Anyone do their own grocery shopping?

[Imight]

If so, how?

[SoulScream]

I use a basket on my lap.

[Imight]

thats how I picture it (since when I buy clothes, electronics etc, I put them on my lap), but then I start to think what if I have too much or its too heavy, and I dont think they'll allow you to take the basket to your car, so do you put the groceries in your lap?

[Rod the Quad]

in my area you can grocery shop on line
go to www.peapod.com (http://www.peapod.com) to sign up
they bringit right in to your kitchen

[Imight]

in my area you can grocery shop on line
go to www.peapod.com (http://www.peapod.com) to sign up
they bringit right in to your kitchen
Im 2 miles shy of our online grocery service. PINK DOT was more my preference anyways, but they closed it. they had such a great deli mmmm the sandwiches......


used it when I was AB, NOW that I need it most, its not available. go figure.

[SoulScream]

The stores here have no problem with me taking their basket to my car. Depending on how busy the store is, they will carry things to the car as well. I can push a full size cart but it looks pretty funny. If they bulk about the basket you could just bring your own.

For really heavy things around the farm I put a square of plywood on my lap then carry whatever on there. That is much better balanced!

Have you thought or is there anything like dinner by design in your area? You go and make up meals in like a salad bar table then freeze the packages.

[kap]

I would call area grocers and see which ones offer help to your car. There are a couple nicer grocers in the area that ask me everytime I check out if I need help to my car. I'm AB so I always decline but I see many elderly and mom's with multiple kids taking advantage of their service.

[Shaun]

If i need a woppin pile of shit i pass my grocery list to my folks!

For anything else just a basket on my lap...anybody want one? I think ive got like 15 of em!

[Them Bones]

I put the basket on my lap. Usually they can fit everything in the basket in one paper bag which rides on my lap. To do this I make sure the heavy side
of the bag is leaning against my belly so that it won't tip forward off my lap. If it doesn't all fit I have them use one plastic bag, which I hook over the posts of my wheelchair back just like a backpack. (I have a roho jetsream solid back, so the posts are exposed.)

Before I had started using this method I asked for help getting the stuff out to my car.

Recently I use those reusable bags, and I can hang one off the back of the chair and balance one on my lap.

When I buy beer I take the basket out to the car, then bring it back. I asked permission the first couple times, now I just do it.

[cvelusc]

Very possible with a regular shopping cart. Just takes some practice like everything else. I think you can make it happen.

[betheny]

I tried NOT doing my own shopping, b/c I have 3 ab men in my house. Sadly, starvation won out over principles!

I use the basket and mke more trips. Gotta go today again, I went Sunday but am still out of everything...

My kingdom for online shopping! OMG I miss those days!

[ancientgimp]

I live in a small town and we have a grocery chain big on customer service. As a result they get almost all the gimp and elderly business. I put a basket on my lap but also push the smaller of the 2 carts the store supplies. It is not hard at all to push a grocery cart if the wheels are not binding. I stash the cart in a convenient aisle and go selecting items which I offload into the cart each time the basket is full. Once done selecting, I approach checkout - usually one of the baggers will see me and ask if he/she can offload my items onto the cashier conveyor. I always accept. If the store is real busy I use my basket too offload from the cart and then unload basket on conveyor. In this store there is always a bagger and if you are elderly/disabled they offer to take your stuff to the car and they unload into the car and refuse tips. My wife and I are both chair users - she shopped once with an injured shoulder and they offered to have a staff member accompany her and load picked out items onto her cart.

This store is great and I wonder if any chains where you live have maybe tried to fill this niche. This store I go to has many people using walkers, chairs, store provided scooters, etc. A food chain can beat out their competitors by offering these services.

[alhavel]

I use a cart and LOVE IT, it's the greatest PT going, you get what you want, and more, and you get the advantage of being able to become a member of society again. Better than a walker, beats a wheel chair, and you are mobile to the point of, and maybe no one knows whats wrong with you. Flat floors, and an aide in getting verticle.

