Using a wheelchair...in response to Lynn

[Guest guest]

Hello Lynn,

In response to your question about using a wheelchair, I am one of those

CMTer's who use a powered chair. I wanted to tell you that it has completely

changed my life for the better!

I do not feel in any way that I have " given up " , in fact now I am more

independent than ever. I used to use AFOs and a walker, but found that I always

needed someone to help me with shopping, etc. Now I shop wherever and whenever

I

need to...I simply pile everything on my lap! You see, when I tried to use

the AFOs and walker, (I did for a few years), it was very stressful to me...it

took all of my energy just to walk from one place to another. Now I am

volunteering with mentally challenged seniors and have the energy to exercise

six

times a week on my stationary bike. I live my life according to what I feel I

can do, and don't ever compare to what others can do. I wish that I didn't

need to use a chair, but I can honestly say that I have never felt more happier

or needed in my entire life (I am 39 years old, by the way). It took years for

me to resign myself to using a wheelchair, but it is the best decision I have

ever made for myself! There is no " giving up " if you decide to use a

chair...only acceptance, strength and going forward with living life!

Sincerely,

Kathy