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Post by phoenixcov on Sept 27, 2017 11:46:31 GMT
Today is a landmark day for me and not in a good way. I am going to choose and order a wheelchair.  When I was younger I always swore that I would never ever use a wheelchair no matter how painful it became to get about, though Doctors told my parents that I would be in a chair or lose my leg before my 20s. Fast forward to age 63 and today is the day I have always dreaded. . I am so afraid that I will make a fool of myself by getting upset in front of the rep as I have been crying on and off for the last hour and need to get a grip. Thought putting it here might help me to focus a bit. never thought I would be such a wuss. Anyone else had the same problem? Off to get ready now. Back later. UPDATE:- The rep was a Farmer! Seriously when I got there I remembered that the main part of their business was selling farm machinery and a sideline is selling Mobility aids. The nerves went and we even had a laugh about me being an ex biker(pillion ) and wanting matt black and triple chroming on everything . So no tears there today. That is until I got back home and read all the amazing replies from you lovely peas.  Thank you all so very much for your support, thoughts and good wishes. Believe me it helped so much to read about how others cope. First place I will go when I get my chair is along the pier where I live, it has been years since I have done that. |
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Deleted
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May 3, 2024 17:38:09 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2017 11:49:00 GMT
Hugs to you.
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rickmer
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,123 
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Post by rickmer on Sept 27, 2017 11:52:03 GMT
i am sorry.... maybe start the conversation with the rep by letting them know this is difficult for you? i am sure you are not the first person to struggle with this type of life change. i find when i "admit" my issues or reservations up front, people are usually kinder/gentler with me.
big (((hugs))) to you.
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Post by jackie on Sept 27, 2017 11:54:16 GMT
I'm so sorry! Please don't be worried about making a fool of yourself in front of the rep. This is a huge deal and being emotional about it is completely understandable and not at all foolish. The rep knows that. As difficult as this is, congrats for propping the experts wrong for four DECADES! I believe you will rick this chair and it will open up opportunities for you.  |
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wellway
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,760
Jun 25, 2014 20:50:09 GMT
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Post by wellway on Sept 27, 2017 11:58:18 GMT
Sending you ((hugs)). This must be hard for you. Please let the rep know, they are sure to have met people with the same feelings.
Just so you know, you are not a wuss, anyone who can prove a doctor wrong for over forty years is a pretty determined kind of person. Good luck.
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styxgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,867
Jun 27, 2014 4:51:44 GMT
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Post by styxgirl on Sept 27, 2017 11:59:38 GMT
Hugs for you. I'll be praying that once it gets here that it can be your "back-up" and that you will have many, many more good days in which you just don't need to use it.
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Post by MissBianca on Sept 27, 2017 12:00:31 GMT
I’m sure the rep will understand, it’s an emotional undertaking.
I will tell you a story about my friend though. Her son is in a wheelchair from Brittle Bone Disease. When he first got his wheelchair they were out at the store and a little girl came up to him and said oh you poor baby being stuck in a wheelchair, what mom blogged about later and something she will say to him later is, you don’t understand, he’s not worse off by being in a chair, he’s better because he has freedom. The chair has given him the the freedom of movement that he wouldn’t have otherwise.
So hopefully your chair will give you the freedom of movement.
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Post by hop2 on Sept 27, 2017 12:02:38 GMT
I’m very sorry that this upsets you. It’s a huge decision to make. {{{Hugs}}} Hopefully you will adjust soon and have a more ch less painful time getting around
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Post by anonrefugee on Sept 27, 2017 12:10:02 GMT
We often say on this board to ignore what others think, this is one of those times! You are sad now, but I hope your tears turn to ones of joy as you experience less pain and gain mobility.
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Post by destined2bmom on Sept 27, 2017 12:10:33 GMT
Hugs to you. Please let the rep know how you feel. Don't worry about making a fool of yourself. This will help you have an easier life.
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Post by mikklynn on Sept 27, 2017 12:11:53 GMT
I'm sorry. I am sure the rep has witnessed his/her share of emotions.
I can't imagine your feelings, but I can agree that it may give you freedom to do the things you want to do. My DH uses crutches most of the time, but if it's a lot of walking he uses a wheelchair. It means we can do things that he couldn't manage with just the crutches. We always request a wheelchair at the airport. They take you to the front of the security screening line - so score!
I wish you the best on this new phase of your life.
ETA - My DH is also 63.
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Kerri W
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,768
Location: Kentucky
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Post by Kerri W on Sept 27, 2017 12:15:06 GMT
Girl, you've gone above and beyond for 43+ years...being a wuss is not your game. ((Hugs)) I'm sorry this day is so hard for you. But please do not worry about crying in front of the rep. They've done this before and they're prepared for the emotion that goes along with it.
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BarbaraUK
Drama Llama
Surrounded by my yarn stash on the NE coast of England...............!! Refupea 1702
Posts: 5,961
Location: England UK
Jun 27, 2014 12:47:11 GMT
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Post by BarbaraUK on Sept 27, 2017 12:18:05 GMT
Sending you many *hugs* and best wishes for your difficult appointment today.
