Rheumatoid Arth. & Part Time Wheelchair

Jessi • Engaged to a U.S. Soldier🇺🇸

I am 20 years old & when I was 14, I was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. For the pasted few years, it has been attacking, severally, my knees & hips. I’ve been debating for a while, if I want to get a wheelchair to use when I go out with my fiancé. We love going to the zoo in our state, walking around the mall, etc & I can usually walk about 10 feet & then sit down for 10-20 minutes & rest & then start walking again. I only want to use it when we go out & I’ll be walking a lot. So, my question is, those of y’all who are part time wheelchair users: does it help with your pain? What kind of wheelchair do you use? How do people treat you if you stand up or walk a little bit? Is it more of a hassle then it is helpful? Any input is appreciated!

151 views • 3 upvotes • 6 comments

COMMENT (6)

Mc

Posted at
I’ve had arthritis since I was a child, and I’m in my 20s now. I have a customized wheelchair and use it for grocery shopping and other times I’ll be doing a lot of walking. People look at me weird if I get up out of it and walk, but I have no problem explaining that I have an invisible disability if they are kind to me. If they are rude or ask intrusive questions, I don’t give them the satisfaction of knowing why I use it. My life has changed for the better since I got my chair because now I can go wherever I want, without having to worry about how much walking I will have to do and if there will be places to sit down. You should definitely talk to your doctor about it. Most companies need a prescription from your doctor to proceed. My chair is a TiLite.

Mc

Mc • Apr 30, 2019
I’d like to add that I have not had any swollen joints in my lower extremities (knees, ankles, feet) since getting my chair. It has saved me a lot of pain and money on steroid injections :)

ve

Posted at
I have j r a diagnosed at age 4 . I don't use a wheel chair. I have server pain in my neck back and hands .. what meds do u take .. I would love to know more about ur condition.

Ta

Ta • Aug 4, 2019
Methotrexate for me also

ve

ve • Mar 19, 2019
Methotrexate for me

Je

Jessi • Mar 19, 2019
Enbrel, Meloxicam, Tramadol, & a muscle relaxer called Cyclobenzaprine. I used to take Methotrexate as well