I did a little digging around and found information about an organization called The Clarence Vincent Foundation which provides mobility scooters for those in need, free of charge.
Here is the link to learn more about it:
http://www.scootaround.com/cvf/index.htm
Deanna, YOU NEED TO READ THIS MY FRIEND. Thank you Hillhoney.I called back to the primary doc today to see if they can bump my request up from a walker to a mobility chair. I looked at the site, Hillhoney (and thanks lots), and you need a doctor's note any way. I also requested that my doc talk to the Neurologist about what is going on because I don't understand. This is the first button to push. Then, I intend to put more pressure on them. If I don't get a call back early next week, I'll make another appointment with my doc and push that way. I see my Rheumy next week. Maybe he can help the situation.
Deanna...get ALL the docs involved and maybe you will have a better chance of getting that scooter!!!
Can't believe I'm dreaming of a scooter. I was really checking one out the other day. I was asking all the questions you might see a guy ask another one about some spiffy motorcycle.
Mostly, though, I've been crying. I worked so hard not to earn that chair. You have no idea how much time and effort I have put into protecting my ability to walk.
I am going to get all the docs working on it. As soon as one of them writes the official request, I'm going to be calling the insurance company. If they don't respond, I'm hitting all the mobility chair places. (There's a commercial on right now.)
This is gonna sound dumb but..I've always wanted one of those. If I get one, will you race me?
I hope you get it, you deserve some freedom! Don't think of it as "not walking" it's you getting OUT and going where you need to go, whenever you need to. It really is freedom.
I like Liz's idea. Try to get everyone involved. Good luck hun!
Deanna, I had to get one almost 2 years ago. Candy apple red and very cool. That's what I tell myself.
I was denied by my insurance co. at first, so I wrote a letter contesting their decision and got it reversed. However, it was for a power chair and those are very expensive and I have to pay half, which would have been about 00.
My sweet husband went to Costco and they had the scooters at that time for about 0. Also, they had a coupon out for 0 off! So we bought one from them for 0. Mine is a sport model and comes apart in 3 pieces so it can be stored in trunk of car. However I can't lift any of the pieces, so he got a lift for me that went on back of my Explorer so I can be somewhat independant.
I don't know what I would do without it! I use my wheeled walker in the house and my scooter if I go out. Don't get out much but at least I can if I need to.
I really think you need one, and it would be great if the organization Hillhoney wrote about could provide it for you!
Good Luck, Sweetie
Gentle Hugs,
Nini
Deanna, I'm so sorry that after all this work toward your goal you're having to look at getting a chair. I'm not pitying you for being in a chair. But all that work to avoid this, and then to be here.
All that work still counts. It counts in the where there's life there's hope bucket. It counts in the taking care of yourself is always worthwhile no matter the outcome bucket. And in other buckets too, I'm sure.
I'm holding out a fresh box of ultrasoft kleenex, though, because this kind of disappointment hits deep.
I so admire your persistence in wringing every bit of what you deserve from the systems of medical and life care. You are awesome at that.
Katie, I'll race you any time. But I think we have to start in the same state at least. I keep telling my daughter that I want us both to get one and go racing through the Phoenix zoo. Now, that sounds like fun since they have all these great paths and I love animals.
Nini, I want what you have. My house is very narrow, so I really need a walker and a scooter. And, I've got no one to life it for me. I imagine that I am going to have to get help from someone beside the insurance company. They just need to write a letter. Do you think they'll charge me for this one too. My old doc charges for each piece of paperwork he touches. He at least bills me. My new doc charges which he wants in advance for disability paperwork. That's plucking feathers off an already naked bird (Sorry, just made that one up.)
RKGal, I know it's not wasted time or money. But I hate losing a battle. When you've tried everything that doctors have recommended, gone beyond that and you still didn't make your goals, it is terribly discouraging. But I was never good at the physical stuff. I failed the President's Physical Fitness Test in high school (ok, they did give it me right after coming out the hospital with pneumonia. Can you guess what I thought about my PE teacher?)
What makes me mad is that the doctors are giving up on me. If I am willing to fight so hard, then how dare they?
I go to PT this morning. There's still a chance that it might help me. At least it might clarify the diagnosis.
Thanks for everyone's great comments. I'm more myself today.
Deanna, I really do understand you reluctance toward taking this step, but please look at it as a way to regain independence- rather than giving up independence.Deanna, it's a good idea that you're going for the scooter. I've seen ads on TV, that the scooter company will fight for you to get their scooter. Our local drug store has one and I've seen people in them. If I had one, I would have to have a horn to warn people to get out of my way. There would be no stopping me from doing things!!! I'll say a few extra prayers that you get your scooter soon.
Yes, I want the scooter. I want to hit all the art galleries. We have so many wonderful ones here. I want to go there and to the parks, museums, the zoo, people watching, bookstores. There's actually some trails here that you can go using a scooter up by Papago Bluffs. You feel like you are in the middle of the desert, but you are really in middle of the city. It's also close to the zoo. And, you can walk a dog. How great would that be? And I could take pictures with my digital camera, a whole new field of opportunity for me.
Katie, you are so on!
Went to PT today. That was depressing. No, we cannot help you if it's nerve damage. The only thing they can possibly do is see if it is a lower back problem.