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Deleted
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May 3, 2024 17:38:09 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2017 12:33:04 GMT
Big (((hugs))) phoenixcov It is an emotional time for anyone having to make this kind of decision and I'm sure the rep has met thousands in the same position as you are now. I'm certain that he or she will understand. My Nan felt the same way when the time came that she couldn't manage without one too, it's not uncommon to feel the way you do. Once she had one, after a couple of weeks she was fine. In fact, she enjoyed going out so much more than before as she could relax, and not think of where or how she was going to get to wherever under her own steam so to speak.She couldn't walk very far at all ( heart trouble) which then made her feel guilty when she was out with others because it would also curtail their freedom of movement. After a couple of months she bought one of those motorized scooter things, then there was no stopping her  she had her independence back too as she didn't drive before. |
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Post by pmm on Sept 27, 2017 12:38:29 GMT
You aren't a wuss! Hugs to you at this difficult time in your life. I'm sure you aren't the first person to be emotional with the rep and you certainly won't be the last. May this open doors to you that have become more difficult to open.
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maurchclt
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,618
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Post by maurchclt on Sept 27, 2017 12:40:06 GMT
Hugs, you are obviously a strong woman, a fighter and while this is an emotional decision,it's a a medical device, like glasses, hearing aids, crutches. You need it to help you, for quality of life.
My daughter has chronic fatigue. Most days she's ok, but on the days she's extra tired, weak, she uses a cane and also got a wheel chair for longer trips. She's 40.Of course if was a hard decision, but she needed to be present in her family's lives and not sitting home.
I understand your how difficult your appt. will be today. More hugs.
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Anita
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,643
Location: Kansas City -ish
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Post by Anita on Sept 27, 2017 12:44:18 GMT
I'm very sorry. DH was very close to needing one before his knees were replaced, and I could see it weighing on him. I hope it gives you a sense of freedom and mobility.
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Post by stacmac on Sept 27, 2017 12:48:03 GMT
I'm sorry you're struggling. Can I just echo what some of the other posters said about freedom of movement? When my mother in law got a wheelchair, all of a sudden she was able to do so much more! Last time she was in Australia she could come all around the botanical gardens with us and have a full day shopping trip again!
I hope it all goes well for you. Take your time and be emotional if you need to, the rep will understand. Xx
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Post by jeremysgirl on Sept 27, 2017 12:49:06 GMT
Hugs to you. I think in your situation I would be emotional too. It's a big change. But hopefully, as a poster before me put it, this will offer you some freedom. I'm sure at this point you aren't going very far because your body simply can't. Hopefully with this chair, you'll be able to do much more than you currently are doing. And I'm sure the rep from the wheelchair company has seen many patients who were less than enthusiastic about getting a chair. May you be met with nothing but empathy from him. |
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Post by christine58 on Sept 27, 2017 12:49:18 GMT
Think of all the places and things you are going to be able to now do without pain (I am assuming you have some). Bling out that chair when you get it!!
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Post by missbennet on Sept 27, 2017 12:53:10 GMT
Another hug, and I hope there's a silver lining of less pain, more mobility, and more good days for you.
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scrappyesq
Pearl Clutcher
You have always been a part of the heist. You're only mad now because you don't like your cut.
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Post by scrappyesq on Sept 27, 2017 12:57:04 GMT
Hugs to you.
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Deleted
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May 3, 2024 17:38:09 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2017 12:59:39 GMT
Will be thinking of you and wishing you well.
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Post by ScrapsontheRocks on Sept 27, 2017 13:02:36 GMT
All good thoughts from over here. I hope you get the most sensitive of reps and just the rig you need. Peace.
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Post by peasapie on Sept 27, 2017 13:03:43 GMT
If you read all the responses above, you have to have been cheered up just a little. What a lot of great support here. I hope getting your new wheels will give you opportunities to do things you haven't done lately. And hey - congratulations on beating the odds all these years..
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MorningPerson
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,504
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Post by MorningPerson on Sept 27, 2017 13:09:19 GMT
I'm sorry you're having a hard time with this. As so many others have said, you are NOT a wuss! Your life has proven you're strong and determined, and your new wheelchair will help you in continuing to do kickass things!
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Post by annabella on Sept 27, 2017 13:52:00 GMT
Wishing you lots of positive thoughts today.
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Post by coffeetalk on Sept 27, 2017 13:57:56 GMT
You are not a wuss! I totally get were you're coming from though. I progressed from cane to walker to wheelchair then a power chair. With each transition came powerful emotions and a sense of loss and then eventually acceptance that these tools don't define who I am but make my life safer/easier.
I hope you get a kind, compassionate rep. I think they deal with folks with a gamut of emotions from anger to sadness and vulnerability.
Sending hugs and lots of support your way and if you care to share, please let us know how today goes.
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Deleted
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May 3, 2024 17:38:09 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2017 13:57:59 GMT
Congratulations for beating the odds for as long as you did and good for you gaining more freedom! As others have said, be up front and honest about your feelings and you'll have an easier time. Sometimes things we dread don't turn out to be that bad after all and I sincerely hope that is the case for you today.
Sending hugs and good thoughts your way!
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scrappert
Prolific Pea
RefuPea #2956
Posts: 7,760
Location: Milwaukee, WI area
Jul 11, 2014 21:20:09 GMT
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Post by scrappert on Sept 27, 2017 13:58:16 GMT
Hugs and positive thoughts for you today.
As others have said, you are so far from being a wuss!! You take this by the horns and own it!
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she had her independence back too as she didn't drive before.
