I am 43 with back problems that send pain down into the feet making it hard to walk at times. I am bulking at the idea of a wheelchair because my mother would be pushing it. It seems selfish to have her do this. Instead I limit what it is that is done. This causes other family members to have a hard time. I understand the desire to partake in activities other then eating. What is more selfish?
BUT
Please encourage the family to do things on their own that you can not or wish not to do.
AND
Have you thought about getting an electric scooter that you can operate on your own so no one has to push you? Some of them are very light and easy to put together so you could even go out on your own if you wish. I have seen some with pretty tough wheels that would even allow you to go to parks and on "hikes"
It is very possible that after a discussion with your doctor this could be ordered so it would possibly be covered as a piece of DME (durable medical equipment) it is certainly worth looking into.
It's a matter of your leading a fulfilled life with maximum independence; and what's more of your mother having peace of mind through knowing that she will be able to step back without guilt or worry when you're ready, and that her role won't have to be taken over by resentful or otherwise struggling family members.
Why are you stuck with these "either/or" choices? How about a wheelchair you can operate, with your mother or somebody else prompting you verbally or assisting with steering it? What about other people to support you, or an assistance dog?
If it isn't too personal and intrusive a question, were you born without sight or else when you did you lose your vision?
Best of luck to you, dear one.
If you need the wheelchair, I'd pursue it without guilt. It's just being pragmatic. If you don't think your mom is up for pushing you, can you get training on how to do it yourself, if able. I would think the association for the blind may have some services as well that might help with aiding your independence.
If ur blindness is not recent, then you have been taught how to get around. If recent, hopefully ur finding ways to do as much as u can by yourself. But, u also need to know your limits and ask for help. I find it frustrating when a friend tries to do it all themselves and I am there to give a hand. Just have to ask.
After the back surgery the help from the ppt was less then impressive. I was trying to use a walker and my Mom would have to put her foot along side the walker to keep it straight. The pt said when asked that all walkers run off balance. Then I was told I was fighting to keep the walker straight and it was of no use to me. My brother should have received the pay for the pt's work. He has shown me how to use the walker much better then the paid professionals.
If you are simply wanting to stay home while your family goes out, I don’t see why it causes them a hardship. You have to think about yourself and your physical well-being. Sounds like you are living with chronic pain so personally I don’t think it’s selfish to stay behind when you don’t feel up to leaving the house and I don’t consider it a hardship. My mother has advanced COPD and needs a motorized scooter when leaving the house. Now that is what I consider a hard time for the family because it requires an able-bodied person to load it on to the ramp on the back of the car and secure it to the ramp and then unload it. Moms ramp doesn’t lower all the way to the ground so my brother has to lift it a few inches. And it does limit where we can go. So that’s what I think of when I hear the word “hard time”.
If you are being stubborn and it is causing hardships for your family, I think that you know the answer.