[Juke_spin]

thats how I picture it (since when I buy clothes, electronics etc, I put them on my lap), but then I start to think what if I have too much or its too heavy, and I dont think they'll allow you to take the basket to your car, so do you put the groceries in your lap?

Imight, http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/showpost.php?p=876536&postcount=83 It usually goes a lot smoother than that. When I go to a new market and plan to come back I'll have a talk w the manager about having my baskets stored in a cooler (you may not want cold for what you've collected). The food markets are very competative and I've had amiable agreement/cooperation from all.

I've had as many as three baskets in storage, w one on my lap, at a time.;)

[gigi]

My boyfriend keeps a large carabiner on the back of his chair, which he uses for hanging all manner of things, but in the grocery store he hooks it through the handles of the grocery basket and hangs the basket from the support bar across the back of the chair.

[SoFla]

After I park, I call the store and ask to have an electric cart brought to me.

[RehabRhino]

I always carry two of this type of string bag with me. Get them to put the shopping in there and hang it on the bag of my chair using the corners of the seat back as 'shoulders'.

[-scott-]

basket on my lap as well.

if I need more than I can carry, I'll drag a friend along.

no big deal.

[Rbrauer]

Push a cart. One hand on the cart, the other pushing the chair.
So long as you don't get a cart with a messed up wheel, then it's no problem.

[Imight]

I live in a small town and we have a grocery chain big on customer service. As a result they get almost all the gimp and elderly business. I put a basket on my lap but also push the smaller of the 2 carts the store supplies. It is not hard at all to push a grocery cart if the wheels are not binding. I stash the cart in a convenient aisle and go selecting items which I offload into the cart each time the basket is full. Once done selecting, I approach checkout - usually one of the baggers will see me and ask if he/she can offload my items onto the cashier conveyor. I always accept. If the store is real busy I use my basket too offload from the cart and then unload basket on conveyor. In this store there is always a bagger and if you are elderly/disabled they offer to take your stuff to the car and they unload into the car and refuse tips. My wife and I are both chair users - she shopped once with an injured shoulder and they offered to have a staff member accompany her and load picked out items onto her cart.

This store is great and I wonder if any chains where you live have maybe tried to fill this niche. This store I go to has many people using walkers, chairs, store provided scooters, etc. A food chain can beat out their competitors by offering these services.

out of all the ideas, I think I like this one.

They will help me to my car (theres a requirement at least to ask), but my main concern is getting around the store and adding to my basket, then having a problem IF it overflows.

Supermarkets here are huge, so unlike my local wine store, where they all know my name, what I always get (which they grab for me right when they see me), and which one is my car outside lol. Its a bit tougher at larger stores.

I dont think I can bring a backpack, it'll look like Im stealing. I am T4 and lack the balance to push both my chair and a cart. but I can def handle going back and forth between basket and cart, then taking the cart on one single shot to the line. (tho im sure this is going to cause shit loads of attention and loads of people trying to help, which will then annoy me)

Right now I just send my mom with the list, but seriously, I am tired of depending on her, I just want to do try this by myself.

[SoFla]

I'm curious. Am I spoiled by Publix? All the Publix stores have electric carts for gimps. All the Publix stores have baggers who accompany gimps and ABs, alike, to their car to load the purchases in the trunk. Will I not get this service elsewhere?

[gpbullock]

I use a regular cart and just alternate pushing on each side of the wheelchair while straight arming the cart. Usually I build enough momentum that I become a grocery store cart train.

[sjean423]

I usually bring one of my kids. If it is a short trip I manage with the basket on my lap.

As far as taking the cart to the car .... everyone in my area has always done this .... there are even cart corrals to collect the empty carts in the lot.
http://www.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/1798065/2/istockphoto_1798065_shopping_cart_corral.jpg

[RAFS]

If so, how?
When I go grocery shopping I put the basket on my lap.I have lap belts on my manual & power chair.I put the lap belt thru the handles on the basket.If I have a big order to get I first get all my non-perishable items first & when the basket fills up I take it to the register & the cashier rings up the order & puts in in suspense then I get all my pershiables last & bring the basket to the register again & the order is totaled up *& I pay & some one will help me out to my van & load the order for me into my van.

