Do I need to use a Wheelchair? 

My son is a part time wheelchair user and has been his entire life. He is 23. Some family members had a hard time understanding why. My simple answer is he can enjoy life BECAUSE of his wheelchair.

I struggled with the decision to stop walking and use a wheelchair. It wasn't until my therapist said "Why can't you do both?" That is when the light went on in my brain. I have PPMS. I felt choosing to use a chair was allowing PPMS to win and take over my life. On the contrary, using my wheelchair gave me back the quality in my life! I can stand, transfer, even walk with a walker for a few feet, but in my chair I live a full life with far more fun and less anxiety! My chair is a part of who I am. Great video Gem! Thank you for the reminder.

After being trapped in the house except for medical appointments because I can't self-propel, this week I received and started using my new power chair. For the first time in years, my husband and I went shopping and then lunch at a cafe! I didn't have to feel guilty about him pushing my chair and getting a migraine from it. I was able to stop and look at things in the shop. My husband was able to go look at other parts of the shop when I was looking at something he wasn't interested in. And at the outdoor cafe, I was able to sit in the sun AND I got to stroke a lovely dog named Molly! For the first time in years, I'm FREE!!

I'm a wheelchair user due to severe Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. I fought against it for years, until i became practically house bound at the age of 23. Before my illness got worse, I was really outdoorsy. I used to go camping and hiking etc. But I had to give that up. Now thanks to my wheelchair, I'm able to get back to doing that! I'm a nature photographer, and I've recently been working on a project with the BBC. I would never have been able to do that without my chair!

I’ve had my wheelchair for about a year. Recently I’ve been worried I’m using it more than I need to (ty internalized ableism). Then two days ago I had to stand for 10 minutes for a medical test and I still feel terrible. Trust your understanding of your own body. It’s not a simple choice, but if you’re thinking about it a lot, it’s probably worth looking into further. It took almost a year to get my wheelchair after self-referring to OT, so in my experience, it’s not a snap decision once you reach out to someone. By the time I actually got my wheelchair, it was one of the happiest moments of my life because it gave me so much freedom.

Always remember, you are the only person who can live in your body, no one else can. Don’t concern yourself with what other people think, you don’t always have to give an explanation for why you need to use mobility aids to get around. 😘✌️

IMPORTANT HEALTH CONSIDERATION: I've been a full-time wheelchair user for most of the past two years. I'm not paralyzed; I'm an amputee with complications preventing me from using a prosthesis. This makes a BIG difference. I was resistant to a wheelchair at first, until I sat in one and felt instantly liberated. Why didn't I get one sooner? I agree with your points, Gem, BUT there's a consideration I don't think you've thought of that's important for non-paralyzed wheelchair users. The fascia (it's the connective tissue that holds muscles, organs, etc. in place) gets bound up when the muscles aren't used, resulting in increasing pain the longer I'm in the chair. My physical therapist said this is very common in wheelchair users, including people with spinal cord injuries but if a paralyzed person doesn't have sensation or the ability to use his/her legs, then it's not a big problem like it is for someone like me. I can feel the pain, and the longer I sit in a wheelchair, the more my muscles atrophy, which impacts my hopes for walking in future, as well as things like my metabolism. Changes in posture can result in chiropractic needs. Basically there's a domino effect. I definitely don't think people should put off getting a wheelchair if they need one, but it would be wise to discuss your full medical situation with a doctor and physical therapist to make a plan about how much of the time you're going to use it; are you going to try to prevent muscle loss; if so, how? What about prevention of chronic pain? Basically, a wheelchair can be delightfully liberating and you'll have the best experience possible if you work with your medical team to plan ahead for potential problems. Even given my setbacks, every day I'm incredibly grateful for my wheelchair.

I sat around depressed and worried to get up and walk with my walker because I was scared of falling. And the winter with snow and ice was totally out of the question. My OT told me just recently that she wishes I'd switched to a wheelchair 6 to 9 months earlier than I did. It's been 2 years now and I'm still getting used to the Independence that the wheelchair gives me. But I love it!

I have MS and it was when I started to furniture walk that I felt I needed to use a wheelchair. It gave me so much freedom it was crazy. Now I'm in one fulltime as my legs have stopped working at all, and I can't even stand. Glad I got in to it sooner rather than later, really built m,y arms up a bit haha.

it was a very easy decision for me. And it was the best. My wheelchair is also serving me as a painkiller. It helped me to be faster, have no falls anymore and far less balance issues. and it helped me to finally know to which group i belonged.

My wheels enabled me to spend a week enjoying myself at Disney World with one of my best friends. I thought I'd never get to do that again. We averaged 12 miles a day, that trip. I would have been in indescribable pain if I'd had to walk, even with a cane. Instead, I was smiling and enjoying myself the entire time. Long story short: if you think you need one, try one. See if it helps. If it helps, it helps. It's really that simple. (Caveat that the inexpensive Drive wheelchairs and other "hospital models" are incredibly heavy, difficult to self-propel, and not set up for good ergonomics. A lightweight properly-fit chair makes a world of difference.)

