What do you do when you start to lose your mobility?

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  • Torry_Quine
    Torry_Quine Posts: 18,834 Forumite
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    quidsinquentin wrote: »
    To what end, Torry?

    He's already on ESA - and I don't see him going back to work anytime soon. Can an OT offer some other forms of advice/assistance?

    They can help with aids around the house so that for instance he can sit to do tasks, or help for bathing. They aren't just about work problems or ESA.
    Lost my soulmate so life is empty.

    I can bear pain myself, he said softly, but I couldna bear yours. That would take more strength than I have -
    Diana Gabaldon, Outlander
  • quidsinquentin
    quidsinquentin Posts: 42,693 Forumite
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    Torry_Quine wrote: »
    They can help with aids around the house so that for instance he can sit to do tasks, or help for bathing. They aren't just about work problems or ESA.
    Ta. :). Will pass it all on. :)
    The atmosphere is currently filled with hypocrisy so thick that it could be sliced, wrapped, and sold in supermarkets for a decent price and labeled, 'Wholegrain Left-Wing, Middle-Class, Politically-Correct Organic Hypocrisy'.
  • Mojisola
    Mojisola Posts: 35,557 Forumite
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    quidsinquentin wrote: »
    So, two years ago he could run around a field, walk perfectly normally and do normal work, exercise & activities.

    18 months ago, he developed (diagnosed) arthritis in his left knee and it became difficult - but not impossible - to do much of what he normally did

    Six weeks ago he appears to have had an 'episode' of something 'arthritic' which has virtually crippled his right knee, affected both his hips and made the left knee much worse. It's also affected his ankles somewhat.

    I would estimate he's lost about 60% of his mobility, perhaps more, as there are now times he cannot walk properly at all. He also needs to use a walking stick 100% of the time. He's also had two falls due to instability - both not serious though. If he's not in discomfort he's in pain, which appears to be most of the time. Prognosis is that it will probably get worse.

    Has he been referred to a consultant after the last episode?

    If not, I would be asking for (demanding) a referral.

    He also needs to look ahead regarding his flat. A third floor flat isn't the best place to live for someone with mobility problems.
  • GlasweJen
    GlasweJen Posts: 7,451 Forumite
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    Don't know about the rest of the UK but in Scotland it's a GP who refers for a wheelchair assessment, waiting lists are horrific though.
  • Bennifred
    Bennifred Posts: 3,986 Forumite
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    He should definitely be referred to a specialist - GPs aren't specialised enough to diagnose/treat this kind of thing. They often avoid referring on, but your friend should be insisting on it - it's HIS quality of life which is suffering, and he has to be his own advocate to get his needs met.:(
    [
  • northerntwo1
    northerntwo1 Posts: 1,465 Forumite
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    I've recently broken several bones in my left leg/foot via an accident and the hospital released me with a plan. The way it worked for me is the following if this is any help as I haven't even seen my GP.

    Hospital gave me the phone number of their OT department and I could ring when discharged or if someone was home now they would do the home assessment whilst in hospital with the other person. They came to my home and put in aids to help me. These included perching stools, walkers, tray walkers, kettle tippers, bath seat, shower seat and tap control levers. I also got raised loo seats with rails and they offered to install grab rails on front door, passage and down stairs loo but I felt I didn't need them.

    I then had my assessment for crutches and a Zimmer frame which came with me on discharge but again this could have been a home appt.

    A wheelchair wasn't given as I needed a leg rest and only had one arm working at that time and they had none available so was given details of the Red Cross. However, a district nurse delivered one to me so I didn't need to loan one very quickly which I use when I have someone to push me long distances.

    The district nurse deals with the equipment referrals at my surgery.

    Can he ring the surgery and ask who deals with mobility aid referrals as even the small things I was given made a huge positive impact in my independence.
  • quidsinquentin
    quidsinquentin Posts: 42,693 Forumite
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    Mojisola wrote: »
    Has he been referred to a consultant after the last episode?

    If not, I would be asking for (demanding) a referral.

    He also needs to look ahead regarding his flat. A third floor flat isn't the best place to live for someone with mobility problems.
    No. Wasn't even mentioned to him. In fact, I would expect it myself and was a bit surprised when he told me.

    Tbh, his GP sounds a bit stressed to me the way he described her. She appeared to be in a rush to get him out of the surgery. That's not a criticism of the GP per se, but an observation of the behaviour. Plus, the waiting room was chaotic from the sounds of it.
    The atmosphere is currently filled with hypocrisy so thick that it could be sliced, wrapped, and sold in supermarkets for a decent price and labeled, 'Wholegrain Left-Wing, Middle-Class, Politically-Correct Organic Hypocrisy'.
  • Bennifred
    Bennifred Posts: 3,986 Forumite
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    Sometimes, when you are ill or in pain, it is difficult to stand up for yourself even when you know what you are being told isn't correct. Maybe he could take someone with him as back-up next time?
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  • quidsinquentin
    quidsinquentin Posts: 42,693 Forumite
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    Bennifred wrote: »
    Sometimes, when you are ill or in pain, it is difficult to stand up for yourself even when you know what you are being told isn't correct. Maybe he could take someone with him as back-up next time?
    I could do that very thing. Ta.

    Thanks v. much folks - is all brilliant stuff and nothing I already knew. :)
    The atmosphere is currently filled with hypocrisy so thick that it could be sliced, wrapped, and sold in supermarkets for a decent price and labeled, 'Wholegrain Left-Wing, Middle-Class, Politically-Correct Organic Hypocrisy'.
  • sheeps68
    sheeps68 Posts: 670 Forumite
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    If he's under a hospital consultant they made be more helpful in referring into OT and physio as well as community services. Also a Welfare Roghts worker may be in the hospital too and can be amazing in getting benefits and making useful suggestions on ways around difficulties too.
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