Do you find walking difficult? Does it limit your participation in life? Do you know someone with these problems? Many invisible conditions restrict the ability to walk.
Good news, though - help comes from assistive devices. But does using them embarrass you because you feel judged by others since they can’t see you need them? I did. However, the ability to join in more activities with my family and friends soon overcame that unease.
True. Technically, wheelchairs or scooters are not assistive devices for walking since either completely transports me. But it does cover the distance, so I consider it assistive.
Note: No longer are my disabilities invisible! What do I care?
Join my journey.
The beginning
While planning our camping trip to Yellowstone National Park, our friend shared her experience. Ruth had rheumatoid arthritis but was still able to walk short distances. She told about her family’s trip to Disneyland. They knew standing in line and walking all day would cause extreme hardship. So, they insisted on renting a wheelchair. She resisted at first, citing embarrassment and not being disabled. But soon, she realized how much how much more enjoyable their excursion was. She acknowledged receiving strange looks as she stood and walked onto the ride! She strongly encouraged me to rent a wheelchair for our trip. We did.
If you need aids for walking but have been holding back, envision possibilities.
I hope our pictures show the fun and family involvement provided by the aids. The introductory picture is of our son and me wheelchair-ing while camping in Kokanee Park, British Columbia.
Wheelchair
We never regretted following Ruth’s advice and renting a wheelchair for that camping trip. We “hiked” and visited places I never could have seen otherwise. I walked where possible, using the chair where not. It helped to have Joe and two strong teenage boys to maneuver it over small obstacles.
Shortly after returning, I soon had my own chair, with my doctor’s blessing.
In succeeding years, we used my chair for camping, sightseeing, and shopping. As my weakness progressed, I also used it for sitting as it was more comfortable and less tiring.
Joe, Bill & Bethany, Glacier Natl Pk, demonstrate caregiver's unusual duties!
Unfortunately, heaving the chair in and out of our vehicle contributed to Joe’s back problems culminating in his surgeries. The downside.
One upside: humorous situations. Like being pushed into a conference meeting and later standing and walking around. Or sitting alone in my chair half-mile down a trail (the others left to hike further). And so on.
At Glacier National Park, this picture displays an uphill boardwalk with many stairs. It is the beginning of a trail. When reaching another step, I stood and Joe lifted the chair up it. Quite challenging for him. We soon gave up as the steps went further than expected! Read more about the challenges of caregiving.
Cane
Disabled people have fun on vacations!
My physical therapist prescribed a cane following a bad fall (thankfully, no serious injury). I use it now for balance.
The picture shows me and my cane at Glacier; notice my wheelchair in background. I ride the chair to my destination, then use the cane to walk around. Read more about this camping trip.
Walker
Fun with a walker!
Several years later came the walker. I needed it for balance and safety. I primarily use it inside the house on bad days. We take it to buffet restaurants where I use it to carry plates.
Grandkids took the picture when Joe and I played badminton with them!
Scooter
What a trail!
A recent acquisition, my scooter restores independence as I can use it without help. We purchased a lift for the back of our van to transport it; no more work for Joe.
One downside - whereas a wheelchair can be maneuvered up one or two steps or over uneven ground or in deep gravel, the scooter needs paved or hard-packed trails. It can go uphill or down but not up even one step.
This picture was taken at the end of a well maintained trail in Yellowstone. See more of this 50th anniversary trip.
This was my journey.
What was yours? Share a comment with us.
Next up ...
In the next post, I will share about the variety of available assistive devices for walking.
