All the stress you suffered while getting used to the wheelchair has been worthwhile 😊

I'm getting a wheelchair for the first time. About 6 months ago, I suffered a spinal injury that made walking extremely difficult for me. I can walk short distances with my walker, but I live in a major city, don't have a car, and have a family. My children are a bit older, but I still want to take them to go do things. I think it's really cool and interesting that we're in wheelchairs for different reasons, but have so many similarities. I've watched a couple of your videos. Walking makes me dizzy and nauseous. My legs are really weak. I start feeling like I'm going to faint. I can walk for about 1/2 a mile at a time, then always come back home and fall asleep. Then I'm sore and exhausted for a few days. I love how we have so many differences and similarities in this community. Watching your videos has really helped me. I felt almost like getting a wheelchair was giving up, because I still have years of physical therapy in my future, and there's even a small chance that the feeling in the lower half of my body could randomly come back one day, but given the injury I had and the way it was treated, that's not very likely. I hoped there for a while, though. But watching your videos has helped me go from a bit depressed about my lack of mobility to being excited about the adventures I can go on, again. It's not the end of my life, I just need a wheelchair so I can live it more easily. Thank you for sharing your story. Your wheelchair is super cute, btw. Everything I have is red and black, and I can't wait to make my wheelchair match myself as well! ❤

when i first got my wheelchair [ also for cfs what a coinky dink lol ] i was super scared and anxious about taking it out in public. it was actually my boyfriend that gave me the motivation to take it out because we both knew that i needed it. whenever we go out and someone asks an intrusive question or is just being rude, he’s always giving them looks and telling them that they’re overstepping. he was and is still my number one supporter of me and my disability lol

@ElinorBrown

Жыл бұрын

it’s great that you have someone so supportive! 💜

Bravo! I went through the same thing each time I "upgraded" my mobility devices (-->cane-->mobility scooter-->manual chair-->power chair) and has such a hard time with imposter syndrome, but my power chair has given me back my freedom. I could walk far enough to take the bus to my weekly pain clinic appointment, but it flattened me for the rest of the week (to the point where getting up to pee was an ordeal). Just because we're not paralyzed doesn't mean mobility devices aren't for us, too! Keep rolling!

I just got my wheelchair after fighting with insurance companies and doctors I saved my money and bought it for myself. I was so excited until it arrived. I tried to test it outside and I can't control it!!! I kept running into cars 😞🥺 A friend said I need to practice at the mall so I'll try that. Can't wait to watch this video. I need encouragement

@seabliss22

Жыл бұрын

Like you my hands and wrists are super weak and it's painful to push the chair on my own. I do have a pride issue when it comes to asking people to push me. I need to get over that so I too can enjoy a more mobile life. I've followed your journey and you have brought me much encouragement.

Thanks Elinor for the encouraging words! You also helped me make the decision to buy a wheelchair since the pain and fatigue in M.E. prevents me from walking more than 5 min. It is funny how people react around you with a wheelchair. I find often people get flustered getting out of your way a lot - funny and slightly annoying sometimes hahaha. It does take time to get used to it all. I've just come to the point where I may need to give up walking all together (outside of a few steps here and there) and that's scary!!! Wheelchairs make life so much more comfortable though 👍

@ElinorBrown

Жыл бұрын

so happy to help 💜

@blazefairchild465

Жыл бұрын

I am at the point I can only stand about 30 seconds without screaming pain. I have meds ,but the dose is low due to other meds I must take to survive. People who get rudely flustered when I struggle in front of them through a door , have worse issues than I. If I have time to mess with them , I stop in the doorway & look in there face & say don’t I know you from the gym. Lol just to plug up the doorway a few more seconds so their stress level makes them sweat. Boy those mean ol bossy rude people don’t want to get behind me & get pushy.

@jasonquinn3888

10 ай бұрын

Eleanor I’m in the same situation. I have chronic pain in my spine. And it’s getting bad in the thoracic area. I’ve thought about getting fitted for a wheelchair myself.

I hate to say this even tho I know many people go through it but I’m terrified of getting a wheelchair and accepting I’m disabled. It’s so hard to stand and walk at the grocery store w my conditions. I try so hard through diet and PT to stay strong but I just can’t have enough endurance for just doing the bare minimum to care for myself :(. And I’m so scared I’m so scared of accepting it Everytime I use the wheelchair I get sick to my stomach with worry. But everytime it gives me more independence which shows me that I need it. Thank you for making this video it really is a journey

I just bought my wheelchair this month and love it! I was limited to going out maybe once a month, now I can go out maybe once a week. I was nervous to use it, thinking people would judge me because I’m young. Instead people smile as if they are happy to see that I’m not ashamed to be out in my chair, and that I’m enjoying myself. It’s funny to see people panic in the store aisles. Even though the chair is smaller than a shopping cart, they freak out and don’t know where to go.😂 You helped me make the decision to buy a chair so thank you for that!💗

@darkteatime

Жыл бұрын

I love this, congrats on your new chair! I don't have a chair yet, but have felt those same fears you used to have. Thank you for sharing your experience, makes me feel a bit more hopeful!

