Where’s my walker? | Arthritis Information

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Ok, I finally relented about three weeks ago to get a walker. But I have to go through my doctor and all the authorizations because I don't have any money to go out and by one myself because I waiting on disabilty to come through.

I called the doc again today. "Oh, yes it's been three weeks. We still haven't got the approval."

Uh, I can't walk. "Oh, we'll check on it."

It's a freaking walker. They can't cost much. What am I supposed to do, crawl until they grace me with one?

They already denied me for Occupational Therapy because I'm over the age of 21.

I would just like to have one thing be easy.

 

SOO SOOO SORRY!!

I know they don't get into any big hurry. If it was them or someone in their family they would be right on it!!  Try not to stress. Things will get better!!

CinDee

I just found 2 walkers at goodwill. One was brand new an dthe other one is nearly new. I paid .99 each for them and I had a 20% off ticket cause I donated some things so I got them very reasonable . Mother is not too thrilled about them but I got them at a bargain. You may check into Goodwill or some senior places often have several.

jode

   Deanna, if we were closer, I would give you mine. The goodwill store sounds good and if you go that route, then make sure that the walker is sturdy enough to support you. Mine is a heavy duty one and I can tell thedifference between heavy duty and the regular ones.

   Sending you alot of good luck and good vibes for getting a walker soon. Deanna - I wish I could give you mine.  I'm so sorry.  They are not very expensive but you would think that this is the national debt they are paying for.

I am changing to a walkabout which can also let someone push you in case the knees, ankles give out while I am out.  I don't usually go out alone but sometimes can't even walk, and forget the malls.

Take care,

Deanna, 'they' must think that if they made one thing easy it would go to our heads and we'd expect easy all the time.

That's the only thing I can think of, because just the law of averages would give us easy often enough to keep us sane!

Yes, I did see it. But my insurance is supposed to cover it. I'm so tired of applying for everything. Each time, I have to expose my financial information and divulge once again all my private information. I am so tired of begging for help. I'm sorry, but it is humilating. And, you have to do it over and over again.

The help that I am supposed to get is caught up in red tape. Nobody is calling me back.

It is so hard to get out that hunting through thrift stores sounds too difficult and I love browsing through them.

The other thing that concerns me, and maybe I'll get a better idea on Friday with the PT, is that my legs are not moving. I'm not sure how much a walker is going to help with me. It is as though the darn things have turned to solid lead pipes that weigh a ton. I look across the room and it seems like it is going to take forever to make the journey. I just keep hoping I make it to the bathroom in time.

And, what if my legs quit working while I'm driving. I'm constantly dragging one leg.

This lasts for awhile and then I get back to my normal (not as good as someone else's).

This stuff is scaring me. What is going on? Then the tremors start in my legs, spasms in all my lower muscles and tremors in my hands.

Bonny, what is a walkabout?

I know what you mean, I grow so weary of having to fill out the forms...yes I am  broke, yes I have a chronic disease, and yes I have a college degree that is useless ...and finally, yes I can prove iI have Rheumatoid within your 45 pages of questions. Really....I could explain it in fewer but your paperwork insists that I answer all your questions or you will not submit my application or you will  return it...so what is the difference? It will take you 4 or more years to process it anyway, so what happens if I die between now and then? ( and don't think I didn't ask them this!!!!!!!). ARG!

My PCP will see me tomorrow to examine my synovial cysts/nodules. THey coem and go, I have been through this before an dyes, they hurt. His nurse stated he will examine them for me then give me a referral. Great. Just wonderful...in other words, he will not take the case, he will not work with my Rheumatologist anymore. Fine, can't say that I blame him but I truly dislike the Rheumatologists here an dnone of them take my insurance. None of them. LAst visit cost me over 0. LEt me rephrase that, it cost my mom.

I made an appointment with my RD in Indiana...I sure hope he doesn;t mind. I am so sick of this. I guess this is where I begin again and take it for whatever it is worth and do what my RD in Indiana tells me to do because I am not going through another series of needless tests just so they can say....this and that and so on.

My RD in Indiana knows me and knows my case and that my body produces some of the most unusual things and he realizes that I do not lie about them and we have been through this so he knows how my body will react to meds. SO now I have to tell my PCP , sorry but hey bud, no can do on this end, I am not going to the RD's here.

jode

 

 

[QUOTE=notmissesreid]

I know what you mean, I grow so weary of having to fill out the forms...yes I am  broke, yes I have a chronic disease, and yes I have a college degree that is useless ...and finally, yes I can prove iI have Rheumatoid within your 45 pages of questions. Really....I could explain it in fewer but your paperwork insists that I answer all your questions or you will not submit my application or you will  return it...so what is the difference? It will take you 4 or more years to process it anyway, so what happens if I die between now and then? ( and don't think I didn't ask them this!!!!!!!). ARG!

[/QUOTE]

That's a perfect description of the process. ARG is right. I am at least lucky enough to be in an area with lots of specialists. I really feel for all of you who don't have much choice or have to drive long distances. It's one of the main reasons I stay in Phoenix.

I wish it was easier on you, but you sound like you have a good plan of action.

Deanna,  I got me a fancy schnazzy one and it was around 0.  I think many of the medical supply companies will navigate you through the hoops to make a sell.  Make a few calls.  I havent gotten brave enough to take mine out for a ride in public but it sure comes in handy around the house. 

I already have to go out in public with my wrist braces, knees braces and my cane. The walker seems no different. Besides, I'm tired of having to sit down some place while my daughter has to hurry through some store. I want the walker so I can go.

A walkabout looks like a walker and you can use it as one as it is very stable.  With a couple of changes it turns into a seat with handles at the back so you can sit and be pushed for a while if needed or if standing in a line you have your own chair with a walkabout.  It is not meant to sit in for hours and hours comfort wise but helps if you can walk some and also has a basket for purse etc.

I am tired of not being able to accompany my family places like a zoo, mall etc. and am not ready for a wheelchair.  They run about 9 here and come in pretty colors.

Take care,

 


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