I’ve been using a chair on and off since 2017 and still family dont understand I love being able to do more than 1 thing a day and not worrying about feeling ill and not being able to get home or having to walk to the next bus stop or something I just wish I was better at self propelling as I’m not very good at it but I love my tri ride and being able to go on long walks again but there is times I do still walk but I have to pace myself and rest before and after

I'm an ambulatory wheelchair user. I typically use a cane or rollator but if I'm going to do something that requires a lot of walking like a museum or a fair or convention. This way I can enjoy the event without becoming in pain or fatiguing faster.

My mom fell & dislocated her shoulder. Followed that 2 1/2 months later, she had a mild stroke. She’s also nearly blind. After rehabilitation from the stroke , she was back to using her roller walker, then she began falling, several times a week, sometimes more than once a day. A year ago, I insisted she use a wheelchair. In the past year, since she started using the wheelchair full time, she’s only fallen 3 times. Each time because she’s forgotten to lock the wheels. So much less risk that she’ll be injured from a fall now. She wasn’t tripping over anything when she was falling all the time, her legs would give out, and her balance is very poor, especially since the stroke

After chronic pain and major knee problems I decided to use a wheelchair and it’s the best thing I did

Well said. I was that person without a wheelchair and finally getting one was like a new life. I even recently learned to take my phone to call stores I want to visit and tell them to open the door for me. Why can't I live in a place where the world was made for people with disabilities? You'd think the USA would be full of them, but it isn't.

I have a neurological condition that is caused by a brain/body miscommunication and is often triggered by pain and exhaustion. Some people with it become partially paralyzed for months, some just have trouble walking, or walking distances. Often we are told "don't get a wheelchair, you will become dependent on it". Or "if you use a wheelchair you're lose more of your independence." Yeah, that's such BS. Thank you for this video. If you need it to function and enjoy life, use it when you need it. Without mine I would be house bound. With it, I can go shopping, to community events, to fairs, etc.

I've had to use a chair since my early teens, but I've noticed a lot of people coming to the point of needing a wheelchair refrain because they feel like imposters for using one. They can "just about manage" (albeit in pain or distress) and so feel they're not immobile enough to "deserve" a chair. If you are at this point, GET THE DAMN CHAIR! 😄 It's a tool to make life better, not a badge you earn for being disabled enough. It will improve your life so much!

Best decision I made was to accept that there were just things I could not do without a wheelchair. Getting outside the house and moving was the best therapy.

I've recently transitioned to using a wheelchair full time when previously I used it outside the house (and occasionally on really bad days). I've felt like a bit of a fraud at times, so I really needed to hear this, falls and furniture walking had become an issue for me.

My wife's listening in the background agreeing with every word you said. She's so happy that I finally got a chair and am "jolling around" with her instead of being at home.

I have a neuropathy condition ,I can walk using a walking frame in house,but if going somewhere that requires a lot of walking I need my chair,lots of family don’t understand why I don’t walk with my frame outside,my reply is “ I would but I will get worn out before end of road !”.been a year with this condition and it took a huge jump to go outside and being seen in it,thankfully I have a very supportive husband and 2 adult children to help.

Loving the wheelchair positivity. I’m having a lot of seizures, paralysis and mutism and barely leave the house. I have to go out with a chair. If I’m only walking I could be fine but any shop, interaction, stress, noise I’ll Have a seizure and be paralysed for about 20 mins. I used to lie on the pavement each time… 😵‍💫 Now I’m this strange person who gets in and out of the wheelchair! I mean I don’t care what people think but it could look like I’m taking advantage of disability privilege (people do treat you different 😳 and sometimes in a nice way).

Ambulating wheelchair user here. I mostly use a rollator. Due to a recent flare up, I’ve been forced to use the chair more. Since using it more, I have more energy, maintain better posture, and have surpassed my daily exercise as well as steps. My daily standing has decreased, but it’s gone from 16 hours to 13. So still higher than average. I still use the rollator a lot but I focus on using it when I can due so with better quality

A great video thanks. Even though I do not use a wheelchair (yet), I use a mobility scooter. The things you said about using a wheelchair are relevant for a scooter. I am one of those people that whilst I have all my limbs and they work, I do not produce the 'drive' for my body. So all movement is a great effort and very exhausting. So a manual wheel chair as you have would not help. It would have to be powered. Even now my life revolves around batteries and how much power they have left in them. Yes I have run out of power (not often) and my wife/carer had to push me and the scooter back to the car(You can't just get off it and walk back to the car!). Does it affect me going out? Yes especially when I am not so good. It is all too easy to just take the 'easier option' and not bother. As I said a lot of what you said is applicable for scooter users also.x

