Folding, Lightweight Travel Scooter

[innlady1]

Unfortunately, I'm having to ask for advice I wish I did not have to ask!

I've been having pain in my right knee for some time; and most recently in my right knee and hip. Went to my doctor who ordered x-rays and sent me to an orthopedist on the Island...bottom line, I need hip replacement surgery. My dad had the same problem, same age, same hip.

I'm stubborn...I don't want to cancel our cruise, even though we have "cancel for any reason" insurance.

February is the only chance we have to travel, and we have a 20 day cruise booked on the Noordam. I'm fine when I sit, it's walking that's become very difficult.

The PCC at HAL gave me the name of some rental places, but in talking with them, they only rent the cumbersome scooters.

I went onto the disability board here, and have found two that seem good: Lightweight, folding, easily manageable. The TravelScoot and the Lexis Light. Both over $1,000...and I can't seem to find any used on Craig's List or ebay.

Anyone have any other ideas? We're leaving February 1, so time is NOT on my side!

[belle836]

If you live in or close to a large city there should be at least one medical assisttive devices store. My experience is that they mostly keep the larger scooters in stock but you might find one that can get you one on short notice. I've used a scooter for years and have been everywhere (even on a tour of a cave in Missouri) with it. It weighs about 120 lbs. so it is not a problem for the airlines. It does break down into 3 pieces but I've never had to do that yet as I have a lift in the back of my minivan. Some medical supply stores might have one you could rent or even a used one you could purchase. In order to fly with a scooter the batteries must be totally enclosed gel batteries. The TSA.gov site has all that information.

[innlady1]

If you live in or close to a large city there should be at least one medical assisttive devices store. My experience is that they mostly keep the larger scooters in stock but you might find one that can get you one on short notice. I've used a scooter for years and have been everywhere (even on a tour of a cave in Missouri) with it. It weighs about 120 lbs. so it is not a problem for the airlines. It does break down into 3 pieces but I've never had to do that yet as I have a lift in the back of my minivan. Some medical supply stores might have one you could rent or even a used one you could purchase. In order to fly with a scooter the batteries must be totally enclosed gel batteries. The TSA.gov site has all that information.

Thank you, Belle.

I just had a call from irl_Joanie who had a wealth of information for me. Thank you, Joanie! :D

This board is great!

[sail7seas]

Sheila,
Sorry to hear about your situation but happy you have decided to go on your cruise. Enjoy the warm weather and rest and hopefully that will put you in better shape to face the surgery.
Wishing you the very best.

[innlady1]

Sheila,
Sorry to hear about your situation but happy you have decided to go on your cruise. Enjoy the warm weather and rest and hopefully that will put you in better shape to face the surgery.
Wishing you the very best.

Thank you, sail.

There's no point in cancelling...not when we've been looking forward to this since May...even though I took out "cancel for any reason" insurance. I'm not one to give up easily!

Now I just have to figure out how we'll manage on such a port intensive cruise. And decide how to make lemonade out of lemons! ;) The old "where there's a will, there's a way" theory!

[sail7seas]

You determination will serve you well. At risk of stating the obvious, I'm sure you have considered having your DH help you by pushing a wheelchair. Is that an option?

[innlady1]

You determination will serve you well. At risk of stating the obvious, I'm sure you have considered having your DH help you by pushing a wheelchair. Is that an option?



He's suggested that, sail. But, we're into the habit, when we're cruising, at the end of the day and our shore excursions, he goes back to our stateroom to take a nap or read, and I stay in the port and do a little shopping (which he really doesn't enjoy). So, I think I'd rather "be on my own" with a scooter that he can keep up with, and at the end of the day, he can go back to the ship, and I can continue on with browsing in the shops.

As for my surgery, I haven't even dealt with that yet. I have the names of doctors at MGH, the Brigham, and the Baptist. Nantucket Cottage Hospital (where my primary care physician is located) prefers the first two. As you know, being from the Boston area, the Baptist is "the place" for orthopedic surgery. So I'm still dealing with that decision!

