I also think its a mindset tho. The minute my g. grampa got a wheelchair he immediately stopped walking because he just gave up. Now he is so bad that he cant even stand because he didn't take the time to keep trying, it was just easier with a chair but now his muscles are too weak to hold him. So, just depends on the individual and their mindset a lot of the time. If they aren't determined to keep walking then they just wont walk anymore.

Exactly, it is an additional tool! Some days I need it, other days I do not. I think it will be very helpful, particularly for long distance!

I use mine about 3x a week and it's made it easier to walk on the days I don't use it because I'm in less pain.

It's going to blow you away how much easier it will make your life! At least if you have the strength to propel it. Even with an ultralight, you will still have a lot of repetitive movements with your arms, and I don't know how your joints will handle that with the ED. You might want to consider a power chair if that's likely to be a problem - and they do make folding ones that will still fit in your car, although I don't think insurance is likely to cover those. At least you are tiny and lightweight yourself, so you will not have as much mass to propel :-) I *had* to get a power chair because of a bad neck and back, and arthritis in both as well as in my shoulders, plus problems with my elbows and wrists. It took me almost 20 years to finally bite the bullet, and I cannot tell you how glad I am that I did! My only regret is not having done it much, much, much sooner. You are absolutely right that it's just a tool, and one you definitely ought to take advantage of. There is simply no point in suffering and putting yourself at risk when the technology exists to make your life easier. Sabrina, you are also dead right that it's a mindset, and that it is really essential to not just give up walking while one still can. Still, having been dealing with increasing chronic pain and debility for close to 60 years now, in hyperdrive for over 35, I can also totally understand the impulse to just give up, especially for older people who have also had increasing issues over a long period of time. The relief is just **so** great by the time they do finally get the chair... And especially with elderly people, they may just not feel that the extra effort is worth it at their age, rightly or wrongly. I have to respect their decisions, because I get it. It really might not be. It may be that it allows them to do things they haven't been able to do in a long time, and just getting out is more desirable than *how* they get out at the end of the day. Exercise can be obtained in many ways. I know I use mine to do things I have *never* been able to do, or haven't been able to do in *decades* - and many of those things I wouldn't have even attempted at all without the chair, so what am I losing by using it instead of walking? Nothing! But I *am* getting out and about, and actually *doing* more, socializing more, doing more fun things again, etc., because I finally *can*. It's a net gain. I find that I'm using mine more than I had expected to, and that is both a good thing and a bad one. It's such a relief to be *able* to do even routine things like grocery shopping (and indeed *any* shopping in a big store) and not be knocked out for days that I now pretty much use it as a matter of course when I am doing something like that - and then I make sure I walk for everything else I'm doing that day, unless, of course, I am having a particularly bad day. Sometimes I go weeks or months without touching the chair, and then I'll end up using it all day every day for 3-4 days; it all depends on what is active and how active *I* need to be, and with what. I'm still trying to find the right balance and pattern for my own needs; that's obviously something that every person needs to sort out for their own self. There's a great book that helped me make the decision, and which really helped put the whole notion of the necessity (or lack thereof) of continuing to walk vs using any sort of mobility device in perspective for me that I highly recommend to anyone contemplating this move, especially if they are reluctant, and to people just trying to understand *why* someone would choose such a device while still ambulatory - and why they might use it more often than not. It's called "When Walking Fails: Mobility Problems of Adults with Chronic Conditions", by Lisa Iezzoni. www.amazon.com/When-Walking-Fails-Mobility-Conditions/dp/0520238192. It's a real eye-opener on a lot of levels.

Vanna Banana such a good idea! Hope something like that goes viral and educate people!

That's very good idea!

That is an awesome idea! I will add it to the list (:

Candace Gray thats a good ideal! but i think she like to walk around a little and get some exercise

Candace Gray That's awesome! I was at Walmart last night and I saw a sign that they offer a discount if you order things online and then come and pick them up. I'll have to check it out and see if groceries are included in the discount! Even if they don't, it's a REALLY cool service that they offer!

I would do this BUT the only walmart that offers it in our area is outside of my driving radius... And in a not so great area. So it is a bit difficult at the moment but I think our walmart might start it up. I can hope!

Of course, totally understandable! We have another walmart about 20 minutes away in the next town that sometimes will have more in stock as it is a much bigger city but still i do not like to take my kids there as it isnt a great area. And obviously your driving radius is in place for your safety so that is also very important! Thumbs up for staying safe :) and here is to hoping your walmart soon adds the pickup option for the days when you dont feel up to being in the store!

Chronically Jaquie how about just order online and get it delivered at your home? They have free delivery service after I think 50 bucks.