Ambulatory wheelie here. My lower spine has been messed up since early grade school, but it didn't really give me any mobility issues (at least nothing noticeable) until I was 24, when one day I randomly started not being able to stand still for more than about 20 seconds at a time, or walk further than about half a block, b/c my left knee would suddenly give out (no pain, but rather a total loss of power from one of my low vertebrae pressing very hard on my spinal cord, and I'm sure POTS, mold poisoning, probable hEDS, and having sustained 5 or 6 concussions in the preceding 2 1/2 years also didn't help), but only on smooth surfaces, and wouldn't stop until I'd been off my feet for a while; uneven surfaces (dirt, grass, gravel, etc.) are perfectly fine, and I can walk the 2 miles from the barn to the very back of the horse pasture and back (1 mile each way) with no issue (apparently having trouble on smooth surfaces but being perfectly fine on uneven ones is a thing, even though it seems like it should be the other way around). So that was the primary reason I got my chair - used a loaner for just over 2 years until I got my custom w/SmartDrive a little over 2 years ago (without the SmartDrive, I wouldn't be able to really get out much without having to drive because my joints can't handle wheeling except on a smooth, perfectly level surface due to what I'm 99.999% sure is hEDS (the only thing that could potentially rule it out is genetic testing, b/c I meet the hEDS diagnostic criteria), plus a messed up shoulder from a soccer injury when I was 14 - I timed it once, and it takes me 9 times as long to wheel myself as it does to use my SmartDrive for the same distance). I also use it for saving energy, e.g. 3 years ago, in the days leading up to a wilderness medical recert, I used my chair (instead of walking) as much as I could to conserve my energy so that I would be less drained for the recert itself, since it was at a camp where I knew, because I'd done my previous recert there, that I wouldn't be able to use my chair there at all. Good thing I saved my energy, because I ended up having to walk down a big steep hill and up another one 6 times a day for all 3 days of the course (from the cabin I was staying in over to breakfast, then to class, to lunch, to class, to dinner, and back to the cabin for the night - the previous time I was there, class was held in a section of the dining hall and the cabin I stayed in was pretty much right next to the dining hall, so that time it was no big deal), and it rained a lot of the time I was there, so the ground was wet, so I also had to spend the energy to make sure I didn't slip on the way down each time (not easy when a good portion of it is wooden boardwalk and steep wooden steps (no railing of any kind for a lot of them) and there's moss on them). And there are times where my legs outright refuse to hold me - doesn't happen very often, but occasionally altitude will affect me so badly (I live in the Rockies, and my body doesn't really care whether I return back down to the original elevation or not, it only cares about whatever the highest elevation I went to was) that my legs downright refuse to hold my weight, making me have to lock my knees when walking/standing in order for them to not give out, and sometimes even that isn't enough. As for my mindset for using a chair when I can still "walk perfectly fine" (I've personally never used crutches (other than after an acute injury), a cane, or a walker, because I've never needed them and they actually wouldn't help me anyway, though I do use the shopping cart as a walker when grocery shopping because I can lean on it while still maintaining a balanced upright posture), some of the videos in Chronically Jaquie's custom wheelchair playlist were exceedingly helpful in hammering home that a chair is just a tool to improve quality of life, not a sign of giving up in any way, because she said there would be times where she would need to use it and other times where she would be able to use her walker or service dog instead. As for what other people might think of me using my chair or handicapped parking tag when they've seen that I can still walk, the way I see it is that my doctor and I (and some of my family and friends) know my medical history and the reasons I have the chair and tag, but other people don't, so what they think about me using them doesn't matter, so I don't bother concerning myself with it - honestly, one of my favorite things to do when I'm at 2 particular grocery stores is, when I need to get something off the top shelf in the refrigerated or frozen section, to get out of my chair and climb up (but not on my chair) so I can reach whatever it is I need, then pop back down and get back in my chair: I figure I'm breaking stereotypes for anyone who sees me do it (by the time I got my custom, I'd already dealt with someone being very surprised that I was in a chair but could still stand up - I gave him the little "not just for paralysis" spiel - so I'm not embarrassed to let anyone else see).

It's tough when you need one but your doctors keep telling you that you don't need mobility aids, even less a wheelchair 😭 they seem to think that only if you're paralyzed you can use a wheelchair

My chair gave me bad my life. It's just a tool, a really stigmatized tool , but still just a tool.

As you know, I got a mobility scooter last year, well I love it! It's opened SO many doors and it's been fabulous for my mental health. However, we've now booked a cruise for Christmas and we couldn't get an accessible cabin - their rules are scooters must have an accessible cabin. So now I've had to buy a manual wheelchair. I don't feel positive about that yet, but once I get on my cruise and I see how the chair has (like my scooter) opened a door to something that wouldn't have been possible otherwise, I know I'll love it. My GP can't believe what a difference the scooter has made for my mental health. We've been to Brighton Sea Life Centre, Thorpe Park and Legoland all within the last month...places I could have only dreamed about previously. It was actually a suggestion from my sister that I look at getting a manual wheelchair so that I don't need to miss out.

Getting my own wheelchair reopened my world. I started getting out more, I picked up some hobbies… just because i felt i could finally do things myself once again

This is a absolutely brilliant video and would be excellent for anyone who is in need of a wheelchair but hesitant. Wheelchairs are fantastic and they definitely liberating ❤😊

Hey Gem I like this channel. But this one really spoke to me. I have arthritis and walking has become a struggle and extremely painful. My first wheelchair was a real struggle to decide to get, it took me months. I have just bought a super lightweight wheelchair which I hope will get me even more active. My family helped me see that, having a degenerative spinal condition, preserving my mobility was a worthwhile endeavour! But it still isn’t easy at times as - as you say - it can feel like giving up. But it isn’t. I am learning to feel less guilty about it. Channels like yours help!! Thanks!!

