Re: Fatigue and Rollator

[Guest guest]

Hi, Tami.......I, too, have CMT 1B. I am a widow, 74 years old, live alone and

still work 3 days a week and I use a rollerator in addition to my cane. I got

the rollerator about 4 years ago now. I use it when I go to the mall and even

to take short walks around the neighborhood when I feel up to it. It is

especially helpful in the mall to be able to have a seat whenever I need it as

you probably know the seats in the mall are usually taken. I use my cane at

work and at home I almost always wall surf.

I have a stair lift to get to the bedroom and bathroom but I still manage the

steps up to front porch and also the cellar steps, but with a lot of effort - I

use my arms to pull me up mainly.

I see about 5 or 6 individuals who live in close proximity to my home using

rollerators also. One lady is 93 and she walks about 6 blocks to the downtown

area and back a few times a week.

Hope this helps in your decision.

June in Pennsylvania

[Guest guest]

Hi Tami,

I've never tried a Rollator, but I do use a mobility scooter. Example...

http://www.spinlife.com/Pride-Go-Go-Ultra-X-3-Wheel-Travel-Scooter/spec.cfm?prod\

uctID=79592

Prior to getting my scooter, my activity level had been declining steadily for

many years. Shopping had become nearly impossible. I was only able to go a

couple of times a year and it was a terrible experience, with many days of

painful recovery & extreme fatigue.

With the scooter, getting around is so much easier. I can last an hour or two

without severe consequences. I just have to be careful going over bumps or

reaching/twisting to look at things, or I will over-fatigue my back. But, if

I'm careful, I can get by without much pain afterwards. It's wonderful!

If you are reaching the 'should I' stage, I highly recommend a mobility device.

It can help conserve your energy for more important activities.

Originally, I purchased a travel scooter, since it comes apart into three pieces

and would fit into the back of my compact car, something I thought I could do

myself. Maintaining independence was important to me. Unfortunately, within a

short period of time, I wasn't able to lift the pieces into the trunk anymore,

so I again became reliant on assistance, which was upsetting to me. I ended up

getting a van and a lift. Had I known I was going to end up with a van so soon,

I would have purchased a more heavy duty scooter, since the heavier ones have a

smoother ride and go over bumps more easily. But, I do love my scooter

none-the-less. With the vanlift, I can switch to a bigger scooter or an

electric wheelchair in the future without any problems, as long as I'm able to

walk from the driver's seat to the back of the van.

In addition to preserving energy, the scooter makes others aware that I'm

disabled and I get more assistance. When I was struggling to walk, no one knew

how bad it was and getting someone to help me was typically a challenge. Having

the help, i.e. a store clerk to help me get items into the dressing room, etc.,

really makes a difference.

I still haven't received reimbursement from my insurance company for the

scooter. It's still under review. I think they pay more readily for

wheelchairs than scooters. Preapproval from your insurance company for any type

of mobility device may be recommended. It may be possible to rent something for

a few months, to see if you like it and it extends your energy. Also, MDA may

be able to assist. I'm not familiar with this, but Gretchen and others know the

details, if you need it.

[Guest guest]

I've been using a rollator for 2 years now. It changed my life! I want to stay

walking as long as possible; I'll be 50 years old next week and I am not ready

to give in to a wheel chair or scooter just yet. I would encourage everyone I

know with mobility, weakness, and/or balance issues to make the relatively small

investment to get a rollator. It's great for shopping, walking for exercise,

etc. with an automatic resting place when you need it.

K.

[Guest guest]

Scooter and/or Provigil.