C M I am a POTSie too that is newly diagnosed and this Vlog has helped immensely. It's hard to admit I need a walker sometimes and I feel guilty but I'm learning its more important to listen to my body!

So happy my story has helped fellow POTSies!

C M I'm a POTSie too ❤️❤️ I love watching Jaquie

If you can't leave the house, it's time! I started off using a wheelchair at the mall and 6 months later I have my own custom Tilite ZRA. It's made my life 100x easier and I WANT to leave the house because I'm not in agony when I get home. (I have severe chronic pain from Tourette Syndrome and endometriosis + chronic fatigue)

Dang, that's some serious ticcing then! My sympathies. (Fellow TSer here, but my tics are more occult.) I also started out by renting scooters, actually, when I was out of town on a couple of trips, and thought that was what I was going to get. My local Center for Assistive Technology impressed upon me why an actual power wheelchair would be better for me overall, and I haven't looked back. The point is to get *anything* that will help - and it will in fact make the world of difference! I was actually mostly housebound for a few years before I got my chair, so it's taken some time to try to just change the patterns, but what a difference.

Jessica Ortega I really wish people wouldn't judge when someone uses wheelchairs just because they don't have a visible illness. I have cystic fibrosis and when I'm admitted into the hospital I always use a wheelchair for two reasons 1 because I'm hooked up to so many different antibiotics and people are rude and bump right into to (they could pull out my catheter 2 because I'm so exhausted it's nice to get out but I get tired just going down the elevator. When I'm out in public I sometimes use the motor carts and I get so many comments stares or people will confront me face to face. Some times it pisses me off and sometimes I know some don't know better. But I just wish people would have open minds about things

Lanx991 GT3 😂😂😂😂 Judd would be the fittest Sheriff!

Disney Gamer She wins a street race on 1320Video 😂

Lanx991 GT3 😂😂😂😂👏

Ashley Keen Wish smart drives were available here. I'm a powerchair user but would be nice to have something that fits in a car for those situations lol

They are available but I don't have a spare few grand lol

Sarah Smith where are you located?

I have a ti lite and mines in no way light or easy to load lol but I do love my chair

kpopfan forever77 mine is very light! I think it depends on style and model!

I also have a walker but I only use it if I'm grocery shopping alone. Yes the walker helps with preventing falls, but it doesn't relieve the STRESS of feeling like you're gonna fall. For weeks, I wouldn't leave the house without my husband. Well, now that I have the wheelchair neither of us worries about it. I feel relaxed and can focus on the task at hand vs. how much pain I'm in, whether or not I'm gonna fall etc With your POTS and EDS, a power chair may be more suitable.... but talk to your doctor. :)

Mines at like 8 am 😂

Mine is at 9AM

Kayla Egan 6 pm here😂

Haha same for me too im in Melb Aus, I usually watch before I go to sleep ☺😂

Lol! She walks with sass :P

Obviously this isn't even nearly as bad as your condition but wth my arthritis it's awful I can't stand or walk for too long I can stand maybe 5 minutes before my ankles give out and 15 before my knees start to ache it's horrible

That sounds hard, I am sorry for your struggles! I hope you find helpful tools.

Nope, no shame at all!

You are so sweet!

Yes I truly want that!!

Unfortunately they do not work well for me

I'm sorry that's not an option for you. I hope you find one that does work!

OMG I would love pink, if possible!

Starting with a manual and we will see if I need extra help from there :)

I love my walker! I take advantage of anything that can help me in my battles. Hang in there! I know pre-syncope stinks.

Chronically Jaquie I have an appointment with my primary doc for the purpose of ordering it for me. It's warranted & my insurance covers it; but apparently need a face-to-face visit just for this to satisfy insurance. Thanks Jacquie

Lol! That was like my wheelchair appt. My doc was all for it, but formalities. I was able to get some questions answered though :)

She definitely loves to work!

Chronically Jaquie OMG!!! YOU RESPONDING JUST MADE MY DAY!

That's so sweet!

Puffyton 6

Also- congrats on 222 videos

As in I designed its look sort of. Its blue with silver *highlights* if u will. Its just annoying to have ro maintain so often 🙄

Thank you (: I try hard to accept my circumstances and adapt. As for the doc thing, check out my Answers video, I give a lot of good info there!

Chronically Jaquie Thank you so much for replying! I'll give the Answers video a look :)

Yes, the elevation helps but only very temporarily. I can get massages! It does not help my POTS but does help with chronic pain.

It is on the list of to do items

I only shower every 3-4 days because of my POTS (and port). I use shower wipes in between. I use a stool in the shower and cold water only.