I use a wheelchair quite a lot of the time. I am an amputee but do I have a prosthetic, but due to still having a condition called complex regional pain syndrome in my stump it stops me using it has often as I wanted too. Now my consultant says I need to be referred to a spinal surgeon because of problems with my lower back, spine and horrendous nerve pain in my amputated leg. I was lucky I have had a customised wheelchair made through NHS funding which I get next week Happy days. All iam waiting for now is my ramp for outside the house which I have waited for months for. At least that will give me a chance to get out instead of relying on other people to get me out. Next is to learn to drive my adapted car. So if you need a wheelchair don't hesitate use one

I've used a walking stick &/ crutches for over 18 years. 8 years ago i *knew* that i should get a wheelchair to make my life easier, especially for days out & to preserve energy because i already was experiencing the 1 day out then 5 days housebound/ severe pain & damage. It was 2019 when I *FINALLY* decided that it was time to get a wheelchair. However I quickly found that i didn't have the upper body strength to push myself, plus coupled with my EDS hypermobility, my shoulders & wrists especially couldn't handle a manual wheelchair. Obvs Covid then hit and due to other health issues i had to stay home. I did buy myself a mobility scooter during the pandemic ( gotta love the internet!) But it didn't get any use until recently. I'm also looking to get an electric folding wheelchair for the exact same reasons that i initially bought the manual wheelchair for, days out and to conserve energy. Unfortunately in the midlands the buses & trams require mobility scooter users to have gone on a training day to learn how to get on off etc. My issue is that i cannot renew my expired disability travel pass because of the PIP delays. I sent off my renewal papers in October 2021, my bus pass expired in December 2021. You need a valid disabled bus pass to book the training day. I'm getting paid PIP but due to the ongoing delays I've only had random texts saying that they have my paperwork, they are progressing the review as soon as they can and that i may still need an assessment (every bloody time, why can't they understand what "degenerative" means?). So on the *very* rare times that i leave my place (i live alone) i still have to put up with the 5+ day recovery period (i still have issues with internal ableism, telling me i should just walk) or get an uber assist to be able to take my mobility scooter. I love your channel, it's helped me a lot & your videos help me especially mentally, when having a bad day. Even pre pandemic many "friends" gradually (or not so) disappeared. Thankfully I do have a couple left who are the best. Unsurprisingly they're people who have experienced health issues themselves or to family members close to them.

Ever since I found your channel, you have help me in my wheelchair journey and I have a electric wheelchair and you have give me a lot of confidence. You rock. Your channel have been a great support for me.

If it would help you and you have the means, it is a disservice to yourself to delay. I can’t afford a chair, so I just stay home, but I never felt at all unsure or awkward about needing one or using one, just about getting one. LOL

my roommate has lived with me since i was first out of the house and trying to live independently without mobility aids. i thought that because i had managed for so many years by just staying on my feet and hoping i would be able to get basic needs done before dropping, that i didnt need a wheelchair. then when i got one i realized just how much i was missing out on. my illnesses are largely "invisible", but my roommate has told me how much of a difference they observe in me when im aided vs unaided when i start to doubt myself. im now even considering a custom chair as i start to accept the fact that i will probably need a wheelchair on and off for the rest of my life. i definitely wouldnt have reached that without my roommate and people like you. thanks so much!!

For a long time I, a mobile wheelz-user, was asked: Do you need the wheels? You can let it home, then I needn't to put it out of the car!? Then I got bad eyes rolls and more when I said: The way to my next reachable chair (in church) I might reach on my own, but when it's later I can't go wherever I want. You don't want to sit right next to me hole time to help me go elsewhere? Because I'm not 100 % lame people often don't „allow“ me to use my best legs, my wheelz, and I often had to fight. Now, very ill, laying in bed with so much more pain and with impossibility to sit (dizzy immediatly and I fall at one side, in addition I don't have the power in hands, back or legs, not in my neck or in my arms to stay longer than max. 5 min. in wheelz) some call me and ask: when do you come back? When did you sleep(!!!) enough? Why don't you WANT to get up…!?!?! Icry bc of those questions, more than about the pain. Each day I train to get back to my wheelz, and if I can I'd be so glad! Why can't the others accept I'm ill without a plaster cast around me to show them where the sickness is to be seen. Or not. As weant. We're part of you all! We're hnuman being.

