I usually don’t get in on the topic of disability.
Last night, I walked about 4 miles from my hotel to the movie and back.
Sounds pretty healthy?
Three nights ago, I couldn’t stand up, and my left leg was so numb I had to drag my butt to the tub to soak for 2 hours.
A week ago, I walked to dinner about a mile and a half away and then back. Two days before that, I was in so much pain, I literally cried myself to sleep after soaking and taking pain pills.
I have scar tissue on my spine that occasionally causes me chronic pain. I constantly have severe back pain to a point that I ignore it most of the time. Sometimes, it gets too intense.
Please tell me, why, if I could, I wouldn’t want to rent one of these? I’m 6’0, and about 235 lbs. Occasionally, I carry both my boys (80 and 55 lbs), and others, I’m in so much pain, I can’t walk. So, am I a bad person for wanting to occasionally use a service to keep my agony down?
Paul
Sounds like you need a scooter. I say go for it.
I’m sorry Paul — I was not begrudging you or anyone else the use of the scooter or whatever other aid you need. As I said, not all disabilities or health problems are visible, and I used my friend as an example.
I was only speculating as to how many of those who were using the scooters really needed them. I agree with those who said that if you don’t use your muscles, they will atrophy and before long, you won’t be able to walk even if you wanted to.
It’s like those “handicapped” parking spots. Where I live, you have to have a permit displayed in the window of your vehicle, and you can get one, not just for the usual “disabilities,” but for heart conditions and other problems that are not so obvious. But I saw a young teenager park in one of those spots, get out of his car and run (not walk) into a store. Didn’t see a permit and judging from that fast sprint into the store, he didn’t appear to need that parking spot. Fortunately, while I was there, the kid left...I would have felt really bad if someone with a disability or health problem needed that spot.
But no, I would never criticize anyone for using a scooter or a special parking spot or whatever if it’s necessary to do so.