@ruby3200

Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Getting one is scary and a bit sad, but I have zero regrets. It’s improved my life. The minute I sat in my chair I felt confident and strong. I prayed about getting one for awhile, and that really helped me make the decision. When I sat in the chair I knew it was where God wanted me to be. I highly recommend renting a wheelchair first, and deciding from there. If people are rude, just remember that they have no idea what you’re going through, so therefore their opinions about you aren’t valid. Its none of their business why your using a wheelchair. Just know that most people are helpful and kind. Before I got sick and didn’t need a chair, if I had seen someone in a wheelchair I would have thought nothing of it. That’s I believe, the average persons view. They might stare, but it’s all good intentions. I don’t think they realize that they are doing it. They stare innocently, not with malice. I just look straight ahead knowing I have every right to be there and go about my business.😊

@blazefairchild465

Жыл бұрын

In my case , my Dr. Ordered it. You get your first one free with my insurance following ones they pay half . I think they must change for kids depending on size .

I currently use my cane, but I’m on vacation right now and I’m renting a wheelchair for the first time. I just want to say that I really appreciate you and your honesty, no matter what mobility aid

Started watching you around the time tou got the wheelchair. I have had mobility issues for about 6 years and I realised about 3 years ago that a scooter was what I needed and started a you tube channel to help others. Then about a year ago I realised that for working I needed a wheelchair and I find it much easier in shops as its smaller. So after a year of wheelchair using I am comfortable with it instill get odd looks when I stand up in a shop to look at higher shelves people don't seem to realise ambulatory wheelchair users. Anyway I had big shock in January when I was diagnosed with ME. But I already use spoons theory and have the wheelchair and have changed my life to make the most out of my new life. You go girl your rocking wheely life.

Hi! Fellow sufferer here since 2016 (only diagnosed with fibro & working on CFS). Just got my wheelchair yesterday and it was already helpful after my tilt test. Currently moderate but with dysautonomia it's really hard, I already planned trips to shops that I wouldn't have done without it. The hardest for me is doctors saying that it's not the best option, and so family starts to think the same way. It took a lot of energy and strengh to explain every time that if I was without it I would be bedbound so this is question that shouldn't get asked. Thank you for your video I am sure it helps a lot of people in the same situation. I also appreciate that you deep dive in all sorts of situation, I found it very tricky to answer people when they ask what's going on ( I used a cane for a few months & neighbors started to wonder). Although I can confirm people are usually very nice and mobility aids helps to have more help in general, which is very energy Saving and also makes life so much easier. New subscriber, by the way I ve discovered your channel with the custom wheelchair video, love the butterflies.

@ElinorBrown

Жыл бұрын

having freedom with mobility aids is always better than being isolated at home without them in my opinion!! you got this!

@celineeugenieaimee

Жыл бұрын

@@ElinorBrown Exactly! Thats what I ve told them in the end :-) Thank you

I'm waiting for my new wheelchair to arrive - been a wheelchair user a while due to probably a mix of ME and Autism. At times I've felt kinda awkward like "but what if I don't REALLY need a wheelchair", but thankfully ig my mobility is shit enough that trying to walk reminds me that I do lol. It's definitely a process, and feeling comfortable in your chair imo is the biggest part of that!

I'm in the process of trying to get my hands on mobility aids, and your videos have helped me a lot. Thank you so much for putting yourself out there and making content!

Thanks for your videos! I love how you share so frankly and openly about how it was challenging at first but has gotten easier. Also, I appreciate your discussion about how you relate to different types of people and kids etc when you are out and about. I can really relate to how you described that experience of going out with a wheelchair and how accepting it as a mobility aid is both difficult and freeing. Also, the fear of taking up space and that people will be upset and accuse you of not needing a wheelchair. I have that same anxiety sometimes. I had a spinal cord injury in 2020 and I can walk with crutches but not for long distances. I’m in the US too in an area where driving is really necessary so I ended up getting a wheelchair van with a folding ramp so I can be more independent. That was a very difficult journey to become comfortable with that because it meant accepting this is permanent and this is my life now. But I am so glad I did it. It’s been so awesome to be able to get around in my own and meet up with friends without needing someone to come pick me up and drive me and push me. I’m a musician and it’s allowed me to get more involved and do more gigs and open mics. I didn’t realize how small my life had gotten until it opened up again in this way. I love how you decorated your chair. I am on a quest to get my chair looking amazing but it’s a power chair rather than a manual one so I need to use different techniques than you did. I know I’ll figure it out eventually. One day at a time. Thanks again for sharing your experience-it helps to know others are going through similar things. Sending you love and good vibes from California ✨🌸💖🎶🌈🌸✨

I'm in the process of getting my first chair & that is part of why I went with the bright pink frame with matching push rims. My hair was that colour for years, so my wardrobe already looks like it goes with it.