I need a wheelchair some days. I have one I got on Freecycle but it's not the right fit for me. I've been told to ask to be referred to wheelchair services but the drs haven't been all that helpful in the past. I asked for them to sign the paperwork for the disabled bus pass and he practically laughed in my face and refused. The first time I asked about a blue badge, the woman at the council, looked me up and down, while I'm standing there with a walking stick and numb feet from walking, and told me I could have the form but I probably wouldn't get it. The so called people who are meant to help me, have been rude and dismissive so I'm reluctant to ask for a referral to wheelchair services despite it taking me 5 minutes to walk the length of the drs waiting room and them seeing I'm struggling in pain. I'm debating setting up a gofundme for a wheelchair that's measured and the e-wheels so I can self propel without needing my son and not getting worn out so easily.

this video came out at just the right time. ive just bought my first wheelchair (delivering in november) but starting to get a lot of self doubt, people keep saying thing (they mean well) about how their glad to see me walking, or how certain things will help me not need mobility aids (i use a stick the majority of the time) but they dont see the after affects, not being able to do anything for days after, even when i use good pacing. ive gotten to the point that im relying on my stick too much and am popping my shoulder out of place which then has knock on effects for the rest of me my chair is going to allow me to do so much more, ill be able to go for days out with neices and nephews and not feel like im holding everyone else back, ill be able to still go out on bad mobility/pain days rather than cancel plans all the time.

I've been using a standard mobility shop wheelchair for almost 2 years now when I'm out of the house for many of the reasons you mentioned, I've now ordered my first active chair after an ot came to the house (the voucher barely covers the cushion and push rims I need but it's better than nothing) and I'm so excited to have something much lighter and more maneuverable and see the difference that makes

I was born with my disability, and honestly I wanted to use a wheelchair long before I became an adult and decided for myself that I was done with the whole walking lark. My childhood was full of surgeries and physio because at the time the goal was to make us as 'normal' as possible. Even a few years ago, I tried to force myself to learn to walk again because I thought walking was the ideal, but when my physio helped me dig it to why I was putting myself through it, I realised at the root was internalised ableism and the desire to 'fit in' with non-disabled people. She helped me see that using a wheelchair gives me a better quality of life than wasting time getting frustrated at a lack of progress waking. Now I'm so comfy in my disabled identity that if non-disabled people want to come along for the ride (figuratively ands literally!) that's up to them. 😊

I am an ambulatory wheelchair user due to severe dysautonomia and ehlers danlos syndrome. I get accused of faking all the time because I can technically walk, just not long distances or safely....

I am 39 and I have EDS. I use a wheelchair for the past 5,5 years for outside and some days in my home too. But looking back? I could have used the chair already 20 years earlier. Walking was always painful for my legs and my back. A wheelchair gives freedom. I am really happy with my wheelchair with shockabsobend wheels and batec bike and smartdrive. Look at it as a bike. It will take you to wherever you need or want to go.

I have CP and used a walker for PT in school for weight bearing, which was fine. but eventually it became obvious a wheelchair was just far more attainable to me. and alot better for my ankles. I made the decision my chair (which I always had) was better than what others thought was good for me

This is a great video!!!!!!!!! I have Cerebellar Ataxia and have used a wheelchair for many years.

I have a metabolic degenerative disease which is extremely rare which has left me now needing a wheelchair every time I leave the house I see it as a positive thing that I can use a wheelchair to improve my quality of life but what did surprise me is other people opinion because I can still walk a tiny amount and move my legs they are like well can’t you just make yourself keep walking I find they views very deflating. Thanks for your videos they are great and really have help me a lot.

What a great video again Gem! Wish i saw this 15 years ago... I've got Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and walking came harder and more painful, but pressure of my own family made me fight against wheelchair... After I moved to UK, i just started to use a chair full time, and gave my life back! I love your positive style to make videos! Keep pushing girl! :)

My jaw dropped when you mentioned furniture walking. I thought that was completely normal?? I always cling to walls and grab onto furniture after being exhausted from going to school or seeing friends. On my bad days I can barely walk at all because my knees keep buckling. I fall alot because of this but I'm kinda used to it at this point. I'm not going to be able to get a wheelchair anytime soon, as I'm "too young to be this ill" and "don't need to see a doctor" because I'm "probably overreacting". I am going to be looking around for different mobility aids to hopefully help me not fall in the middle of a road. This video has been super helpful and educational, thank you

My short story Born with CP, But walking poor/no ballance....... FF 35 Years or so.. Artists in both knees, trapped nerve 2 places in spine. No self confidence falling over more the ever... So now I use a high end WC Outdoors.... So I can still wobble around work and furniture 🏄‍♂️ at home And maybe my knees will last another 10/15 years. Had a chair for about 5 years, best thing I ever did... I can nip to pub, nip to shops, nip to pub long pushes in summer nipping to pub ect.. 😀 Now my dad used to say it was the lazy option. LOL No dad a scooter is a lazy option for me... Draw backs.... Carpol tunnel problems 😡 No fun in wet weather. But on ballance, best thing I ever did. 😎

I have degenerative spine disease and have had multiple surgeries. I totally relate to your point about walking around laying me up the next day even when I used a rollator. I finally got a folding electric wheelchair that I can load into the SUV by myself and it has made a world of difference. I can go to multiple stores on the same day and not be laid up the next day.