[Eileen]

I have my own shopping basket I bought from www.reusablebags.com
It comes from Germany and is the same size as the plastic baskets the stores have, but with this one they take the items out to scan them and then put them right back in since it is my basket, which rides nicely in my lap.

Betheny, Have you check out groceries on Amazon? I know it sounds weird, but they keep adding more stuff and at any given time about a third of it is free shipping with a $25.00 purchase. I am doing it a lot these days because I figure I can either go shopping, haul in the van, then into my house.....OR, I can just let the UPS guy deliver to my door for no extra charge. Seriously, I have been buying cereal, energy bars, cleaning products, coffee, all sorts of stuff that isn't perishable.

[Mona~on~wheels]

If I'm not getting alot,I get my empty basket set up at the service desk.
Then I go shopping. When there's too much in my lap I stash it in my cart. Shop, take to cart. Shop, take to cart.
If I'm buying alot, I ask for help and they release one of their cashiers to push the cart & help me shop.

[chick]

They will help me to my car (theres a requirement at least to ask), but my main concern is getting around the store and adding to my basket, then having a problem IF it overflows.

Supermarkets here are huge, so unlike my local wine store, where they all know my name, what I always get (which they grab for me right when they see me), and which one is my car outside lol. Its a bit tougher at larger stores.

I dont think I can bring a backpack, it'll look like Im stealing. I am T4 and lack the balance to push both my chair and a cart. but I can def handle going back and forth between basket and cart, then taking the cart on one single shot to the line. (tho im sure this is going to cause shit loads of attention and loads of people trying to help, which will then annoy me)

Right now I just send my mom with the list, but seriously, I am tired of depending on her, I just want to do try this by myself.Have you tried grocery shopping on own, yet? Seems you haven't. I think once you do you'll figure out what you need to do, and most likely won't even require much assist.

RE: overflow - If you're using a basket on lap, and plan on buying a lot, then just make more trips to the cart to unload basket! (Duh, huh :p) Like you said, you can handle going back/forth, if the cart is too difficult or gets annoying.

If you're just getting a little more than what a basket might hold, so not needing to deal with a cart, then just drop off a few items at one of the checkout lines, and let the checkout person know you'll be back in a bit with the other items. If you have a lot, then leave the cart (or basket) near one of the lines, fill as needed, and just go thru the checkout when ready. As long as your cart isn't in anyone's way, no biggie. This way the cart is already near checkout, rather than you pushing it to the line.

I usually don't use a basket (they annoy me and is cumbersome), so I just pile stuff onto my lap, but I've had workers offer to take items on my lap to checkout for me to hold, while I continue shopping. When I'm balancing a lot, I get many offers to bring me a basket or to take my stuff for me up to the counter, but I usually just say "no thx". It's faster just goin in, piling on, and asking for help - as needed - and checking out.

People are almost always friendly and very willing to help. Just ask. If you don't want or need help, just get your system down and when you go shop, go about your business and people will generally ignore you. I don't think you'll need much help and once you get used to managing basket and/or cart, you won't get as much attention as you think.

On the other hand, if theres a cutie at the store, and you want some attention.....

[Juke_spin]

I have my own shopping basket I bought from www.reusablebags.com (http://www.reusablebags.com)
It comes from Germany and is the same size as the plastic baskets the stores have, but with this one they take the items out to scan them and then put them right back in since it is my basket, which rides nicely in my lap.

Betheny, Have you check out groceries on Amazon? I know it sounds weird, but they keep adding more stuff and at any given time about a third of it is free shipping with a $25.00 purchase. I am doing it a lot these days because I figure I can either go shopping, haul in the van, then into my house.....OR, I can just let the UPS guy deliver to my door for no extra charge. Seriously, I have been buying cereal, energy bars, cleaning products, coffee, all sorts of stuff that isn't perishable.
Eileen, I just received an Amazon free-shipping order of 3 yr. aged miso soup (four twelve oz. resealable packets) this after and cooked up a pot of it and had half. The Hatcho* Miso is unavailable at the market but the principle of letting UPS, etc. take care of transport makes great sense. Also got five lbs of special sushi rice and six lbs of chia seeds through Amazon in the past few days.

