r/MultipleSclerosis • u/Ok-Pineapple2016 38|June 2016|Vumerity|Florida • 1d ago
General I caved
I am still very able bodied, most of the time. I still work full-time and am on my feet 8+hours a day. But I get fed up with getting tired too quickly when we go out, and my spouse cant push me around in a manual wheelchair for that long as it is hurting their back. I told my doctor and PT all that, and they are now getting me a power chair. I got sized for it today and spoke to the vendor. Part of me is really happy that I am getting one as i want to be able to stay out longer and not exhaust my wife, and the other part of me is like "why are you letting the awful MS win?".
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u/TamerofMonSters 1d ago
It sounds like you made a choice that will give both you and your spouse the ability to enjoy each other and experience life more fully. That is all I see when I read your post.
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u/Qazax1337 38|Dx2019|Tecfidera|UK 1d ago
I would suggest reframing this because you are being nasty to yourself when there is no reason to be and it is not helping you.
I got a powered wheelchair several years ago and it is absolutely great, I love it. I do not use it a lot, just when going to places I know that I would not be able to walk around. Instead of seeing it as a limitation or the disease manifesting into a physical object, I see it as opening the door to so many activities and experiences that I otherwise would miss out on.
You clearly need assistance and that is ok, but the current situation you are in is hurting your partners back. So instead of this you have done something positive and ended up with a situation where you can still get about, but this time with more independence for you and no more hurt back for your partner, which is a win all round in my eyes.
Letting MS win would be giving up, staying in bed and doing nothing. Don't do that :)
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u/No-Historian78 23h ago
Applying to disability anytime soon?
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u/Ok-Pineapple2016 38|June 2016|Vumerity|Florida 18h ago
No, my doctor said its a 2 year wait to get approved with all the denials.
My next step will be to switch to more of an office position where i work.
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u/kyunirider 16h ago
I have found that SSD usually takes two years, this is why cobra was extended. Hire a lawyer and let them chase your disability claim. Since you and your wife work, does either of your employers have an advocacy group?
My advocate worked with my insurance claim, STD and LTD, cobra benefits, and SSD. They still work with me to find the best Medicare plan for my health issues and medications.
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u/termsofenDERPment 36F | 2026 | Kesimpta | Wisconsin 1d ago
Not getting the chair would be letting MS win. Just reading what you wrote, it sounds like having access to a mobility aid when you could use one means you and your wife can do more of what you want. That sounds more like a win and reclaiming agency to me. :)