Honestly, I found my wheelchair at the thrift store for $50 (a nice, rigid, custom one that happened to fit me well), and took it home. That was January, I gradually started using it for errands, then started using it at work about a month ago. It's allowed me to do a lot more, and really helps with the POTS. I picked up a shower chair and forearm crutches yesterday, which was a bit harder to accept, but the chair already made showers better, and I really want to get back to hiking. I had my knee give out a couple years ago on a hike, and I didn't think I'd make it back. So, I guess it was the fact that I wanted to be able to do more, and realizing it might be possible if I used mobility aids. I got some shitty comments from coworkers the first day, but everyone has been cool since. I think I've struggled with my own internalized ableism than anyone else's. 🙃❤️

I just use it when I get to the point I'm focusing more on not passing out or being in pain than I am just living in that moment. If you can't enjoy it what is the point. I've actually felt more free since I started using a shower chair or wheelchair when I go to big places in public. If you feel bad about it at first just remind yourself it is better than you having to pay for it later or possibly pass out and have others have to deal with all that as well. People are going to be ignorant no matter what even if you have no aid. At least you got what you need even if they don't understand.

I began using my walker due to a hip that kept trying to sublux, and I discovered how much less pain I experienced in my back and how my overall stress level was lower. (I am always anxious about a misstep!). My young adult daughter also commented that day that I was walking faster and more easily. I was sold!

I'll add that is was 23 when I started using a wheelchair and compression socks and a shower chair. It is a good time to start using them when you can't enjoy anything with family or friends or work cause of the pain or weakness

There are days that are still hard for me but then I remember that my chair gives me access to things like hiking, learning sexy jazz and tap and hip hop, going on adventures that last longer than 15 minutes, I can do things in my chair and with my cane/ crutches that I can’t do without them. I once heard that if you think it’s time for a mobility aid, it was time a while ago.

I use a motorized scooter for convenience. With the POTS and the EDS, walking around stores is unbearable. If you get a light model and a ramp, it's not too inconvenient to take in and out of the car. I use mine as my primary form of transportation. People look at me, but everyone is generally very accommodating. Ableism is a big issue, but I've come to embrace being disabled. I used have a cane that turned into a chair. They're not that expensive on Amazon if you need a place to start