*Three year aged.

[Imight]

Yes. I shop, but for light things, like a big ass PS3 box with 5 games and a box of red vines (I have a sweet tooth).

but on a serious note, I meant like real deal shopping, meats, produce, dairy, bathroom accessories, 24 case of Asahi Beer lol.

I think I will try what Ancient said. Grab a cart, stash it some where, go back and forth with a basket (shouldn't be more than 2-3 trips) and then balance the cart and chair on a single trip, to the line.

The problem is, I have a feeling someone is going to see me juggling groceries and my chair, and rush to help.

I sometimes don't like help or to look like I'm struggling (Im cool wtf I dont struggle), but meh, whatever.

[Broknwing]

IMight-
you've said you can walk with assistance...why not just walk into the store and use the motorized carts for shopping? I've done that on more than one occasion...makes it easier to get around when shopping for a lot of stuff(or if you're going to be in wal-mart for WAYYYYYYYYYYYY too long...lol)...then you don't have to worry about balancing OR going back/forth to a cart....

ALSO, since you CAN walk, you could try using the cart as your support....It DOES take a bit of practice, but it can give a huge sense of accomplishment when you're done...To avoid major fatigue, KNOW what you're going for and where it's at in the store, this will avoid back-tracking to get something you forgot...

[Tiger Racing]

The problem is, I have a feeling someone is going to see me juggling groceries and my chair, and rush to help.

I sometimes don't like help or to look like I'm struggling
Nobody likes looking dependent or helpless, but the truth is, most people aren't paying that much attention to you. Most people are busy getting on with their own lives. You're just hypersensitive and tend to notice anyone who does look at you. That's not unusual. We've all been through that, but you'll find that if somebody offers you aid and you don't need or want it, all you need to do is smile and say no, thank you. That's really all it takes with the vast majority of good samaritans.

FTR, I've done my own grocery shopping for years and have had no problems. The biggest PITA is when you get home and have to carry all those bags inside by yourself. At the store, I just go up and ask for someone to get me the big stuff that is too bulky to carry, like cases of soda or beer. And someone always carries my bags out to the parking lot for me. My solution at home is to keep a laundry basket in the garage. I load all my bags into that and then use the front of my chair to push it into the kitchen.

Grocery shopping is one of the things that sounds like a big deal, but is totally doable for me and feels quite normal in the doing. Sure, it would be nice if someone else did the work for me all the time, but then, it would be nice if someone did my hair everyday, too. :)

C.

[Imight]

IMight-
you've said you can walk with assistance...why not just walk into the store and use the motorized carts for shopping? I've done that on more than one occasion...makes it easier to get around when shopping for a lot of stuff(or if you're going to be in wal-mart for WAYYYYYYYYYYYY too long...lol)...then you don't have to worry about balancing OR going back/forth to a cart....

Thing is, Ive seen those electric carts, but not here in los angeles (altho Ill admit to having not been into every store in los angeles lol) but none in my area has the cart. I WISH!

We only have one walmart around and its 25 miles away. It's a pretty low budget one compared to the ones I saw in Texas, so I don't expect them to have electric carts, hell they don't even sell cold groceries. lol.


ALSO, since you CAN walk, you could try using the cart as your support....It DOES take a bit of practice, but it can give a huge sense of accomplishment when you're done...To avoid major fatigue, KNOW what you're going for and where it's at in the store, this will avoid back-tracking to get something you forgot...

I don't think using the cart as a walker would be safe. I get this image of it rolling on without me, and sitting there like. :agog: or just falling forward (slip and slide style) as it rolls on. would suck even more if the cart hit the pyramid of can goods.

Think ill just take the 3 trips and make 3 pointers from top court into my cart.

[Imight]

Nobody likes looking dependent or helpless, but the truth is, most people aren't paying that much attention to you. Most people are busy getting on with their own lives. You're just hypersensitive and tend to notice anyone who does look at you. That's not unusual. We've all been through that, but you'll find that if somebody offers you aid and you don't need or want it, all you need to do is smile and say no, thank you. That's really all it takes with the vast majority of good samaritans.

