Comments on: The “Diva” of Mobility Devices http://www.unitedspinal.org/publications/action/2008/07/24/the-%e2%80%9cdiva%e2%80%9d-of-mobility-devices/ Mon, 27 Sep 2010 16:22:34 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Vicki Babbitt http://www.unitedspinal.org/publications/action/2008/07/24/the-%e2%80%9cdiva%e2%80%9d-of-mobility-devices/comment-page-1/#comment-347455 Vicki Babbitt Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:52:47 +0000 http://www.unitedspinal.org/publications/action/2008/07/24/the-%e2%80%9cdiva%e2%80%9d-of-mobility-devices/#comment-347455 I need a device like the old walkers for babies to strengthen legs; the ones where the device supports much of the person's weight, and total mobility is possible. From "walking on my shoulders" with forearm crutches for the past 15+ years, the injuries sustained to my shoulders down to the thumb joints threatens my livelihood (jewelry making & accounting). Severe osteoarthritis & edema (evolving after radiation & back surgeries in 1976) grossly effect my balance & the weight bearing abilities of my legs. I've seen very few things like this, and can't believe that I'm the only one who would find this device to be essential to quality of life. You could still "stand" up to your kitchen counters, go shopping (and not have to shop at electric cart stores), to the zoo, etc.. PLEASE HELP, IF YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS WHERE I CAN FIND THIS. THANKS SO MUCH!!! I need a device like the old walkers for babies to strengthen legs; the ones where the device supports much of the person’s weight, and total mobility is possible. From “walking on my shoulders” with forearm crutches for the past 15+ years, the injuries sustained to my shoulders down to the thumb joints threatens my livelihood (jewelry making & accounting). Severe osteoarthritis & edema (evolving after radiation & back surgeries in 1976) grossly effect my balance & the weight bearing abilities of my legs. I’ve seen very few things like this, and can’t believe that I’m the only one who would find this device to be essential to quality of life. You could still “stand” up to your kitchen counters, go shopping (and not have to shop at electric cart stores), to the zoo, etc.. PLEASE HELP, IF YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS WHERE I CAN FIND THIS. THANKS SO MUCH!!!

]]> By: Joan Cornish http://www.unitedspinal.org/publications/action/2008/07/24/the-%e2%80%9cdiva%e2%80%9d-of-mobility-devices/comment-page-1/#comment-336338 Joan Cornish Sat, 02 Aug 2008 21:04:06 +0000 http://www.unitedspinal.org/publications/action/2008/07/24/the-%e2%80%9cdiva%e2%80%9d-of-mobility-devices/#comment-336338 Anyone who has doubts about getting a chair should read the book "When Walking Fails" by Lisa Lezzoni.It totally changed my thinking. I can walk a little with great pain, and many rest periods. It was taking up my whole life. Shopping for groceries would take an entire day. I already had a power chair from a 6 month period of not even being able to stand. I've used a power chair for over 5 years now, and it was the best thing I could have done. It has allowed me to continue to live alone in my own home. That and my ramp equpped wheelachair van. Anyone who has doubts about getting a chair should read the book “When Walking Fails” by Lisa Lezzoni.It totally changed my thinking. I can walk a little with great pain, and many rest periods. It was taking up my whole life. Shopping for groceries would take an entire day. I already had a power chair from a 6 month period of not even being able to stand. I’ve used a power chair for over 5 years now, and it was the best thing I could have done. It has allowed me to continue to live alone in my own home. That and my ramp equpped wheelachair van.

]]> By: Bob Neves http://www.unitedspinal.org/publications/action/2008/07/24/the-%e2%80%9cdiva%e2%80%9d-of-mobility-devices/comment-page-1/#comment-336075 Bob Neves Thu, 31 Jul 2008 22:43:15 +0000 http://www.unitedspinal.org/publications/action/2008/07/24/the-%e2%80%9cdiva%e2%80%9d-of-mobility-devices/#comment-336075 what a lovely story, and you tell it so well! As a thirty+-year w/c user (MS), we could talk for hours! I used a "manual" for twenty years (including college), but switched to electric to drive, metrolink and work for L.A. City and County. Yes, the attitude is the biggest problem! Great story, Diva on! what a lovely story, and you tell it so well! As a thirty+-year w/c user (MS), we could talk for hours!

I used a “manual” for twenty years (including college), but switched to electric to drive, metrolink and work for L.A. City and County. Yes, the attitude is the biggest problem! Great story, Diva on!

]]> By: Carol Kana http://www.unitedspinal.org/publications/action/2008/07/24/the-%e2%80%9cdiva%e2%80%9d-of-mobility-devices/comment-page-1/#comment-336048 Carol Kana Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:17:25 +0000 http://www.unitedspinal.org/publications/action/2008/07/24/the-%e2%80%9cdiva%e2%80%9d-of-mobility-devices/#comment-336048 I had polio and now have progressive muscle weakness due to Post Polio. When the doctor first mentioned the idea of getting a mobility scooter, I jumped at the idea. She was surprised and told me that most people resist the suggestion. But I looked at it as freedom to do the things I wanted to without worrying about fatigue. Now my friends can't keep up with me. People often say, slow down. I tell them I did that all my life. Now I'm making up for lost time. Keep wheeling and enjoy life. I had polio and now have progressive muscle weakness due
to Post Polio. When the doctor first mentioned the idea of getting a mobility scooter, I jumped at the idea. She was surprised and told me that most people resist the suggestion. But I looked at it as freedom to do the things I wanted to without worrying about fatigue. Now my friends can’t keep up with me. People often say, slow down. I tell them I did that all my life. Now I’m making up for lost time. Keep wheeling and enjoy life.

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