Great video 💎 appreciate your outreach to the community have a day love from TEXAS

Merci 💚 C'est grace à des vidéos comme les tiennes que j'ai accepté d'utiliser un fauteuil roulant il y a un an. Depuis j'ai gagné en liberté et en autonomie. Et là je fais les démarches pour avoir mon premier fauteuil sur mesure 🤗

Someone recently let me borrow their chair so I could go to rallies and I had NO IDEA it would be so helpful. Just found out they're letting me keep it! It's definitely a learning curve and strange being 24 and using a wheelchair (esp as a fat person, people think I'm just lazy), but it's so worth it!!!

Love this video! Using a wheelchair or powerchair can be so confusing for someone with chronic illness. I wish it was something that was better understood - including being understood by medical professionals. I had to hear about how a powerchair could help me with my chronic illness through the chronic illness community since none of the doctors ever suggested it to help me. Once I did request it, they agreed it would be helpful, but I lost so much time until then. I wish the people I was paying to help me with my chronic illness had done more to improve my quality of life instead of leaving me to figure it out.

I use an electric wheelchair when I can't use my manual, and I can walk. Not always, not always far and not always well...But the looks of confusion of many people's faces when they see me on my feet...#Priceless... ❤❤❤

I’ve been a wheelchair user for 9,5 years and a bit now due to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. I decided to get a wheelchair when my ability to walk just got worse and worse and I ended up barely being able to go out at all because I just didn’t have the energy or ability to stand/walk as much as an activity called for, along with not doing well with sitting on hard chairs and such. With my chair I’ve been to concerts and a rock festival, expos and whatnot. I’m still limited due to my chronic pain, but I’m nowhere near as limited as I would be if I didn’t have my chair. I use my wheelchair close to full time when I’m outside of home, and I walk at home. For me the wheelchair is my safest, fastest and most energy efficient method to get around. If I try to walk more than I can handle (or even less at times) then I’m very likely to suffer from a bad pain flare afterwards, I’m extremely likely to deal with severe fatigue for days, I’m at risk of falling both due to balance issues and POTS issues (or joints randomly going out) and when I’m fatigued I’m also more likely to injure myself as I just don’t have the strength or focus to keep myself together and focus on proprioception. I never saw a wheelchair as a failure or letting my EDS win over me, I saw a wheelchair as a way to regain more mobility and freedom, and fight back against my EDS. Your mindset is really important when it comes to a wheelchair. It’s not a failure, it’s a way to fight back!

Thanks!

Best thing I ever got.

I think this video will be extremely helpful to a lot of people - since for non-disabled people wheelchairs are a taboo and my experience is that doctors refuse to discuss any mobility aids if you can walk at least a bit and are young. So, thank you for this, I believe many people struggle with this decision. I'm 23 and since I was 18 I was diagnosed with Tarlov cysts. They eroded my sacral bone, affected my nerves, I aquired various possible sexual dysfunctions, bladder problems, bowel problems... and sometimes leg problems. And mobility aids were (and still are!) an extremely tough topic for me because I've never known what to do. Can I walk? Yes. Do I lose balance? No (99% of the time). But can I walk as much as I'd like to? No. Does it have it's consequences? Yes. (leg tingling and twitching that won't let me sleep that day, pain, fatigue, swelling in the affected parts, trouble sitting on anything that isn't coccyx pillow). I still don't even know if I'm hurting myself like this because... doctors don't know anything about my condition where I live. And most doctors underplay it and say that conditions like that shouldn't cause any issues. But it greatly varies... in different country they want to perform a surgery (so discussion about mobility aids was refused because "once I'll be operated I'll be surely fine!"), but now I met another doctor who both takes the condition seriously yet doesn't recommend surgery because he says scars tissue could be far worse. Idk... but what I learned is that nobody will ever talk about the possibility of mobility aids.

I'm permanently paralyzed on my entire left side after suffering a massive stroke 7 years ago.

I was bedbound then housebound due to chronic fatigue. I had to buy my own chair because my doctor won't give me physio or a walking assessment which means I got no financial help. This video perfectly explains why I need one. I feel like I stay indoors because no one has been supportive of me using a chair. I would love to use it more but I feel upset when I use it and the negative comments. I can walk with pain, poor balance, fatigue and will need 3 days rest after a short journey. A ten min walk takes me now 45 mind and I bench hop. How can I gain more confidence to use it. Its also doesn't fit through door it's a struggle to get it sideway through door when folded it's heavy, as well.

I’ve used a wheelchair the majority of the time for about 5 years now. I have EDS and before that I used a mixture of crutches/no aids and just used my chair for long days out. I figured I’d be able to keep going like that… until I was no longer able to tolerate my main pain meds (that was a fun year!). I was pretty darn anxious about other people’s reactions at first, but nowadays I am SO much more confident. Before I had to worry much more - how far are things, are there seats, how comfy are the seats, will I be in agony for days afterwards, will my legs behave when my shoulders are too dodgy for my crutches… Now I can go places knowing that I won’t be in agony or exhausted, and I have my own seat! 😂 I’ve even got into wheelchair sports (especially tennis) - I used to hate sport! It did take my family a while to get their heads around (and I do still get ‘do you really need the chair for this’ occasionally) - but they’re getting there. Getting an NHS chair helped a bit since it’s no longer ‘just me’ explaining why I need it! Things that have massively helped me become more confident and comfortable as a wheelie… a chair that actually fits, one I can lift myself in/out the car, fun colours/accessories (I have a purple chair with rainbow wheels!) and power assist (funded by a charity). Also other wheelie friends!

