Should I get a wheelchair?

J

jipleary

Guest
Hello all,<br>I'm debating whether I should make use of a wheelchairBackstory: I'm going to visit my girlfriends family over the Christmas holiday in Seattle. My pft's are about 30%. My girlfriend says we're going to be doing a lot of activities and walking around downtown/pike's place market and all the Seattle tourist attractions. I've met her parents before and they are thrilled to have me visiting and want to show me everything! Her mother asked if I needed to rent a wheelchair for the activities and Iimmediatelythought no way. But my girlfriend thought it was a good idea. Considering she knows my limits and knows her family I then reconsidered. <br>My family does not think it's a good idea. I've never used a wheelchair before and I think I would feel awkward anddependent. They think it would be better to just walk to my limit and then rest or shorten the activities they have planned. But I would also feel awkward doing that.<br>But the fact is that I wold not make it through the regular planned activities and walking.<br>So do I take the wheelchair and feel awkward?Or do I explain my limits to the family and tell them I can't do much in a day and feel awkward?<br><br>
 
J

jipleary

Guest
Hello all,<br>I'm debating whether I should make use of a wheelchairBackstory: I'm going to visit my girlfriends family over the Christmas holiday in Seattle. My pft's are about 30%. My girlfriend says we're going to be doing a lot of activities and walking around downtown/pike's place market and all the Seattle tourist attractions. I've met her parents before and they are thrilled to have me visiting and want to show me everything! Her mother asked if I needed to rent a wheelchair for the activities and Iimmediatelythought no way. But my girlfriend thought it was a good idea. Considering she knows my limits and knows her family I then reconsidered. <br>My family does not think it's a good idea. I've never used a wheelchair before and I think I would feel awkward anddependent. They think it would be better to just walk to my limit and then rest or shorten the activities they have planned. But I would also feel awkward doing that.<br>But the fact is that I wold not make it through the regular planned activities and walking.<br>So do I take the wheelchair and feel awkward?Or do I explain my limits to the family and tell them I can't do much in a day and feel awkward?<br><br>
 
J

jipleary

Guest
FYI:
I can walk for about 20 minutes at 2 miles an hour on a good day. I do this at the gym every other day and for right now that's my limit before I'm tired. I also have to remember that I do this on a treadmill where the temperature is controlled, I'm comfortable, and there are no hills.
 
J

jipleary

Guest
FYI:
I can walk for about 20 minutes at 2 miles an hour on a good day. I do this at the gym every other day and for right now that's my limit before I'm tired. I also have to remember that I do this on a treadmill where the temperature is controlled, I'm comfortable, and there are no hills.
 
M

MCGrad2006

Guest
The wheelchair would definitely give you the chance to rest. At least if you get it, then you have that option...to walk for some activities, or to ride along if you are tired. I would say if her family is ok with it go ahead. Obviously if her family mentioned it, they are ok with the idea. They know that you have limits and they are willing to compromise and help out. Take it! If only because it gives you the choice, it will give you peace of mind.
 
M

MCGrad2006

Guest
The wheelchair would definitely give you the chance to rest. At least if you get it, then you have that option...to walk for some activities, or to ride along if you are tired. I would say if her family is ok with it go ahead. Obviously if her family mentioned it, they are ok with the idea. They know that you have limits and they are willing to compromise and help out. Take it! If only because it gives you the choice, it will give you peace of mind.
 
J

jessykt

Guest
If you wear yourself out, you won't be able to enjoy the rest of the day. Walk if you think you can walk and then use the chair when you need a rest, but you aren't sitting in one place and missing out. I don't think you should feel awkward! This is what you have to do to take care of yourself AND try to enjoy life the most.

Have fun on your trip!
 
J

jessykt

Guest
If you wear yourself out, you won't be able to enjoy the rest of the day. Walk if you think you can walk and then use the chair when you need a rest, but you aren't sitting in one place and missing out. I don't think you should feel awkward! This is what you have to do to take care of yourself AND try to enjoy life the most.

Have fun on your trip!
 
B

beleache

New member
My fev1 is around mid 50's & whenever I go through an airport or a big park I make use of a wheelchair. <br>I know how it feels strange being in one, but ppl use them for all different reasons & if it makes it easier & more enjoyable for you, I say go for it.<br>It sounds to me that you could prob handle it w/o a wheel chair at a slower pace, but inclines are tough as you well know. If there are inclines it will change things up considerably.. <br>Whatever you decide to do I hope you have a great time !!<br>Take care <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> joni
 
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beleache

New member
My fev1 is around mid 50's & whenever I go through an airport or a big park I make use of a wheelchair. <br>I know how it feels strange being in one, but ppl use them for all different reasons & if it makes it easier & more enjoyable for you, I say go for it.<br>It sounds to me that you could prob handle it w/o a wheel chair at a slower pace, but inclines are tough as you well know. If there are inclines it will change things up considerably.. <br>Whatever you decide to do I hope you have a great time !!<br>Take care <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> joni
 
F

franzie2984

Member
Seattle is extremely hilly so it might be more difficult than usual to walk around depending on what you are used to (I am used to FLAT ground). Do what feels comfortable and will make your trip enjoyable.
 
F

franzie2984

Member
Seattle is extremely hilly so it might be more difficult than usual to walk around depending on what you are used to (I am used to FLAT ground). Do what feels comfortable and will make your trip enjoyable.
 
T

Treble

New member
I'd take the chair dude. Gettin wheeled around instead of needing to break yourself and potentially get sick from it.

Think about it. Out and about or in and about, in the winter time, around everyone who's sick, while running yourself down by pushing yourself to walk everywhere and keep up... Spells disaster in my books!! :>
 
T

Treble

New member
I'd take the chair dude. Gettin wheeled around instead of needing to break yourself and potentially get sick from it.

Think about it. Out and about or in and about, in the winter time, around everyone who's sick, while running yourself down by pushing yourself to walk everywhere and keep up... Spells disaster in my books!! :>
 
C

cf4life

New member
How about a segway? Not sure about Seattle, but many cities have rentals and even segway tours. Its alot of fun too.
 
C

cf4life

New member
How about a segway? Not sure about Seattle, but many cities have rentals and even segway tours. Its alot of fun too.
 
B

bookworm

Guest
DO the segway if one is available.

Also what about an electric bike? Not sure if that's a popular option for tourists in the US, but it definitely is in Europe.

My husband and I did a segway tour in Paris and it was a great way to see lots without feeling tired. Spent the day feeling like I had amazing mobility instead of feeling like I had limitations. As the tour guide said, "come on, you're all here, because segways are cool."
 
B

bookworm

Guest
DO the segway if one is available.

Also what about an electric bike? Not sure if that's a popular option for tourists in the US, but it definitely is in Europe.

My husband and I did a segway tour in Paris and it was a great way to see lots without feeling tired. Spent the day feeling like I had amazing mobility instead of feeling like I had limitations. As the tour guide said, "come on, you're all here, because segways are cool."
 
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