Made appointment to get wheelchair...

So I finally called my insurance company and my doctor and made the very emotional appointments and arraignments to get a wheelchair. At this point I dont need it 24/7 (besides, I cant push it myself! what a joke that would be!) With the nice weather coming up, I am hoping that it will be an investment in my family and my marriage and they wont have to hear me say, "Oh, I dont think I can do that." At least as much anyway!

The lady I talked to for my insurance company was so nice! I actually hung up the phone saying I loved her! hahaha How often does THAT happen with customer service?!? She was so patient with my fibrofog, even after she tried to read to me a web address at the speed of light and when my brain was more focused on her doing the stupid "D as in dog, N as in Nancy" bit instead of the actual web address (OMG I got soooo lost!) she didnt give up on me like I expected...she just giggled along with me and said, "How about I read to you the phone numbers of the wheelchair providers closest to you?" OMG, genius and kind. Love her!

Then I called my Doc for the appointment I needed for the script for the chair. And even though I am proud of myself being able to decipher all this medical mumbo-jumbo and do this advocacy for myself (stuff that a little voice in the back of my head is angry b/c it shouldnt be so ^%$#@ hard but it is for us!) I am sad and full of tears as I say my name, DOB, reason for appointment b/c I have that same pit in my stomach like when I start a new stronger pain med.....like I am crossing a line that I may never cross back over.

I am trying to focus on the positive. The freedom, less pain, more options. I can go up and down the Boardwalk this summer and not slow anyone down.

But still...there is that angry and sad voice...this isnt what I expected to be doing when I was 36. Oh well, wasnt it the great John Lennon that said, "Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans."

Hey Lost in Philly...

I feel the same frustration, not expecting to be so physically accomodating to myself. I am 42 and just 4 yrs ago I was lovin' the gym, taking kickboxing and jogging and such. My extent of exercise is my recumbent bike and if I am ever, ever up to it walking. I now have a cane, handicap placard for the truck and I use the motorized carts in the stores if need be. UFF DA! Never thought I would be this way, but I do try to keep a positive outlook. I know it is hard.

I am glad to hear that you phone conversation was a good experience. Good customer service is hard to come by now it seems. You are taking good care of yourself in this way and that's great. Your trips to the boardwalk will be much more enjoyalbe for you. Enjoy the sun will getting some needed vitamin D.

Hugs,

I have a power wheel chair and I love it. A lot of people see mobility devices as signs of a person giving in and going downhill but that is wrong.

You can do a lot more when you have the right tools for getting around; be it your feet or a wheelchair.

I was able to care for my children, travel, go to grad school, swim, work and more. All because of my wonderful wheel chair.

I cannot push a manual one so I got an electric. My insurance paid 100% for it.

You rock!

Donnaaeil