Practical help in multiple sclerosis.

Abstract

Twenty six years ago I developed multiple sclerosis, and I have been fortunate in having available many pieces of equipment. All these have helped me to live as full a life as possible. At the start of disability a comfortable walking stick is essential. When I had to retire from general practice this was followed by a self propelling lightweight Zimmer wheelchair, which we bought. It was more comfortable and manoeuvrable than any available through the National Health Service. At this time swimming improved my muscle tone enormously, and I swam daily. For some years I used a three wheeled Batric chair for walks across relatively rough ground, as far as two to three miles daily. When my arms became weak I progressed to a hand controlled electric wheelchair by Bee, which enabled me to go round our large Victorian house and round the garden. This is an excellent machine, compact and easy to control. When I could no longer use my hands I sought the advice of the occupational therapy department at Farnham Park Rehabilitation Centre. They suggested a chin controlled model. A chair made by Vessa and obtained from E S Richens of Oxford was adapted to accommodate my particular needs. It is a multipurpose chair, with two large batteries enabling me to drive outside, and can also instantly be converted into a pushing chair. I have just had fitted an alternative control and now the chair can be driven by an attendant walking beside or behind it. This was made by Mr Stan Cross of CABE Lectronics. Thirteen years ago we were given, on permanent loan, an adapted Mini with a ramp, in which I travel for distances of up to 20 miles?for example, for trips to the theatre, shopping, going out to dinner, etc.