the fork to my mouth---but- if they are

willing? and if I want to go? why not? There is a whole world out there

waiting for me to be a part of it. I still have life I want to live.

I say GO FOR IT if it makes it easier for you!

- In , Kathe Sabetzadeh <lv2ryd@y...> wrote:

>

> Hi:

>

> I know what you mean - on my bad days, I walk slowly

> too, and use the cart to lean on. I have been tempted

> to try those motorized scooter things they have now in

> stores, but I am afraid that I will get the controls

> wrong and run someone down lol. I also don't want to

> admit yet that I really need one - silly, I know, but

> it would be yet another blow to my already suffering

> self-esteem. I also " look normal " but am overweight,

> and I don't want someone I'm using it just because I

> am fat. I should probably just do it, though, and

> maybe that would also help you too. At least you will

> be able to go a bit faster, and people would not be as

> impatient, hopefully. Would you be able to purchase

> one so that you would be more able to leave your home?

> I also think I have heard that there are some

> programs that will help people who don't have the

> funds to get a scooter, sometimes free of cost, and

> maybe you could look into that. Just a thought.

>

> Kathe

>

> -- alblau999 <alblau999@y...> wrote:

>

> > Hi,

> > Two posts ago, I mentioned being unable to walk more

> > than half

> > a block and was effectively homebound. This was

> > from this past

> > weekend and actually from 12/29.

> >

> > On 12/28, I went to the supermarket. I noticed that

> > I was slower

> > than usual, and of course, I paid no attention to

> > that. I slowed a

> > bit more after walking the two short and half of one

> > long block to

> > the supermarket, and again I paid no attention. I

> > got a cart and

> > started walking around the aisles, concentrating on

> > what i was

> > getting. The aisles were crowded with boxes that

> > day. After a

> > while, about halfway down an aisle, I looked behind

> > me to see a

> > line of carts that stretched to the end of the

> > aisle! Everyone was

> > looking at me, and no one was smiling. I pulled

> > over to the

> > nearest clear space, hauling my cart to one side.

> > The other

> > shoppers passed by, but at least none of them cast

> > me a dirty

> > look!

> >

> > Of course, I thought that was the end of the matter.

> > I had two

> > more aisles to go, and I went merrily (read,

> > painfully) down the

> > next aisle and plodded along until a rather annoyed

> > sounding

> > voice said, " Excuse me, please. " Another line of

> > carts stretched

> > behind mine, and my shoulders screamed again as I

> > lurched to

> > another empty space. Fortunately, I got through the

> > last aisle

> > without incident.

> >

> > Until I hear from my brilliant physicians, I'll take

> > slowing suddenly

> > as sign to stay in. That is, if I remember.

> >

>

> Kathe in CA

>

> __________________________________

> for Good - Make a difference this year.

> http://brand./cybergivingweek2005/

>

January 1, 2006

Oh yeah-

I do have a walker and a cane and crutches, too cuz it depends on lots of thning

what kind of " help " I need at any time.BUT I find the crutches cane and walker

often make my wrists and shoulders and fingers flare up more. b

January 1, 2006

Kathe,

I wouldn't use a motorized scooter out of embarrassment that I'm to

young

and look normal. I crippled myself even more because of these feelings.

When I moved to Florida, I started using one because I knew I

wouldn't run

into anyone I knew. I now realize what a disservice I did to myself

for many years.

Shopping with a motorized cart has made the trips much more enjoyable

and

I don't suffer for days after the trip. I am going to see about

getting my own.

I haven't run into anyone yet. Try going during the times the store

is the least

busy so you'll feel more comfortable while getting used to the controls.

I started using one for the first time in Sam's. The isles are wide.

a

On Jan 1, 2006, at 3:22 PM, Kathe Sabetzadeh wrote:

> Hi:

>

> I know what you mean - on my bad days, I walk slowly

> too, and use the cart to lean on. I have been tempted

> to try those motorized scooter things they have now in

> stores, but I am afraid that I will get the controls

> wrong and run someone down lol. I also don't want to

> admit yet that I really need one - silly, I know, but

> it would be yet another blow to my already suffering

> self-esteem. I also " look normal " but am overweight,

> and I don't want someone I'm using it just because I

> am fat. I should probably just do it, though, and

> maybe that would also help you too. At least you will

> be able to go a bit faster, and people would not be as

> impatient, hopefully. Would you be able to purchase

> one so that you would be more able to leave your home?

> I also think I have heard that there are some

> programs that will help people who don't have the

> funds to get a scooter, sometimes free of cost, and

> maybe you could look into that. Just a thought.

>

> Kathe

January 1, 2006

a, I found a way to stop most of the embarrassment over using a scooter or

other aid. I bought a big scooter, over 4 feet long and enough ground clearance

that I can go over speed bumps without bottoming out. The drawback is that it's

not as maneuverable as it could be. Anyhow, it's Candy Apple Red and I had an

artist paint murals on it and pinstripe around it. I also added a colorful

bicycle horn, headlights, taillights, and a bicycle license plate that says

'Junior' on it. People see it and immediately take their attention away from me

and onto the scooter. That breaks the ice and we can then have conversations we

wouldn't have had otherwise. The more different (outlandish) it is, the more

likely others will feel comfortable talking to me. It works wonders, try it and

see!

