I am not waiting around to find myself unable to get around and find myself without the ability to buy things that might make my progression with this disease easier…

I have got to the point that if a place doesn't have a scooter provided…store….point of interest….then I don't want to go…

so…I started looking for used equipment….I found a used Pride Revo 4 wheel scooter for a very reasonable price, that looks and works like new….

I bought it and also bought a pickup truck bed crane….took this to a local welding shop and they did some modifications ….will get someone to help me install it….

and now I will be able to go where they don't provide scooters….

so….if anyone wants to go to the mall? I am ready….just not too often…

…if you as a caregiver are thinking your LO could use something like this and you are able to provide…..don't wait until they won't or can't use it….

in looking at the ones that are used…..so many of those real expensive chairs…..were sat in only once or twice….

Good for you, Craig! When Coy's case worker suggested one for him, I thought she was crazy, but it has proved to be a very good purchase!

It is nice for riding around the neighborhood. We have a very small but nice nature preserve nearby, and though the sign says no motorized vehicles I called the park department and found that mobility scooters are exempt.

We went to our local fireworks on the 4th, Coy on his scooter and me walking. It was sooo much better than trying to drive and park in the handicapped spaces.

Even before LBD, we rented scooters at the state fair for Coy (he has congestive heart failure and deformed feet -- bad combination for lots of walking and standing) and now we bring our own.

I hope you enjoy yours!

Also, for those who are on Medicare, if the doctor will write a prescription for a scooter, most or all of the cost will be paid by Medicare. So the cost would not be an issue.

Julianne

I could be wrong, Julianne, but I believe the Medicare coverage only applies if the scooter is required fo getting around in the house.

I would guess that few Lewies would be able to drive or safely negotiate a power scooter but it's a great idea if they can!

I could be wrong too….

that is my understanding also…medicare will only cover if you need to get around house…they will only buy once too….so in cases where the mobility device is 100% necesary….it is probably preferable to get a chair instead of a scooter…

and that is really why I posted this….

don't wait !!!

don't wait until it is necesary…..they may only ride on it once or twice….

will a scooter improve quality of life? if the financial means is possible…..do it…there is no second chance….

from my research….quality second hand equipment can be had for around $500….

to try to put a price on being able to go places with my grandkids while I still can….

without owning or renting a scooter….no zoo….no disney….no mall….

so many things open back up to me….I am not limited to the grocery store, wal mart, home depot…..where they provide scooters...

I know most on the forum wouldn't be able to safely use a scooter….

but I can….right now…..

I will squeeze every moment of independence that I can going forward….

that is what is so horrible….

once lost….lost….not much hope of regaining anything once lost….

make the most of every moment….maximize it….squeeze it….and then squeeze it again…and take a picture so you can show it to me later….

You are an amazing man Craig. Keep up the good fight - I really don't think I could be as strong and brave as you are. Good for you !!!!!!!!!

Ger…..

every one of your Loved Ones have been much braver and stronger than me….and for a lot longer….

never forget that….

if there is any insight that I can bring to this ordeal for most of the caregivers….

you probably missed most of the fight….mind…not all of you…..

but most of you probably missed most of the fight….your Loved Ones didn't know what they fighting….but they were fighting….24 hours a day….along with their real life….

most of you only see the tip of the iceberg….just before it melts….

Pat,
I agree but I also agree with Craig if it is done early enough it maybe possible for many, the truth of the matter we checked into it with my husband but at that point her wasn't able to do it , maybe if I had been smart enough to check earlier on it would have been a different outcome !

I didn't look into it very far because my mother refused to use a scooter, but the doctor wrote the prescription so that my mother could use the scooter to get around outside. My mother did not need it indoors. The doctor said she had written the prescription for others in this situation and Medicare had covered it. This was also a few years ago and maybe the rules have changed.

Julianne