I have pretty mild to moderate hEDS, and I have responded well to PT and rehabilitation and my mobility has improved significantly over the past year. Even so, I have a wheelchair since a few months back. Sometimes walking is just too much of a task, it takes too much energy, I can't do more than one thing in a day without spending the rest of the day, maybe a few days after, doing nothing because I have no energy. Using my wheelchair on the days where I need it has helped me conserve energy for things I love doing. Sure, I can work long shifts walking around at my barista job, but if I have to do something later in the day, I'll use my chair. I get to use my energy where I need to, and save energy where I can. I was worried that self-propelling would use up too much energy as well, but turns out that even though it's a arm workout (I weigh 95kgs in a 15kg chair, so I'm pushing around roughly 110kgs), it saves WAY more energy than walking would. I don't use my chair often, but it's a life saver when I need it. EDIT: Update to this comment: I've come to the conclusion that the wheelchair I have, an Etac Cross 6, is just NOT the chair for me. Despite working hard at gaining muscle and using the chair properly, it's actually actively worsening my independence in it. It's heavy, difficult to drive and bulky and I find myself actively choosing to not use it, even in situations where I desperately should. So currently looking at working with my OT to get a new lighter chair, hopefully an actual active wheelchair now!

I started using a wheelchair after my legs decided that they were going on an indefinite strike. I'm now in the process of convincing the collie that the wheelchair is not a sled and it is not for her to channel her inner husky/malamute when on walks. It is a slow journey. But not as slow as trying to walk her without the wheelchair.

Thanks for this video! I am up and down with my hEDS. Yesterday I used crutches, and it qasnt the greatest thing, as my arms are instable. It took me courage to just use crutches. People in my village stared or didnt look at me at all..so I googled when it is time to start using a wheelchair. So I even booked an apointment with a mobility aid specialist in town, that was my first step.

could I survive and manage without a wheelchair? yes would I have the same quality of life and participate actively in society? no, therefore I use a wheelchair. I'm fortunate that I can still mobilise short distances inside the house but I wouldn't be able to do a food shop for example. With my chair I was able to go to Disney for 3 weeks doing 8+ miles a day

Parkinson’s has made my legs into noodles 😢. We live in a very small house so can furniture walk in the house. I recently ordered a Grit Freedom Chair for outdoor activities. I’m still on the fence about a wheelchair for other times. Thanks for this.

first, i have to say english is not my mother language, but i will try my best. I am using a wheelchair for a few years now due to health problems, and now i can say it was the best decsion i made. At first i was afraid of using it, what will people think and say, but then i just sat in my chair and came with it. They looked at first but got used to it. Now its just a normal think for me and people around me. I can still walk a little so i do not need a hand controlled car. It doesn't matter if you walk or roll. And i always have my own chair with me, so if there is nothing to sit, its not a problem for me.

I have had mobility issues recently and currently in the process of trying to get a wheelchair myself. When I did some Christmas shopping I decided to hire a mall chair (as I'm still waiting) and it felt awesome not feeling like I had to rush back for mobility reasons, I felt like I could simply focus on shopping and enjoying myself for a change!

Hey Gem love the video as always. Just wanted to say as someone who just brought a wheelchair, I had borrowed one from my mums friend. but all the points you raised I totally agree with my chair means I can now get out and enjoy life. I just did my first solo trip into my local village was really hard work but I did it, I did have a stop for a coffee and a chat with a friend.

Great vid thank you. I recently started to use a Wheelchair due to Ankylosing Spondilitis causing severe spinal pain. I can walk but only very briefly before severe pain sets in. I finally accepted I needed it and got over the "guilt" of getting one when my legs do work. I had internalized a lot of ableism. My last attempts to walk have lead to me nearly passing out so I went for it. I am so glad I did. Now I can go out with my wife around town or the coast and stay out for hours. It's life changing .

Gem! Thank you for this video! Wish I had this info a few years ago, it would have made the transition much easier!

I didn't have as much issue with going from walking to a wheelchair. My biggest journey, continuing now, is going from a wheelchair to a power chair. I must admit that the power chair saves me so much energy and energy for me means being able to tolerate life/people. Yes the exhaustion and pain makes me cranky. To hear an able bodied teen complain that life is hard takes me over the edge at times... my own kids should know better.

Useful tip for adjusting to using aids eg wheelchair/ rollator/ sticks - personalise your aid. Add pool noodle on the handles of sticks to reduce hand pain. Add tinsel/ colourful tape to decorate it to suit you - give your aids names. My crutches are bill and Ben. Power chair- odin and manual- loki.

your channel has helped me so much in my disability journey, and this video is just such a beacon of light. thank you so much for your work, you help this mess seem so much clearer.

Great video Gem. I started using a wheelchair over 30 years ago, what a revelation, then I could do so much more. Not so much now due to my degenerative condition, but I don't need a wheelchair for everything......... witness my skydive, video on my channel.

