Connect with others who understand.

Sign up Log in
Resources
About mySMAteam
Powered By
SMA
NEWS

The Decision To Get a Scooter

Posted on November 24, 2021

I was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 3 when I was 20 years old. Although walking was difficult, I had been ambulatory my entire life. After a knee injury, walking had become more arduous than ever. I was using a cane, and I found myself avoiding going places because of the tiresome struggle to get around and the fear of falling. When I went to the mall, I was only able to go to one or two stores. I was irritable and anxious. The stress of going out started to outweigh the fun.

A Sign of Defeat?

A physical therapist had suggested that I use a scooter to get around. My first impulse was to reject the idea. I thought that if I started using a scooter, I would get weaker faster and lose my ability to walk altogether. She explained that I would only use it for the things I was avoiding, and I could still walk at home. She also said that I could do more while feeling safe doing it.

I knew what she said made sense. I also knew this day would come. I had started to prepare for it. When buying a home, I chose a model with a master bedroom on the ground floor and an open floor plan. I even had a ramp put in my garage so that it would be accessible in the future when a chair would be needed.

So why was I resisting? I fought hard all my life to sustain my mobility. I think on some level, I thought getting a scooter meant defeat by SMA.

Share your thoughts with others. Click here to add a comment.

Living Life to the Fullest

At the time, I was enrolled in a study at Columbia University. I was privileged to meet another participant who also had SMA type 3, and she was using a scooter. She told me how much her quality of life had increased since getting her scooter. When I saw her on it, I didn’t see defeat. I saw independence, confidence, and strength. She was out and about, living her life to the fullest. Because of her, I decided to get a scooter.

More Active Than Ever

Getting the scooter has definitely improved my quality of life. I’m able to shop at as many stores as I want without getting tired or anxious about falling. I have the stamina to keep up with my husband when we go sightseeing on vacation. Sometimes I even have to slow down so that he can keep up with me. What I thought might hinder my mobility has instead freed me.

It’s been about nine years since I got my scooter. I’m still able to walk at home with the use of a walker. When I’m out, I’m untethered and more active than ever.

Columnists on mySMAteam discuss SMA from a specific point of view. Columnists’ articles don’t reflect the opinions of mySMAteam staff, medical experts, partners, advertisers, or sponsors. Content on mySMAteam isn’t intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Lisa Velez-Batista, mySMAteam Member is a member and ambassador on mySMAteam. Learn more about her here.

A mySMAteam Member

Hi LB, I was able to get up out of the scooter but after a couple of injuries and surgeries, it’s difficult. My husband usually gives me a little tug to get me up. I recently purchased a portable… read more

June 14, 2023
All updates must be accompanied by text or a picture.

We'd love to hear from you! Please share your name and email to post and read comments.

You'll also get the latest articles directly to your inbox.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Privacy Policy
All updates must be accompanied by text or a picture.

Subscribe now to ask your question, get answers, and stay up to date on the latest articles.

Get updates directly to your inbox.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Privacy Policy
SMA News

Thank you for subscribing!

Become a member to get even more: