November 11, 2017 Tony, It’s unfortunate that disability and loneliness seem to go hand in hand. I’m lucky to have some family, but I know a lot of disabled people who don’t. When I first became disabled I was surprised at how many of my friends disappeared. I still have a few from the old days and ...

Joy, I have a type of muscular dystrophy. It's very slow, but progressive. At this stage I'm unable to stand, walk, or even lift my arms. I've been using a power wheelchair for about 10 years now. It's not as bad as people think. I have a family that takes care of me. I am also able to drive a modif...

Joy, It's nice to meet you. I live in New England and fall is starting to come on strong. The leaves here are turning, but haven't peaked yet. Although I'm still getting some vegetables, my garden is looking pretty sad. It's not going to last much longer. You mentioned that you like nature. I watche...

Mobility, fighting back against the isolation can be tough sometimes. I'm fortunate enough to have a family and a part-time job gets me out in the community. Years ago I met a quadriplegic who told me that he only buys food one day at a time. That meant that he had to go to the grocery store every d...

Miss Zee, I'm sorry that it took me so long to respond. I wrote a reply a while back but somehow it never got entered onto this thread. Since then I have been unable to log on. But I am back now! You mentioned that you have trouble writing. My disability is different than yours. Mine is physical, bu...

​ Coll, My wife sometimes goes too far in trying to protect me. Its not the same as what you're going through, but it can be very frustrating. She is well intentioned and it comes from the fact that she loves me,but it makes me appear weak or stupid. I put a lot of energy into presenting myself as a...

I read somewhere that people who drive a modified vehicles are statistically safer drivers than the able-bodied. I can't remember where I read it, so take it for what it's worth. My car is high-tech with computer controls, but if you have the use of your arms and hands, you should be able to get mec...

Coll, what do you mean by "in isolation"? I hope that it's nothing serious I'm fortunate to be healthy enough to remain fairly active. I'm able to drive a highly modified car and I work part-time in the schools from September to June. It gets a little harder every year. Right now I'm enjoying the su...

Crawlerz, I remember when I got my first power chair. The best part of it was that I could get outside again. I started off by staying close to home, but before long I was going a few miles to the library and the grocery store with it. I was able to move around my neighborhood and my yard in a way t...

Coll, I can relate to what you're saying about dependency being a learning experience. It is very humbling and requires a lot of introspection. I am taken care of by my family, but I need to constantly remind myself that they also have needs. I have to be responsible for taking care of my caregivers...

Friday, June 30, 2017 I've had my new chair for about a month now. For the most part I'm happy with it. It is a Permobil F3 and it is replacing a Permobil C 500 VS. The F3 is a little bit smaller and the functions are much better than they were on the old chair. I'm particularly happy the fact that ...

Coll, it's great that you are trying to walk. I'm in my power chair because of a progressive illness. About 10 years ago it got to the point were walking was so dangerous that I had to get a chair. I got in kicking and screaming, but soon came to realize that it was a blessing in disguise. Of course...

Aubrey, It's nice to meet you. I think I must be the complete opposite of what you're looking for. I'm a middle-aged man in the Northeast. I am what I think would be called a tetraplegic- a person who cannot use their limbs due to an illness. For the sake of discussion I usually just refer to myself...

I’m also new here. I’m a middle-aged man with muscular dystrophy. I can’t walk or lift my arms anymore, but I am able to drive a modified van and work part-time. I spent the last 10 years at another forum that no longer exists and I’m looking for a new home. I’m looking for a place where I can discu...