Dennis

Re: [ ] My supermarket traffic jam -

Kathe,

I wouldn't use a motorized scooter out of embarrassment that I'm to

young

and look normal. I crippled myself even more because of these feelings.

When I moved to Florida, I started using one because I knew I

wouldn't run

into anyone I knew. I now realize what a disservice I did to myself

for many years.

Shopping with a motorized cart has made the trips much more enjoyable

and

I don't suffer for days after the trip. I am going to see about

getting my own.

I haven't run into anyone yet. Try going during the times the store

is the least

busy so you'll feel more comfortable while getting used to the controls.

I started using one for the first time in Sam's. The isles are wide.

a

January 1, 2006

Sounds like a plan Dennis! When I get it, can I pick your brain for

some decoration ideas?

a

On Jan 1, 2006, at 10:39 PM, Dennis W wrote:

> a, I found a way to stop most of the embarrassment over using a

> scooter or other aid. I bought a big scooter, over 4 feet long and

> enough ground clearance that I can go over speed bumps without

> bottoming out. The drawback is that it's not as maneuverable as it

> could be. Anyhow, it's Candy Apple Red and I had an artist paint

> murals on it and pinstripe around it. I also added a colorful

> bicycle horn, headlights, taillights, and a bicycle license plate

> that says 'Junior' on it. People see it and immediately take their

> attention away from me and onto the scooter. That breaks the ice

> and we can then have conversations we wouldn't have had otherwise.

> The more different (outlandish) it is, the more likely others will

> feel comfortable talking to me. It works wonders, try it and see!

>

> Dennis

January 2, 2006

I purchased a small scooter which is just the right size for me. Initially, I

used it just for teaching assignments at hospitals, made it so easy maneuvering

the long hallways. I was very nervous my first time using it at a dollar store

and at first I was really enjoying riding up and down the aisles, however, at

one point I made the mistake of reaching over to get something off a shelf,

leaned on the go bar and wiped out a very large display of paper foil products

LOL. I was so embarrassed and have never gone back to that store again. I quite

often use the Wal-mart scooters but they are so big and hard to turn, I have

come close to taking out a few people that had the courage to walk in front of

me. I guess I am just not a good driver and have caused many embarrassing

moments for my DH. All that being said, my scooter = freedom and I would never

part with it.

Hugs

June

----- Original Message -----

From: a

Kathe,

I wouldn't use a motorized scooter out of embarrassment that I'm to

young

and look normal. I crippled myself even more because of these feelings.

When I moved to Florida, I started using one because I knew I

wouldn't run

into anyone I knew. I now realize what a disservice I did to myself

for many years.

Shopping with a motorized cart has made the trips much more enjoyable

and

I don't suffer for days after the trip. I am going to see about

getting my own.

I haven't run into anyone yet. Try going during the times the store

is the least

busy so you'll feel more comfortable while getting used to the controls.

I started using one for the first time in Sam's. The isles are wide.

a

On Jan 1, 2006, at 3:22 PM, Kathe Sabetzadeh wrote:

> Hi:

>

> I know what you mean - on my bad days, I walk slowly

> too, and use the cart to lean on. I have been tempted

> to try those motorized scooter things they have now in

> stores, but I am afraid that I will get the controls

> wrong and run someone down lol. I also don't want to

> admit yet that I really need one - silly, I know, but

> it would be yet another blow to my already suffering

> self-esteem. I also " look normal " but am overweight,

> and I don't want someone I'm using it just because I

> am fat. I should probably just do it, though, and

> maybe that would also help you too. At least you will

> be able to go a bit faster, and people would not be as

> impatient, hopefully. Would you be able to purchase

> one so that you would be more able to leave your home?

> I also think I have heard that there are some

> programs that will help people who don't have the

> funds to get a scooter, sometimes free of cost, and

> maybe you could look into that. Just a thought.

>

> Kathe

January 2, 2006

Dear June,

I too have a scooter, RED, and I love it. My husband just purchased a ramp

to use in our pick up, so he doesn;t have to lift it into the car or truck.

Very reasonable ($159.00) out of a truck magazine originally for ATV, medical

ramps would cost over $400.00. So if anyone needs them, check out the truck

magazines or let me know I would be have to find the website.

But I agree with you about the Walmart scooters, I had just gotten used to

my personal scooter when we stopped at Walmart and I used their scooter. A

young girl was looking the other way and walked right into the corner of the

basket. I stopped, but not quick enough, I know it hurt her, she hit her hip

bone on the basket corner. I felt awful! I always use my small scooter

now! I am very blessed to have a scooter of my own to use.

Please take care,

Gentle Hugs & Prayers,

Carol M. in CA

January 2, 2006

My goodness, June, you don't need to be embarrassed for not handling the scooter

like a pro as long as you learned something. One thing I like about my scooter

is that it's powerful enough to push those displays out of the aisles when they

get in my way. I'm not bashful about that, either.

My scooter is red, and when I hear comments about the color choice, I explain

that I got the red one so that when I run over someone, the blood doesn't show

as much. That always gets laughs.