[Manda]

So after my knees playing up for sometime and conitually geting worse and not knowing what's going to be done about it-if anything (waiting on ortho's to give me MRI results and decide if they will operate or leave me like i am-useless) i have bit the bullet and purchased a secondhand mobility scooter off ebay, as i cannot walk anywhere...shops taking kids to park nothing (and do not have a car/licence ).....So now all that worries me (For lack of better word) is how to cope with a few things and if any of you can offer me any advice/ideas etc it would be appreciated.

The things that are on my mind the most are:
Firstly getting over myself and my feelings....a 31 Yr old in a mobilty scooter etc....I wouldn't judge anyone else in a situation like mine, but yet i seem to be feeling uncertin i gues is the word myself.

Secondly and probably the bit thats going to get me the most is the comments & ridicule i'm sure to face from others. I think i need to have some sharp witty comebacks up my sleeve, or else knowig me it will be a case of verbal diarrhea in the form of choice words out of fustration.

So any takers on come backs? and/or ideas to getting over my own self.

[robot sm]

I think it's a great idea, and although it may take some getting used to, definitely worth it to be able to get around easier!

I'm not the best on witty comebacks, but I would definitely be painting some racing stripes on the scooter, or adding something personal. If you feel that you're going to be a talking point anyway, you might as well have something fun to talk about!

Best of luck with the scooter, and I hope you get some improvement in your knees.

[AMPSyd]

Good on you for taking the initiative on getting a scooter. Your life and getting around is the most important thing.

Make it look funny and paint some racing stripes etc. There is a Dad that picks up his kids at school in a scooter and I don't believe anyone worries at all (I certainly don't).

Good on you. Hopefully your life will be much easier.

[Lizzette]

First of all, I'm sorry you're suffering to this extent but good for you for facing the reality of the situation and finding a way to be mobile.

I sometimes have need of a wheelchair (in larger shopping centres) and am not elderly yet so I can somewhat understand how you feel. I'll be honest, I do get looked at a bit. I think it's because it's an unusual sight, that's all. Most people are busy getting on with their own business though, and it's usually no more that a quick glance in my direction.

I can't help you with any witty comebacks. Who would ridicule you? Anyone who is unkind enough to criticise someone for using a mobility aid is not worthy of your time. Really, no one has ever said anything to me like that. On the contrary, most people go out of their way to be helpful.

I know it's easy for others to tell you not to be self-conscious, but the more you use your scooter, the more it will become 'normal' for you and you will become more comfortable with it. All the best!

[Sofia*]

I'm sure it's not easy to admit that it's needed - but well done for taking the plunge and getting a tool that will make your life easier. I really hope you don't get too many comments from rude people - in general i tend to think that most people are too self-centred to really care what others are up to, and if they are so rude as to comment about you using the scooter, just treat them like you would rude children - ignore them, or laugh at them and say "you wish you were so lucky to have one of these". Because, they are fun to ride, most people would enjoy it!

A few handy hints - make sure you check what the regulations are in your state - in most places you are considered a pedestrian and can go anywhere that pedestrians go. I'm really out of touch with this stuff now though, but you might feel better if you are fully armed with all the info on your rights about where you are allowed to be. And check whether there is any emergency support - I'm pretty sure that RAC in WA will rescue you if you have a flat tire in a scooter, but I don't know about other states. A good source of info on this kind of stuff would be your state Independent Living Centre: http://ilcaustralia.org.au

Most of all - enjoy your mobility and freedom!

[Manda]

Thanks everyone, guess ill see what happens when i get it delivered...if i ever get it..what was looking like a smooth thing is now huge drama, through no-ones fault just sellers work hours and my mates work hours (seller was to drop off at mates work but seller works longer hours blah blah blah so now trying to come up with alternative arrangements.