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A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Stoneville, MS

I have a question. I'm considering using a wheelchair for chronic fatigue (extreme debilitating fatigue), knee pain (osteoarthritis), and vertigo. My orthopedic phys will not write a prescription for a wheelchair, saying that if my knees are that bad I need to schedule surgery. Does anyone else use a wheelchair for fibro and fatigue/etc? Did it help with fatigue? I know it will help keep me stable with vertigo. I'm trying to decide between a walker and wheelchair....

October 22, 2018
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Answer Summary

Members shared deeply personal experiences about using wheelchairs for fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and pain, with many describing the... Read more

Members shared deeply personal experiences about using wheelchairs for fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and pain, with many describing the emotional struggle of feeling like they were "giving in" before realizing that mobility aids are tools for maintaining independence and quality of life, not signs of defeat. Several members offered practical advice, including considering a mobility scooter instead of a manual wheelchair to save arm strength, trying a walker first, switching doctors if current providers are dismissive, and exploring insurance coverage options like Medicare. A recurring theme was empowerment and self-advocacy, with members encouraging each other to prioritize their own needs without shame, ignore judgmental looks from others, and remember that using mobility aids when needed is about staying active and functional rather than surrendering to illness.

A MyFibroTeam Member

Listen Fibro family your your own BOSS !!! You can hire and fire your Doctor. You don't have to take that crap and that's not the only Doctor. I use to be afraid but I'm responsible for Katrina. Find yourself a new doctor don't be harsh but demand in a nice way what you feel u need ( Doctor I need a wheelchair BC. Just write the script it's not coming out of the Dr. pay). Enough of this being afraid to speak up for yourself !!!!

October 23, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

Exactly Rosey! My normal doctor left the practice and I saw a different one. She started talking about going to talk to someone for cognitive therapy. I’m sure it’s good to learn to treat pain in other ways but I HURT aLL THE TIME! I felt she treated my back issues but totally dismissed the fibro. When I checked out for my new appt I said I do not want to see her!

October 24, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

I still think age has nothing to do with it, so if you need to keep yourself from falling down, why not use something to help! @A MyFibroTeam Member, @A MyFibroTeam Member. Whatever helps, if it makes it easier to be mobile, I'd do it. However it's your choice! Hugs honey!

October 23, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

I understand your in a lot of pain but I am just not sure on using any walker or wheel chair without doctors orders. I myself have so many rare diseases I ever heard of. I had brain surgery in 2009 for chiari malformation, I went to the hospital for asthma attack on my birthday and after staying over week I finally get the news and this surgery needed to happen and fast. As time went by i was diagnosed with mixed connective tissue disease my primary disease is lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, Polymyositis and Myositis and my latest disease is Fibromyalgia. Long story short try your hardest before depending on using a wheelchair. You just don't want to label yourself earlier than you have too

October 22, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

@A MyFibroTeam Member, you mentioned vertigo. Have you ever seen an Audiologist? They can help the crystals in your ears go back to where they belong as sometimes they get dislodged from their spot in the ear canal. You can also go to Utube and find the methods used at home by yourself to do the same thing. Better to have someone with you when performing the exercise for your ears as you may start spinning, which is what you will need to do with your eyes open, until it stops in one ear. Then you do the other ear the same way. It's not a comfortable feeling, but after you do that you will need to sleep sitting more in an upright position for several days to keep the crystals in place. Hope this information helps your vertigo. I know it's helped mine! Hugs!

October 22, 2018

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