[IRL_Joanie]

Thank you, sail.

There's no point in cancelling...not when we've been looking forward to this since May...even though I took out "cancel for any reason" insurance. I'm not one to give up easily!

Now I just have to figure out how we'll manage on such a port intensive cruise. And decide how to make lemonade out of lemons! ;) The old "where there's a will, there's a way" theory!


Sheila, I forgot to tell you to make sure you keep the battery charged as much as possible!! (I found out the hard way in May 2008 (Can we say DUH Joanie???) Whenever you are not using it, turn it off, put the key in a safe place and plug the charger in. It charges easily and quickly. (I kept mine in the Scooter Basket at all times)

Also, when you go to the MDR, the Maitre'd or his assistant will allow you to wheel to your table and then will have one of the Dining stewards assistants park it inside the MDR at the front where they will keep an eye on it for you. They will bring you the key back as soon as they park it. When you are finished eating, just tell your steward, he will take the key from you,and happily drive it back to you. (Our steward got a big kick out of driving mine:D.)

Glad I was able to give you the info you needed!! I Love being able to help someone else have a HAL of a DAM Blast on one of "OUR" ships:D

Joanie

[sail7seas]

He's suggested that, sail. But, we're into the habit, when we're cruising, at the end of the day and our shore excursions, he goes back to our stateroom to take a nap or read, and I stay in the port and do a little shopping (which he really doesn't enjoy). So, I think I'd rather "be on my own" with a scooter that he can keep up with, and at the end of the day, he can go back to the ship, and I can continue on with browsing in the shops.

As for my surgery, I haven't even dealt with that yet. I have the names of doctors at MGH, the Brigham, and the Baptist. Nantucket Cottage Hospital (where my primary care physician is located) prefers the first two. As you know, being from the Boston area, the Baptist is "the place" for orthopedic surgery. So I'm still dealing with that decision!


I totally understand and you surely know what will work best for you.

I'm well acquainted with the Baptist. My sister was a frequent patient there a number of years ago. They are among the top Ortho hospitals in the U.S. and where I would head. As much as I rave the care I got through two very serious surgeries at MGH, Baptist is the orthopedic place. Why not avail yourself of the very best you can find? Most hospitals are fine for the routine, it's when something unexpected crops up you want the very, very best facility where they have seen and dealt with it all and it's routine to them. We're so fortunate in Boston. People travel from all over the world to come to places in our backyard.

[sharpasahmarble]

You can rent them online for the duration of the cruise. They will have it in your stateroom upon arrival. The website is specialneedsatsea.com

[innlady1]

Sheila, I forgot to tell you to make sure you Glad I was able to give you the info you needed!! I Love being able to help someone else have a HAL of a DAM Blast on one of "OUR" ships:D
Joanie


Joanie,
Thank you so much for calling me this evening...you were a wealth of information! I surely appreciate it!
Sheila

[innlady1]

I totally understand and you surely know what will work best for you.

I'm well acquainted with the Baptist. My sister was a frequent patient there a number of years ago. They are among the top Ortho hospitals in the U.S. and where I would head. As much as I rave the care I got through two very serious surgeries at MGH, Baptist is the orthopedic place. Why not avail yourself of the very best you can find? Most hospitals are fine for the routine, it's when something unexpected crops up you want the very, very best facility where they have seen and dealt with it all and it's routine to them. We're so fortunate in Boston. People travel from all over the world to come to places in our backyard.

I totally agree, Sail. MGH is great...as is Brigham and Womens. DH was just into MGH last week to see his cardiologist who gave him the names of two orthopedic surgeons...both listed in the "Best Physicians" in the December issue of Boston Magazine. But, for orthopedic surgery, it's well known that New England Baptist is the place to go. Very strange that none of the docs there were listed in the Boston Magazine article...only MGH and B & W.

