Forum Replies Created

  • cubby1

    Member
    November 13, 2019 at 2:53 pm in reply to: A wheelchair accessible van

    Hi Steve,

     

    I too use a Hoveround.  To go out, my friends would have to assist me (lift legs into car).  A van or SUV-no way, except for my son who will basically lift me up and “throw” me onto the passenger seat.

     

    Since my friends are older or have physical limitations themselves, was nervous about going with them lately.  So-last Friday I got a used Dodge Caravan minivan with a ramp so I can just drive my power chair right into the minivan.  Actually went out Saturday!  so much easier and less stressful for everyone.

     

    I got it through Mobility Works, they are nationwide and can arrange for transport if the vehicle you want is in a different state (mine was in WI).  Inventory on line, new and used (I saw some from 2010) so much less than a new accessible vehicle.

     

  • cubby1

    Member
    January 21, 2019 at 5:11 pm in reply to: Designing an accessible home

    1) Ramps for stairs, or stair lift if a 2-story house

    2) ADA height toilets

    3) Bathroom design for grab bar placement everywhere

    4) 36 inch wide doorways

    5) low height thresholds for exit to outside and patios/decks

    6) High-arc faucets

    7) Low-set sinks (for wheelchair use individuals)

    8) Roll-in shower

    9) Microwave in counter

    10) Stove with front controls (so no reaching over burners/hot pans etc.)

     

  • cubby1

    Member
    November 29, 2018 at 6:49 pm in reply to: Does anyone have any tips for making showering easier?

    On another site, I saw a suggestion to get a real terrycloth robe to dry after shower/bath instead of trying to use a towel.  It’s on my Christmas list??.

  • cubby1

    Member
    November 29, 2018 at 5:44 pm in reply to: How did you react when you were diagnosed with MS ?

    Oh.  What’s that?

    Never new anyone with this diagnosis (26 years ago).

  • cubby1

    Member
    October 29, 2018 at 7:55 pm in reply to: What adaptions have you made to live with MS?

    1) Power wheelchair (Hover-round)

    2) Stairlift

    3) ADA height toilet

    3) dual-motor recliner (so foot lift and back reclining can be operated separately)

    4) got note from Dr. to give to post office for to-the-door mail delivery

    5) 4 hrs a week home health aide, small household tasks, help with exercises, foot care

    this is not cheap, and don’t really care for it.  Maybe it is the person, I don’t know.

     

     

  • My St. Bernard Ivy.  Needs big hugs from me every morning-tries to climb into my lap 🙂

     

  • cubby1

    Member
    October 29, 2018 at 7:45 pm in reply to: At What age were you diagnosed with MS?

    40 yrs 6 months

     

  • cubby1

    Member
    October 29, 2018 at 7:31 pm in reply to: Multiple Sclerosis and Lymphedema: A Growing Problem?

    yes, trying to find someone for lymphatic massage.

  • cubby1

    Member
    October 29, 2018 at 7:30 pm in reply to: Are you a grandparent with MS?

    As my grandchildren get a little older (I have 8, 5, 4, 4, 3, i=”in the oven”) I have told the 2 older ones that they have to give Grandma a big hug as soon as they are here, since grandma doesn’t get many hugs and they are necessary for physical and mental health.  They are happy to oblige!  🙂

     

  • cubby1

    Member
    October 29, 2018 at 7:21 pm in reply to: MS warriors, What topics are you interested in? Please, let us know!

    Adaptive/assistive equipment and devices (dual power recliner chairs, height-adjustable beds and chairs etc.).

     

  • cubby1

    Member
    October 29, 2018 at 7:17 pm in reply to: Which MS symptom impacts your life the most?

    Unable to walk more than 2-3 steps any more (power wheelchair), bladder control :-(.

     

  • cubby1

    Member
    October 29, 2018 at 7:14 pm in reply to: How many years have you had MS and what is your health status now?

    26 years (diagnosed 1992), good health except mainly wheelchair-bound now.

     

  • cubby1

    Member
    October 29, 2018 at 7:10 pm in reply to: Flu shots: Yea or nay?

    no, just started Aubagio.

  • cubby1

    Member
    October 29, 2018 at 7:08 pm in reply to: Flaws found in mobility devices for people with lower-limb paralysis

    I have a folding power wheelchair.  I am 5’3″.  I have one with 121 inch rear wheels, to make more stable when going over rougher pavement etc.  It has a flip-down footrest.  The footrest comes up so high that I need help getting it down once I am seated.  Swing-away footrests (like on manual wheelchairs) should be optionally available, especially considering how expensive these chairs are.

     

  • cubby1

    Member
    September 14, 2018 at 10:44 am in reply to: Are you getting a flu shot?

    No.

     

  • cubby1

    Member
    April 10, 2018 at 1:23 pm in reply to: Walking the dog

    Really can walk very little, with support.  Mainly in my power wheelchair.  But-I do sometimes walk my St Bernard while in my scooter.  Started with my trainer (animal behaviorist 🙂 ) then can do myself, just have to avoid the untrained unleashed little dogs in the neighborhood.

     

  • cubby1

    Member
    November 13, 2019 at 3:00 pm in reply to: Multiple sclerosis and swelling

    I also have this issue.  Same problem with taking a diuretic, since I do not want to live in the bathroom.  And shoes!  I have bought a lot that say XX wide etc.  Seems to refer to width, can’t find ones that are DEEP enough and easy to get on.  Have about given up on shoes, have been wearing stretchy slippers etc to go out in public.

  • cubby1

    Member
    July 25, 2019 at 5:25 pm in reply to: Walking the dog

    I do not use my power wheelchair to walk my dog.  I have a power scooter 4 wheel Golden Companion.  With 4 wheels and a wider wheel base it is more stable when walking my big dog and will not tip over.  Just feel safer.  Something to consider if you want to walk your dog.