FTR, I've done my own grocery shopping for years and have had no problems. The biggest PITA is when you get home and have to carry all those bags inside by yourself. At the store, I just go up and ask for someone to get me the big stuff that is too bulky to carry, like cases of soda or beer. And someone always carries my bags out to the parking lot for me. My solution at home is to keep a laundry basket in the garage. I load all my bags into that and then use the front of my chair to push it into the kitchen.

Grocery shopping is one of the things that sounds like a big deal, but is totally doable for me and feels quite normal in the doing. Sure, it would be nice if someone else did the work for me all the time, but then, it would be nice if someone did my hair everyday, too. :)

C.
Yea it sucks when you have to carry a 24 pack, up 3 steps with a walker, with a heavy bag in hand (but using the walker to support some of the weight) all while balancing.

I don't sweat much, but by the time I make it in, I look showered lol.

[Juke_spin]

Imight, if I'm remembering what it was like (alllllll those years ago) when I learned how to use braces and crutches well and if my carryover to your situation is valid then you'll feel and be a lot more in control shopping from your chair. Also, I agree with Tiger's attitudinal approach to the whole market deal and would carry it a step further. You don't want to stand out as any more different than necessary but you are and making a concession and adjustment to that fact right up front with the store staff will make the whole shopping experience much more comfortable and effective.

Why not talk to a manager right up front and ask that your baskets be stored appropriately as you fill them up. I've got that arrangement at three of my area's markets and as I fill each basket I go to the front and ask any available store staff to store the full one in a cooler. If you do this you're not going to be limited in how much you collect or encumbered with an awkward cart you'v got to move and keep in sight. (Yes, store staff will often move unattended carts and sometimes restock items to the shelves - I've had it happen.) When you've finished collecting wanted items you can get in line at a checkout and inform the cashier that you've got 'X' No. of additional baskets stored back in a cooler and would someone go retrieve them for you. Since most stores try to provide you with a "helper" to accompany you throughout your shopping efforts, this is a small thing to ask in comparison and they're glad to accommodate.

[Imight]

Imight, if I'm remembering what it was like (alllllll those years ago) when I learned how to use braces and crutches well and if my carryover to your situation is valid then you'll feel and be a lot more in control shopping from your chair. Also, I agree with Tiger's attitudinal approach to the whole market deal and would carry it a step further. You don't want to stand out as any more different than necessary but you are and making a concession and adjustment to that fact right up front with the store staff will make the whole shopping experience much more comfortable and effective.

Why not talk to a manager right up front and ask that your baskets be stored appropriately as you fill them up. I've got that arrangement at three of my area's markets and as I fill each basket I go to the front and ask any available store staff to store the full one in a cooler. If you do this you're not going to be limited in how much you collect or encumbered with an awkward cart you'v got to move and keep in sight. (Yes, store staff will often move unattended carts and sometimes restock items to the shelves - I've had it happen.) When you've finished collecting wanted items you can get in line at a checkout and inform the cashier that you've got 'X' No. of additional baskets stored back in a cooler and would someone go retrieve them for you. Since most stores try to provide you with a "helper" to accompany you throughout your shopping efforts, this is a small thing to ask in comparison and they're glad to accommodate.
editing first line. I get it now. Hmmm, thats a good idea. same plan as ancient, except have them retrieve the cart. That could work, Id just have to go before therapy (early afternoon) or way late. Stores are normally packed from 1pm to 8pm around here. All the workers would be busy.

Yea my balance is a bit effy, it improved a lot while in Ohio, but as of late, Ive gotten strength, but have lost balance (tho I think my tightness might be caused by a recent cold and current UTI or the intense weight lifting) Im just too tight to keep the same proper balance I did last month.

