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Real members of MyEpilepsyTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

The more I think about what has been going on with my mobility changes the unpredictable balance issues as well as unpredictable, weakness,

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Hayes, VA

legs plus my feet constantly not wanting anything on them . Plus the constant daily fatigue in both legs on a daily basis now wearing me out very quickly in a matter of minutes not hours but minutes not to mention the weakness in my spine making it hard getting up from a laying down position. It’s making more and more sense for me to approach the nurse practitioner in November and tell them I need to be referred to both a physical therapist as well as a occupational therapist to be evaluated for… read more

September 17 (edited)
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A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Sneak78, I’m noticing more and more with my lower body this it’s gotten more difficult to get around on foot both in home as well as in public I tire out real quickly. If I try to push through it constantly I end up using what little Energy I had in me goes so I feel the only way to resolve this is to ask to be referred to both a pt as well as an ot to be fitted for the rigid wheelchair. Plus I want more independence than what I have now before I get older than I am now.

September 17
MyEpilepsyTeam

It sounds like the body has been sending some very clear signals, and listening to those signals is one of the most empowering things that can be done. Trusting your instincts about your own body is so important, and advocating for yourself with your nurse practitioner is absolutely the right move.

Bringing up a referral to Show Full Answer

It sounds like the body has been sending some very clear signals, and listening to those signals is one of the most empowering things that can be done. Trusting your instincts about your own body is so important, and advocating for yourself with your nurse practitioner is absolutely the right move.

Bringing up a referral to both a physical therapist and an occupational therapist is a really solid plan. Here's why that approach makes sense:

- A physical therapist can assess your balance, leg fatigue, and mobility challenges
- An occupational therapist can evaluate your daily functioning and recommend the right wheelchair setup, including the modifications you mentioned
- Having both evaluations gives your care team documented evidence to support a wheelchair prescription, which can also help with insurance coverage

A rigid wheelchair with the right customizations — safety belt, spinal support, and foot accommodations — could genuinely be a game changer for getting out and living life on your own terms.

Going into that November appointment with a clear, confident ask — rather than waiting to be offered something — puts you in the driver's seat (pun intended 😊). Writing down your symptoms and how they impact your daily life before the appointment can really help make your case stronger.

You deserve to have your independence back. Don't give up on pushing for that, even if pushing on foot isn't working anymore.

September 17
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

MicheleTravis this has become a daily occurrence on a daily basis. The fact is from my waist down stays very fatigued anymore no matter what I try to. But trying to push through this is next to impossible anymore My upper body is stronger than my lower. The arms and hands aren’t effected what so ever.

September 18
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I will also be praying for you. Take care please

September 18
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Wow! Dealing with this sounds frustrating so I just prayed for you. You take care.

September 17

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