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[punchnpie]

Anybody have to temporarily use a wheelchair at a conference? Are they hard to get used to? Were you able to maneuver around without looking like an idiot? Let me be clear - I'm not saying that people in wheelchairs look like idiots, I'm saying I've never used one before and would like advice from people who normally don't use wheelchairs.

I don't think this pain is going to let me walk very far, even on meds. I'm going to the pain clinic before I go to the conference, but I don't know what they'll do or if whatever they do will kick in right away. I was supposed to go a conference week before last was told to get a wheelchair for that; I opted not to travel. I don't mind a wheelchair in the airport, I've done that, but I haven't had to maneuver one around myself. My mother says that most hotel wheelchairs are electric - has that been people's experience?

I'm so depressed. I just talked to the doc and aside from the cortisone shot she gave me and recommending PT, she's kinda opting out of doing anything else. wth? I could barely crawl back from voting today and spent the day at home medicating. Fortunately, I'll be in once place for the conference and don't have to roam all over; I just need to get to the meeting room. I should be able to walk to the rest room, if necessary. Still, I won't be able to walk from my room in the building next door to the meeting room with out assistance, I just know it. Crud.

[merope]

punchnpie, is this a conference where you'll run into some friends who might be helpful in wheelchair maneuvering? I wouldn't be afraid to call on them if so. That might make you feel a little more comfortable than going the stoic solo route. I have a good friend with restricted mobility (a cane, and little-to-no stairs ability) and having someone who can help with the access points (mini-elevators, or even just holding doors) can be a real godsend (deity-send?).

I do hope you're feeling better soon!

[biomancer]

Punch&Pie, Merope's idea worked out for me at the last Fora meet-up I attended*.  If you've got a couple friends/collaborators/acquaintances who'd be willing to help push your chair (given that wheeling yourself around is likely to be hard and painful for you), it shouldn't be a problem.

I also hope you're feeling better soon!

*It was only a couple weeks after my hysterectomy surgery, and I wasn't healed up enough to manage walking around the zoo and having energy for the rest of the day.  Bioteacher brought her mom's wheelchair, and Polly_Mer pushed me around the zoo, and I was able to walk around for our lunch and dinner plans.  Had I walked around the zoo I'd have been far too sore and exhausted halfway through the zoo to do anything else.

[punchnpie]

Alas, this is a new conference for me, no best buds in attendance.  I found out that the hotel doesn't have wheelchairs and I'll have to rent one, which I'll check into later today. Bummer.

[nanoputian]

If you are going to need to rent one from an outside source anyway, you might consider a "scooter" type chair rather than a normal wheelchair. They are more expensive to rent, but you may feel more confident in something that is motorized and allows you to sit a bit higher than a regular wheelchair. Depending on where your conference is located, try contacting Scootaround mobility (www.scootaround.com). I helped organize a conference once and we contracted with them for mobility services, but I think individuals can use them too.

[punchnpie]

I ended up renting a scooter. Considering my experience at Walmart (interthreduality), I hope I don't run anyone down. I'm also hoping I can get in and out of elevators without turning the whole darn thing over on me or on innocent bystanders. Still, it's better than trying to roll a chair between buildings, etc. I think I will just sit in my room and order room service when I'm not in session.

I think there's a balcony. My mother warned me, considering my scooter driving skills, not to go close to the balcony in the scooter. /smile  On the other hand, as bad as I've been feeling, it's an option.

[systeme_d_]

Not an option!  You're going to be having too much fun on the scooter, Punchnpie!  I'll put money on it!

When I was injured a couple of years ago, I had to use the scooters at Wal-Mart.  I liked them!

[lizzy]

I ended up renting a scooter. Considering my experience at Walmart (interthreduality), I hope I don't run anyone down. I'm also hoping I can get in and out of elevators without turning the whole darn thing over on me or on innocent bystanders. Still, it's better than trying to roll a chair between buildings, etc. I think I will just sit in my room and order room service when I'm not in session.

I think there's a balcony. My mother warned me, considering my scooter driving skills, not to go close to the balcony in the scooter. /smile  On the other hand, as bad as I've been feeling, it's an option.

I'll bet that if you're having trouble with elevators and such, people would be willing to give you a hand. I hope all goes well for you, Punchpie!

[prytania3]

You will look fierce on the scooter, Punch.