@ElinorBrown

Жыл бұрын

Thats so perfect!

I love this video, thankyou. I'm now in the scary place where I have to get one and I have all these silly fears, the same as I did when I had to buy my first walking stick. I feel like I've failed knowing I have to get one. Silly really

I understand how it must be so much harder for a beautiful, young person like you to have a chair but it has to be better than being isolated. Now, save for an electric - a nice, lightweight, one made of the same material as mountain bikes, so you dont need to be pushed. Expensive but worth it.

How have I never watched your videos before? I’ve just started making videos about CFS too. It’s so nice to see someone else approach these topics with positivity 💓 edit: and we’re both 24 and English haha! I actually just applied for a Blue Badge this month! I’ve used a wheelchair a few times but I’ve realised that I’m going to need to start using it a LOT more regularly if I want to get out the house 😅

Really encouraging, thank you. For me I have cultural issues to overcome but I am getting there. I am planning a trip to the Natural History museum. I would need a wheelchair but I don't have one yet.

I’m getting my first chair tomorrow and have been spam watching all your videos and it has definitely eased my worries still scared to out in it but you have come so far from what I’ve seen these videos have helped me and so many others keep going x

Cool chair with all the colors and butterflies! I like it. I am sometimes asked whether I have multiple sclerosis. Because that's a disease most ppl know about. Sometimes I explain HEDS, sometimes I just agree with them having a disease causing some similar issues like MS.

I personally don't like anyone staring at me but it's nice to hear people aren't as weird. I also feel a lot of times I don't need one but I know if I got one it would most likely change a lot, I love love your flower earrings >w

another new video!! i missed you so much!! you really inspire me and help me accept that one day, i’ll be in the process of buying a wheelchair as well ❤

@ElinorBrown

Жыл бұрын

💜

I think it’s great you know what you need and you go for it! I totally get it. I’m still holding onto my disability sticker to take to the DMV after six months of having it in my hands for the very same reason. It’s like the more you have to see a doctor or take a medication or use something to cope or to manage. It makes it more real not that it’s not real. Real, as in the sense of admitting that it may be forever .

I love that you've come so far with your feelings regarding it! And I love your chair, it's so cute 💕 Please keep making videos, I enjoy watching them!

@ElinorBrown

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!!

Personally, I’m less worried about strangers and more worried that my family members’ friends will see me with a mobility aid and be noisy and gossip behind my back because everyone knows everyone in my small home town. I’m also worried how my family would respond to the idea of me using a mobility aid, but that’s a different issue I guess

I must just be lucky (not) - first time I used my trial wheelchair in a shopping mall and I got a wee one yelling "Look Mum a wheelchair" and some "kind" people wanting to pray for me - to be hones I really wish I had been quicker on the uptake when they asked "What is wrong with you" and said "nothing. What is wrong with you asking that question of a stranger"

I dont use a wheelchair, but i do use crutches from time to time due to chronic pain and balance issues!

Been suffering from chronic fatigue and pain I have finally just fucked it started using my crutches just get scared of people judging me

Congratulations beautiful honey ❤❤❤❤❤

Ma’am, I just wanted to let you know that the wheelchair doesn’t define you. I used to think that I was unworthy of being in a relationship simply because I depended on a wheelchair, but the wheelchair doesn’t define you you see a little trans a bit like mountain, climbing, you reach that goal, astray, and you reach the top And then afterward you can just take the zip cord and go down. I am a special Olympic athlete and I use a wheelchair. I want to use a manual wheelchair in my condition progress never forget the wheelchair is a tool that helps you to be the best you can be. And depending on how many hours a day you use a wheelchair and what condition you use it for you may eventually need a custom wheelchair but that’s cool too because you can only make it your own pink Cadillac mines pink and black and it till fat and I can elevate my feet And open up a world where I can get around. It has a respirator on it so eventually I can breathe and I’m a Legalshield a Sophie I work from home selling memberships, just remember keep the torch lit and pass the baton in the relay of disabled life, you’re not disabled you’re just different weird

A YEAR WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS IN A WHEELCHAIR 🤔🤔🤔🤯😴🤯🤯🤯

Wow, you look good! You lost weight! You need to get more confidence in your body again. No "crashs" anymore. You are strong and energetic. The weelchair is more a psycholocical thing. If you have more confidence in your body you don't need that wheely anymore. Keep it up!

@countrygirlsstopanimationw6928

Жыл бұрын

Pls don’t comment on peoples bodies Ty.

@seabliss22

Жыл бұрын

Are you out of your mind!? Physical disabilities have nothing to do with mental health.

@frkk6933

Жыл бұрын

@@seabliss22 i think she knows what I mean.

@elinalannah0022

Жыл бұрын

Christ this is the worst comment I ever read. You have no idea. Please keep your awful opinion to yourself. And learn about chronic illness before you comment something so ignorant again.

@Dollie_Babie

Жыл бұрын

Don't comment this kind of stuff. You're delusional if you think "confidence" will heal a chronic illness and it's symptoms. 😒