Personal Safety/Security

[Bad Balance]

Well I have to say it's nice to get out in the new pwc, but it is quite an adjustment. Fear of tipping, cars, etc. beat the alternative of being shut in, I guess. Still learning to drive this thing.

I feel like I have the word "Victim" displayed on my hat. Went to a local coffee place in the downtown area where I live, parked the chair and went inside to get coffee and bring it out onto the patio. Local buzzard types zeroed in; pwc implied money...either begging or stealing. One guy would not let up. I ignored him but was worried that he might follow when I left.

Some of this is simply nerves...oh; the bums were real, but my feelings of vulnerability might have been overblown. I used to be quite comfortable in my physical abilities....
I have a CC Permit, but I don't know that would be of any use.

Anyone have similar feelings?

 

[Cricket]

I started feeling uneasy when alone at home. I used to like to rest comfortably in bed to watch a movie. Now, I feel too vulnerable. Should something happen,*can't get out on my own. Feel like I have to stay in my pwc.

 

[Nighthawk]

I know what you mean.
Same feelings here as well as we are powerless to face difficult situations alone for the limitations imposed upon us by this disease.
When I go out, I always go in the company of my caregivers, never alone.
If I have to stay home alone, then I have the pendant called Life-Alert hanging from my neck.
If I have an emergency, I just press the button on the pendant and they will send paramedics to my home to help me.


NH

 

[AKmom]

Because of my business, I travel a lot but I usually have someone with me even when I go to the store with my pwc. I have traveled by myself to other states, but there were always family I was flying too. Now next week I travel to another country on business trip. I will be going alone and will have to travel to various venues in downtown. I have to admit there has been some nervousness about doing this alone, and some of it will be at night. I am hoping to get to know other a gents that might be staying where I will be so that maybe I can find an escort. Being in a strange foreign country's city by myself as a woman can produce some vunerability already, but I feel now it is magnified.

I am sure things will work out. I do have an ultimate protector who I trust. Thank you God!

 

[olly]

Personally i'm not scared of anything or anyone as i can hold my own.
If anyone tried anything when i was out i'd hit them with my stick lol
Your only a victim if you make yourself one.

 

[Bad Balance]

I think what I am having trouble with is the loss of control.

I have decided that I have to face this head on. Practice in my chair more and decide what, if any protective measures will be useful.

I want to remain as independent as I can and I want the PWC to be a tool....right now it is still scaring me.

- Jerry

 

[olly]

I know what you mean jerry,i was/still am like that with my mobility scooter when going out on to main roads.
Its good to plan your route if you can,where you can safely cross roads ect.
When i got my 4mph scooter it was so fast for me but now i found it slow for longer journeys.......just had it serviced and the man adjusted it to go 6mph for me....now i can get places a bit quicker if on straight flat paths.
Its like learning to drive a different vehicle......practice makes perfect.

 

[calypso45]

Question for AK Mom- do you take hour pwc with you when you travel to another country or do you rent one? Safe travels.

 

[HelenL]

Always wear your seatbelt when you go out... let someone know you're going... and keep your phone handy

 

[AKmom]

Question for AK Mom- do you take hour pwc with you when you travel to another country or do you rent one? Safe travels.

I take my pwc with me. The chair I have is called a the Jimmy. It comes apart into 3 pieces so it will fit into just about any vehicle. Weighs a total of 99 pounds. It's what I would call a good first throw away chair! I have had it for going on 3 years and it has literally been around the world and seen many miles. For all its faults, it does the job I need, which is to get me from point A to point B without me exhausting myself to oblivion just by trying to walk with fore arm crutches.

It has been drug across many a tarmac because of the incompetent handlers who do not know how to read and will not unlock both wheels. I now go thump thump because of flat spots on the wheels. Eventually I will upgrade and get something I can elevate my legs because my feet and legs swell so bad when I keep them down for hours.

 

[skipper66]

My dad just got his first PWC on Monday. I think he's pretty nervous driving it at first. He does have a medic alert button and his caretaker will be with him when he goes somewhere. Thanks also for the reminder about him carrying his cell pone. Kim

 

[calypso45]

Thanks for the reply Joyce. I can relate to the swollen feet and ankles from sitting. I have not traveled on a plane since I got my mobility scooter. Mine is very heavy because it has a power lift seat.