Wheelchair
Good morning,
I'm in my almost 4th year post diagnosis. I started on Humira, moved to Cosyntex last year, and now in the process of moving to Rinvoq. Humeria did work for quite awhile, but eventually required more and more steriod treatments to stay mobile. I'm on my second 21 day round of steriods now over the last 2 months. Doc thought it was maybe time to move again. I am fairly mobile when in maintenance, but only really over short hauls. I can get up and down my stairs with some discomfort, but I can do it. When things aren't good, then I find it very difficult to climb the stairs and remain up there to avoid the stairs altogether. Over the last few years, each plane travel required a wheelchair to get me around. I'm just not able to do even limited distances for long, even on Steriods. This has also led to location visits that require walking to have a plan in place before going. I do not own a cane or a wheelchair myself. Until this morning, I had never even asked for a placard. Was out of town last weekend and this mobility issue reared its head once again, leading my husband and I to agree that it might be time for at least a placard. Have you needed mobility assistance? What works for you? When/how do I know if a wheelchair is something that I need? A cane might help, but problem is feet and knees, so unsure if that would really provide the help I need.
Hello
, so sorry you are going through this. But, I would agree to get a placard. I got one at an early age, so I had people who had to put in their two cents. That's another story. We have to do what's best for us. Ask your doctor or tell your doctor that you need a wheelchair. I would let them access what you need. Let your voice be heard. Let us know what comes of this. We would like to hear more from you. Diane (Team Member) 
, I'm so glad you've reached out. In addition to Diane's helpful information, I just wanted to share that many of our community members have gone through similar experiences of trying to figure out when (and if) mobility assistance is needed, so I hope that some of them see your post here and share with you. Of course, that being said, it is obviously a very personal decision that depends a lot on each individual person. I will say, you have every right to use the available resources to make mobility easier for you. You might even consider having another conversation with your husband about thoughts on a wheelchair, as he is the one who is with you and sees when and how frequently a wheelchair could be helpful.
Also, you might find this article from one of our health leaders about things to consider about mobility aids helpful, https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/mobility-aid-considerations. As well as this article from our health leader who wrote about her decision to use a mobility aid, and her feelings about it, https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/confident-mobility-aid. And finally, Diane (who commented above) wrote a piece about her decision and appreciation about getting a placard, https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/reserved-parking-permit.
Please know that this community is here for you! -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
, I know that this is a hard thing to contemplate. I have a disability placard. If the walk is short, I will walk. The placard is a good strategy for icy days or days when it's hard to find parking. I also use a cane for shorter outings but not in the house. The cane is a visual cue to others that I walk slowly and can't easily maneuver around them.
I also purchased a wheelchair. I have great difficulty with an ankle and a tendon that makes walking for any length of time impossible. I found myself sitting in the car while my husband finished grocery shopping. After breaking my femur into 2 pieces last year, near my already replaced knee, I weighed the benefits of a wheelchair over my wounded self-image and made the purchase. I don't regret it all. If I'm out and about I have the option of doing some walking and then resting and riding for a bit. The biggest adjustment has been my husband's driving. Yikes! He does nothing slow LOL
In short, having my own wheelchair available, just in case, is a really nice option.