I use a wheelchair due to lupus arthritis.I can walk,but not very far.I love my wheelchair...otherwise I'd be sitting at home most of the time.

A couple of weeks ago I got a wheelchair with a PAWS attachment (like the Batec) as I can't walk far these days due to long covid. I considered different mobility aid options and this turned out to be the best choice for my circumstances. It's amazing and I love it. I'm still getting used to it and finding my energy limits with it but already I can travel much further than I've able to on foot for the last two and a half years and with minimal fatigue and pain. I was a bit nervous about getting a wheelchair, especially since I don't need one at home and still need to go for short walks for symptom management, but I've been surprised to find that I feel way more confident than I expected to. A lot of that is down to your videos so thank you for helping me with adjusting to being a wheelchair user Gem!

Ty for making a video about this! This is a thing that a lot more people that struggle need to hear! ❤

Thank you for making this video I appreciate it!!

THANK YOU for videos like these! It’s because of videos like yours that gave me to confidence to talk with my family, and finally being able to get a wheelchair (right in time for my birthday last week!). It’s been so exciting, and looking forward to going out in public with it and being able to last the whole day or even an hour compared to how it usually is!

For 10 years I needed one but wasn't believed by Drs as I still had feeling in my legs, I started to believe because of that I didn't deserve one & was house bound/bedbound often. My joints are just too weak & bendy to carry me longer than a few steps with assistance thanks to hEDS. I was called lazy & depressed in my late teens when things got too disabling. I'm now at new Drs & have a fantastic occupational therapist who prescribed an electric wheelchair & it has been a life saver, just not needing to depend on my husband to carry me from room to room indoors.

Great video good job

Hi I find your videos and my partner had been through a lot due to his health as he uses a manual that can be turned into an electric chair and he has seen a big difference he doesn’t use it all the time but when he does he finds it a lot easier

Well, I feel called out by every damn thing you said, except for the literally bound part, lol. I think if I hadn't come to the wheelchair conclusion soon and my wife had found this video, she would have sent it to me. My doctor wants me to wait, but I've been waiting a fucking decade and my health has only declined. I want to be able to do things other people in their early 30s can do, without being bed bound for the next three days. Thanks so much for this nice video. It's helping with that darn internalized ableism.

Excellent. I've been trying to tell friends this advice for ages.

This helped me so much! ❤ I am so glad that I choose for freedom.

Hats off you for your efforts it helps me a lot

Hi Gem love your channel i finally purchased a wheelchair. I have Lymphedema and its got worse i can only walk a couple of steps. I didnt want to get one but after watching this video it helped alot. Im so glad i did its changed my life as i couldn't get out i had cabin fever.

Love your positive attitude!

Thanks so much. 🧡

After being stuck in the house for the last 12 years, with the exception of drs/hospital appointments, I was given an NHS transport chair which is horrendous in all ways as I can't use my arms to propel myself . It was too big to go on a bus and awkward for family to push. I wasn't coping well neither with not being in control of myself and my own safety so eventually after 8 months I was able to purchase a powerchair. I'm not confident in it yet and the paths and supposed drop curbs around my area have made me even more unconfident about going out that I've only been out twice so far in it. My biggest challenge is coming where I need to get to the Dr's and back in my chair and the day after that get on a bus for the first time ever as a powerchair/disabled user so I'm freaking out about it as I suffer from crippling anxiety. I don't want to upset anyone as I know I'm going to be slow at first and people in my area aren't very patient or understanding so any advice please before I have to travel would be appreciated.

The decision in using a wheelchair is hard cause some people might think that people will only see the chair and they disappear and treated differently but my friend found the benefits outweighed what he thought. He has improved and he actually did loose anything but gained independence and he goes out more now but a day also goes in planning the day as well. Thank you so much for sharing this very positive video

Hi, I just want to say how amazing you are for the content and videos you put out. They have been really helpful. I recently had to start using a wheelchair and with little knowledge and support out there , your videos are a god send and yours such an inspiring and positive person! Soo thank you for your videos and knowledge you pass on 🤗

Thank you Gem for this video. I have been feeling and doing many of the things you stated for many years now. I have a seated walker and an assisted wheelchair but one of my CI’s causes fainting spells and my walker has helped with some freedoms for the 2 years I’ve had it but I have started noticing I’m becoming more homebound and I don’t have the energy or confidence to go out and do things especially not alone. I think I’m finally ready to speak with my doctors about getting a manual wheelchair.

Fhis is a great video! Thanks for making it

My therapist made the decision for me. It was extremely liberating. There are issues of transportation, but hey...I just bark a bit louder to get that "fixed".

Great video! I have MS and can't stand longer than 30 Seconds without holding on. I have a wheel chair and an electric scooter. I prefer using the electric scooter versus the wheelchair. I feel so confined in the wheelchair so my therapist is going to look at it and see if we can make it better,but I do prefer my electric scooter.

Even before I used a wheelchair full time, the damage was done. I had to walk around the house, as it was too small for wheelchair use, and we couldn't afford to move. Now I have a wheelchair and can no longer jump in the car. The paths locally are awful, so I am basically housebound due to living alone.