Does anyone else have this experience when shopping? First of all, I can no longer do more than one place in a day, especially if it's shopping at the mall. I go when I'm feeling really well, by the end of an hour of shopping, I'm tired, my calves and thighs are aching, and I feel as though I have a fever. I get back home and have had it for the rest of the day. Actually, the only time physical exertion doesn't bother me is when I'm in my water exercise class -- I work out for an hour and nothing hurts while I'm in the water!!!
*raises her hand* I'm there. It sucks. :( We try to do everything at walmart, that way its just one shot. I do still enjoy going to the mall though. When we go, we go to JUST the stores we know we want to see, and I sit on the benches in-between stores. When I walk I lean on Justin. I hate it but I'd rather be out and about then a hermit. LoL When I KNOW I'm not going to last very long, I get a wheelchair or a motor cart thingy, that way I don't have to miss out! :)
That's funny, Katie---I just returned from Walmart before I wrote this---that's what started me wondering if others have the same problem. Now, my next question. I notice you are only 23, I'm 61. So far, I've resisted using a wheelchair or motor cart. I know it's a pride thing and I just push myself as much as I can, then have to stop. I really have a lot of trouble even thinking about using a wheelchair when needed and therefore, often say no when my kids and grandkids suggest going to Disneyland or Legoland, etc. When I was a kid, I had rheumatic fever and for years I had to use a wheelchair whenever my family went to the zoo, fair, or any outing requiring a lot of walking. Absolutely hated it---that may have something to do with my reluctance to use one now. Plus, somehow I feel I would be "giving in" to this condition. Any comments? I'm so glad I joined this site -- it's so supportive to hear what others have to say and, as you mentioned, RA sucks!!It is a pride thing, but I just hated looking at the aisles of walmart and trying to find a bare spot on a shelf that I could squat to rest. I'd rather be lazy. LOL The only thing I feel bad about is that maybe I took a cart from someone who really COULDN'T walk. But I try to remind myself how MANY carts they have, and you never see all of them in use. So my guilt usually fades. And at least I get to enjoy the shopping trip.
On the flip side of this...my b/f is also 23 and has severe Crohn's. When he flares it hurts him to stand, so we have this fight as well. He IS too proud to ride in a wheelchair, and I hate it. I got him to do it once, and he felt great. Hoepfully the next time he flares, he'll get over it and take a ride. :)
As far as doing a big trip like Disneyland or Legoland...GO GO GO!!! OMG You only live once and those places are SO fun no matter what condition you're in! And I'll bet you their power scooters are AWESOME. They're probably streamlined and smooth riding, and even have cup holders. LOL
I don't see it as giving in. Giving in would be sitting on your couch and going "I hate life I'm never moving from this spot" I call it adjusting.
Hi there, power scooters ( i think they are the same as our mobility scooters) are really great. My husband bought me one from ebay and i have never looked back. I am only 42 and have resisted using one for ages. When it came to taking the kids to London for the christmas lights being switched on i couldnt say no but was dreading the crowds and no where to rest.So off we went with scooter in tow and it was really great, no walking no standing for hours and the general public were so good about letting me through the crowds. The scooter was owned by a lady who had a lovely sense of humour and had it spray painted gold with a fake leopard skin seat. I havent changed a thing on it and get some wonderful comments.
I think we are all so loathe to give in to using disability aids but if it means we are more mobile and can lead a better life then i am all for them.
Well, you two just about have me talked into it. Once again, I am sooooo glad I found this site!! Thank you!!!! by the way, how did you get so wise at only 23?I don't know. LOLYes! Shopping used to be a happy thing for me. Now it is torture.I hadn't enjoyed shopping for many, many years and only did what I absolutely had to do - just such agony to go through a store, check out, get to the car... In November last year I got my electric wheelchair and now I LOVE shopping! I could go every day! GO FOR IT! Any kind of a chair is fine, try many and see what you like.I know exactly the shopping feeling! It used to be my favourite occupation! I wanted to share a story with you...
Last week I went to Asda (now part of Walmart) to do my weekly shop on Thursday afternoon. I got to the entrance and was looking for a shallow trolley - I can't push the deep ones and in any case couldn't bend to get things in the bottom of them. There weren't any in sight so I asked the Greeter for one, she just shrugged and said they didn't seem to have any and if I couldn't find one I'd have to make do with a deep trolley. I was too cross to even talk to her and asked her to call a Manager. At this point she made the call and practically ran to the door to assist a woman who was using a wheelchair to get a trolley that fit her chair etc. I got angrier - why did I get the brush off and yet other people were helped? The manager came and I asked him why no small trolleys and also mentioned that I found the Greeter rude. He didn't even apologise, but gave the excuse that there seemed to be alot of small trolleys in use that day. He said he would find me a trolley but I had had enough and went home upset. As I limped across the car park I saw the Manager pushing trolleys from the far corner. I was so frustrated. I don't qualify for a blue badge and so never park in disabled spaces, instead I limp across car parks and so my best. Shopping is hell at the best of times, I always try to avoid busy times etc but when will shops realise that sometimes their customers might need some extra help - even if they "don't look disabled". When I take my Grandma shopping we take her blue badge and wheelchair and the difference is amazing!
OK rant over
Copyright ArthritisInsight.com