Ok, try this exercise. Uh, I can't do that. I can't put that kind of weight on my shoulder. (I've already explained this). Then, try it this way. Tears in the eyes (no that won't work because of the problem in my neck. Thought we covered that too.)
So, after more awkward planning, we found another way to try and do back stretches. Ok, two ways of stretching the back and stretching the legs. Now, my knees hurt (did we forget everything is torn up inside there -- again, covered that) and my back hurts.
I'm waiting for the Vidocin.
Honestly, it's not the poor guy's fault. He was very attentive and listened to all the problems. But all he is going to do is try and see if the lower back is a problem. That's not even what the doctor ordered. He is supposed to evaluate and help with my gait problem.
Then, I asked him if he could keep me out of a scooter. He looked at me like I was crazy because in the morning, I can somewhat walk. Although, he can definitely see the muscle weakness that is happening on the left side. All my problems seem more left side oriented.
I'm confused to say the least. I just filled out the calendar for the rest of the month. I have doctors appointments every day of the week except for Christmas and the day after.
Hey, I have a new job! It's going to doctors. There you go.
Hand me another painkiller please!
Does the job pay well???? heeDeanna, Bless your heart! You need a scooter and lift like mine just to get to the doctor and back! I feel like that too sometimes.
I cannot imagine your insurance not paying for the scooter for you, even though I think applying to that foundation really sounds like a good idea. Unfortunately, the lift is usually not covered by anybody. I sure hate to tell you that, but you should know going in, I guess.
By the way, I love the phrase you coined. "Bird with no feathers left" Your imagination knows no bounds!
Also upfront for paperwork is outrageous!. They all charge now, but I'm seeing about -.
Good luck , Sweetie
Gentle hugs, and Blessings,
Nini
Yeah right Vicki Lee. The reward is in troubling the doctors. Wish it paid.
Nini, you alway say the nicest, most encouragin things. Thank you. From the conversation that I had with the doctor's office today, it sounded like they didn't think that the state program would even cover the chair. But aha, there is another state program that is supposed to pay for this. All I need in my desperate, little hand is that letter saying it is a medical necessity. The lady was really rude and cold today. But I know my doctor is not the same way.
The chair is useless to me without the lift. It's already proven that I don't have upper body strength.
I hope something works soon.
My father was in an accident that had left him paralyzed from the bellybutton down, we were so fortunate, he nearly lost his life. When he returned from Mary Freebed in Michigan ( we live din Indiana at the time) he had to relearn how to get around. HE had been in an accident many years prior to that one and lost most of the mobility in his wrists so a wheelchair was nearly impossible for him to manage.
Long story short, he bought a Braun Tri-wheeler which was relatively new at the time. It was not free, it was extremely expensive, not including the van he had to purchase so that he could drive again in his triwheeler.
All this resuulted in him forming a company for people with disabilities. We attempted to reduce the over priced items so that the average person could afford the luxury of attempting to live a better life.
I think it is absolutely fantastic and a Godsend that now, so many years later, individuals are abe to obtain an electric scooter to enable them to live a more productive lifestyle.
(singing) You gotta go where you wanna go, do what you wanna do!
See, Deanna...just like the commercials...well, I dont know if that is the commercial for the scooter...but it applies...
I really do hope you get a scooter. That would be great for you. Those things turn on a dime, so dont worry about the size of your house. I am keeping my fingers crossed for you..(and now they are stuck that way so it's a done deal for sure!!!
Jode, that was a great thing your father did. Crunchy, you are so funny. You know I already asked my doctor that question about my bad shoulder. His answer was to wear wrist splints, which I was already doing. But that doesn't take any pressure off my shoulder. I don't think that they like it that I just won't go away and sit in a corner and suck on my painkillers. All they have to do is either make me well or give me what I need to live my life. Sorry you had to sacrifice your fingers in this endeavor. Maybe your kids can pry your fingers apart. Deanna, I don't know what all you've been through with your doc's, but I'm sure it's been a lot. A lot of times Doc's get so into their schedule you have to knock them upside the head to get them to see that this is a person who has deep feelings about life, and that giving up is not an option. There is always hope and they should EXHAUST every effort. ADVOCATE FOR YOURSELF!!!!!! I know you have just by reading your posts. If you don't want to give up yet, DON"T, and don't let them. If they want to, you are creative, let them know exactly what you think of that...and make sure they know it! I don't know, cuss their *ss out!!!! I don't know what I'm trying to say. I guess I just want to fight for you! I know I will not want to give into it either. It's hard for a fighter to stop fighting. Sometimes we have to. But don't let them tell you when it's time to stop. That's up to you!!! I applaud you because you are a fighter!!! Hang in there! Trish Thanks for what you said Trish. It does sum up how I feel. If I'm willing to keep trying, then why can't they? It really makes me mad that they just give me the "bum's rush" and expect me to accept that. Yes, you are right, I know how to be a pain in the A**. It is one of my specialities that is usually reserved for my kids, but I can pull it out for myself. I just have so many reasons to live and I don't want to stop trying to make the most of my life. Somethings we do have to accept. But I want to wait until I am sure I have no other options. But you definitely brought a tear to my eye. Thanks for the support. ANYTIME!!!!!! Go get 'em girl!!
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