When I go to smaller locals spots, they know me, they knew me before SCI too, so its real easy to get help. Managers usually know what im there for so I dont even have to go any where, I just go straight to the cashier lol, while someone gets my things. but it's just harder to get the same attention in a HUGE supermarket in LA. esp in the afternoon (in therapy til 4pm some days)

Its a lot easier to get around in places like the mall or supermarket with a chair. If Im going to CVS or something smaller, without having to carry heavy things, I just walk it and use a basket. Its the real deal shopping that Im trying to in vision in my head before going. I couldn't think of anything, but there have been some good idea in this thread thus far....

[chick]

I'm curious. Am I spoiled by Publix? All the Publix stores have electric carts for gimps. All the Publix stores have baggers who accompany gimps and ABs, alike, to their car to load the purchases in the trunk. Will I not get this service elsewhere?Been to Publix* a few times. Yea, there's this near cult like love of Publix (I tease my friend about, who just loves loves loves them), but I think it's pretty well deserved. The service is awesome and very friendly.

Most stores I've been to, I've had great service. People are just friendly. You either accept and appreciate it, or get annoyed by it. Why get annoyed, when it takes only a second to say no thanks, and move on.

* Is it just me, that whenever I see PUBLIX, I always see a word I shouldn't be associating with food?


BTW, Imight, I wasn't talking about pretend shopping. ;)
Just plug your ears with an ipod or something... and go about your business. If you're not struggling, you're not struggling. It's pretty simple as that, and people will most likely not bother with you. People are usually less interested and not as concerned about what we're doing or how we look doing it, than we sometimes think. If you know what you're doing and how you're doing it, people generally leave you alone. Like I said, once you get your system down, it'll be a breeze. You've got some good tips. You'll be fine.

[Broknwing]

Been to Publix* a few times.

* Is it just me, that whenever I see PUBLIX, I always see a word I shouldn't be associating with food?

no, you're not alone in that...I worked there as a teenager, the boys(emphasis on BOY) were HORRIBLE about making jokes on the similar sound....

[cass]

haven't read thread so sorry if repeating. am functional c7. been grocery shopping for years. put cart at end of aisle, use lap basket to take things to it. also use lap basket to knock things into. for things i can't get, i keep a mental note and when done with what i can do, simply go inform a clerk what i need.

have used home delivery but i don't always get what i want. i prefer going myself.

[Emi2]

I do grocery shop alone (well with 2 kids lol) but usually not the big shop. It's a PITA but I haul the cart with the baby in it from the parking lot inside then leave it at the end of the aisle while I go get stuff. Violet helps reach high stuff by standing on my lap. Or I ask the nearest shopper for help.
At the store where I shop you have to bag your own groceries, I hate doingthat.

[Eileen]

Juke,
Glad to know you are using the Amazon free delivery service too. It is a great assistance, especially with hard to find items or gourmet products, and at the cost of gas these days if they want to deliver it to me for free it is fine with me! :)

[Eileen]

Imight, I don't think you will get nearly the attention that you fear. I usually have to hang around an aisle long enough for someone standing to ask them if they could grab something off the top shelf for me. Everyone seems happy to do it, and short people love it when I refer to them as tall (relative to me, at least) so that usually gets some smiles.

[sjean423]

I would say I am only asked about once per trip if I need help ... usually have to ask for it if I do need something reached. I just smile and say no thanks. (I don;t want to discourage them from asking ... another time I might need it. LOL)

[Imight]

wow. thats weird. Im asked if I need help every single time I leave my door. Perhaps its because Im at eyes level? but even in my chair, I always get stares and help. Just yesterday I went to the mall to look for the Iphone, I rolled up to the mall door, which has a button for people in chairs which opens the door automatic, its quite obvious because theres a huge handicap sticker on the door, right when I pushed the button, I almost hit some lady that was going to open the door for me (she was on the other side, but the door was tinted) lol felt kinda bad.

On my way out, same thing, I had a bag on my lap, got up to my car, threw the bag in, started to breaking down my chair, some lady came by and asked for help, this same thing happened earlier in the day AT THERAPY of all places. These sort of things happen every single day without fail. I havent gone out yet (still morning) but Im certain its going to happen again today. All I have to do is give eye contact, then bam, here they come. If I avoid eye contact, they usually just pause (I can see them from the corner of my eye) and depending what kind of vibe I give, they'll either wait, but by then, Ive already done what Ive had to do, if theres an ounce of struggle, here they come. *sigh.