[IRL_Joanie]

You can rent them online for the duration of the cruise. They will have it in your stateroom upon arrival. The website is specialneedsatsea.com

That's exactly what and who we discussed sharpasamarble:) I Love their services and pricing:)

Joanie

[innlady1]

That's exactly what and who we discussed sharpasamarble:) I Love their services and pricing:)

Joanie

I will call them 1st thing in the AM. Unfortunately, the cruises I'd booked prior to this "mishap" can only accommodate folding scooters. So, I'm somewhat in a pickle. :(

[sharpasahmarble]

I will call them 1st thing in the AM. Unfortunately, the cruises I'd booked prior to this "mishap" can only accommodate folding scooters. So, I'm somewhat in a pickle. :(

You're welcome.

[innlady1]

I will call them 1st thing in the AM. Unfortunately, the cruises I'd booked prior to this "mishap" can only accommodate folding scooters. So, I'm somewhat in a pickle. :(

What I meant was the shore excursions I'd booked before this!

[sail7seas]

I totally agree, Sail. MGH is great...as is Brigham and Womens. DH was just into MGH last week to see his cardiologist who gave him the names of two orthopedic surgeons...both listed in the "Best Physicians" in the December issue of Boston Magazine. But, for orthopedic surgery, it's well known that New England Baptist is the place to go. Very strange that none of the docs there were listed in the Boston Magazine article...only MGH and B & W.

I don't place all that much weight on the 'Best Of' articles. Of course, it's always good if one is on it but it doesn't influence me heavily is a person is not on the list. Some of the selction process is based on real numbers etc but a lot is subjective, IMO You'll make the best choice for you. I'm just sorry you have to go through this. Best Wishes.

[innlady1]

I don't place all that much weight on the 'Best Of' articles. Of course, it's always good if one is on it but it doesn't influence me heavily is a person is not on the list. Some of the selction process is based on real numbers etc but a lot is subjective, IMO You'll make the best choice for you. I'm just sorry you have to go through this. Best Wishes.

I don't either. Although, my ob/gyn was on it for years before he retired, and he was the BEST. Two of the doctors I've been given the names of are on the list. One at MGH and the other who is on staff at both B&W and the Baptist.

[lettienets]

I don't either. Although, my ob/gyn was on it for years before he retired, and he was the BEST. Two of the doctors I've been given the names of are on the list. One at MGH and the other who is on staff at both B&W and the Baptist.
Hi Sheila, soory to hear about your hip. I just sent you email. Lettie

[innlady1]

Hi Sheila, soory to hear about your hip. I just sent you email. Lettie

Hi Lettie! Good to hear from you....I just found your email and just replied!

[leoandhugh]

If you have not already done so, I suggest you go to the board on disabled cruising and type in the ports you will be visiting. There is often info posted by others concerning problems, difficulties, etc in getting around ashore with a scooter - such as lack of cored curbs, brick or cobblestone streets. In some ports where the gangway is set up as steps rather than a gradual slope, you may find you need to walk down the gangway and have some ship's personnel take your scooter up or down.:)

[innlady1]

If you have not already done so, I suggest you go to the board on disabled cruising and type in the ports you will be visiting. There is often info posted by others concerning problems, difficulties, etc in getting around ashore with a scooter - such as lack of cored curbs, brick or cobblestone streets. In some ports where the gangway is set up as steps rather than a gradual slope, you may find you need to walk down the gangway and have some ship's personnel take your scooter up or down.:)

Thanks Leo and Hugh,

I did go on that board. To ask about a folding travel scooter and so far the TravelScoot or Lexis Light seem to be the most compact.

Basically this is a repeat of the cruise we did last year, so we're familiar with the ports. But I will take your suggestion and post the ports, and see what folks say. Last year, I didn't have this problem so wasn't aware of all these issues.

I can walk...it's just very painful with my hip problem...I'm hoping once we get out of 12 degree weather, that will improve.