Maybe you guys dont draw attention, but I do. It sucks. =P

[chick]

I think that physically, grocery shopping for you will be no problem, so it is less about how to manage that aspect of shopping, than it is dealing with people and just the disability in general, esp. in public.

You're gonna get stares. You can't avoid that completely. I get people offering to help all the time. Just sitting and waiting, doing absolutely nothing, people stop wondering if I need help. Since you can't really control others' actions completely, you just can't think so much about it or concern yourself with what others are thinking about - maybe they think you need help, maybe they think you're panhandling when you're just sittin waiting for a friend or a ride, maybe they think you're cute and are thinking 'what a shame', maybe they think your hot abd wanna ask you out, and maybe they're wondering if you can still have sex.... maybe, maybe, maybe... hey, maybe you've got a nasty booger hanging off your nose...

you can drive yourself crazy with all the maybe's and what if's...

Try not to think so much about it. Just do our thing. In time, you won't be as (self) conscious about the stares.

[RehabRhino]

Maybe you guys dont draw attention, but I do. It sucks. =P

There's a million worse things about SCI. If people stopped looking at you that hot waitress you banged might have served your order and passed on by.

Your next conquest might be the babe that holds the door open for you.

[Juke_spin]

Maybe you guys dont draw attention, but I do. It sucks. =P
It sux but the time will come in the not-so-distant-future when it will so run off you like H2O off a duck's back that you'll hardly even notice. That's my experience at any rate. I'm sure it's because I give off a "don't fuck with me; I know what I'm about" vibe for the most part. When I want/need help I look around for the store staff or the sort of shopper that seems receptive. They're not hard to find and it's only when I'm pressed for time to get all the shopping I want done that not turning up someone quickly annoys me.

[Polett]

Well,

Because I use my power wheelchair as my convertible, I do not need assistance bringing the bags to car.

With regards to shopping, the basket does not work for me as my arms are too weak, I am too clumsy, and keep dropping the basket as soon as it has stuff in it. I prefer stacking the stuff on my lap, and if I have a long list, I will simply request help from the store, and let them do the shopping cart driving. I too am spoiled by Publix and Winn-Dixie.

Another thing I do, is cross one leg over the other. This way I can put stuff on 1 foot rest (milk, etc). Also, when it is not too hot, I bring my dog with me, then I just throw whatever I need on the floor, and ask her to pick it up, and give it to me.

As for people offering help, what I have learned from them is: those who want to help you, often do it because they can relate to your situation, most of the time they have a relative/friend/whoever with a disability. Or they simply admire you because in spite of everything, you are still moving on and doing what has to be done. People who mean any kind of harm, physical or mental, will not offer to help you, they will rather block the way, be rude, or avoid you completely.

Also, whenever you feel a thousand eyes watching you, stop, read any food label to distract yourself and change your frame of mind. Then go back to whatever you were doing. Ignore the world and the world will ignore you.

Last but not least, I have discovered that when I have my dog with me, I no longer exist. If I ask her to pick something up for me, a person might jump to help HER. They will pick up the stuff, hand it to me, praise & pet her, and then walk away…

Please note, I am not trying to justify people for offering to help. I simply do not believe it to be always harmful. I also believe that if we were ever to unite and do something with regards to public awareness, fund raising, etc. these people would be the easiest ones to get involved, as they already acknowledge us as normal human beings, rather than a terrible infectious contagious disease. Lets give them a break, as they can actually become handy at times.

[sjean423]

You haven't been hurt long (LOL coming from an "old hand" of 3 years) but maybe you are feeling more conspicuous than you are? I also don;t tend to make eye contact with everyone, just roll on, smile if I do make contact, but don;t slow down or anything. It may circumvent the offers. I suspect you look more like you need help walking .... your hands are full for starters. Just go for it. You have done so well so far ..... it;s just one more thing.

LOL .... my first thought .... hmmmm, young guy gets "do you need help" older woman doesn't =
maybe they think your hot abd wanna ask you out.