Walker vs Service Dog for POTS - What Really Works? // Which Mobility Aid is Right for You?

Hey, everyone! So, tonight's shindig is a mix of classy and casual, and I'm stuck in this internal debate between Buddy, my four-legged partner in crime, and my walker. It's like trying to choose between two flavors of ice cream when you're craving both-major dilemma!
Now, POTS and I go way back, and I've come a long way from my fainting days. But here's the scoop: Buddy and the walker bring different vibes to the table. Buddy's the ultimate multitasker-alerts, deep pressure therapy, you name it. But the walker? It's not just a set of wheels; it's a toddler-friendly stroller and an unexpected fashion statement (thanks, purple thrift find!).
I'm spilling the tea on my decision-making process, the public's take on my choices, and the not-so-glamorous details of living that mobility aid life. It's like a backstage pass to the unfiltered reality of navigating the world with POTS, two toddlers, and a couple of unconventional sidekicks.
So, if you're curious about the behind-the-scenes of life with a disability, go ahead and check out the video. I'm laying it all out there-the good, the awkward, and the real. Don't forget to hit subscribe for more real-talk content, 'cause we're all in this together. Catch you in the next one!
If you HAVE POTS and SUSPECT A LEAK, watch this:
○ POTS vs. Spinal CSF Leaks: • POTS and Spinal CSF Le...
○ Main WEBSITE: mommingwithmigraine.com
○ Daily Life: mommingwithmigraine
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IMPORTANT POTS, Leaks, & IIH KNOW THE DIFFERENCES
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Content ID Code: MB01PTRJXSAVBMM
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NOTE: Though I talk about medical topics, nothing on my channel is meant as medical advice (for all statements, past or future). I am a patient sharing my personal experiences, but I am not a doctor nor am I medically trained. My channel is for entertainment and community only.
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[@Blitzseacoast]

I’m there with you in the comments from the public with the SD. I have had family give me a hard time about my SD. It’s ridiculous but just as much ridiculous as it is people not believing I suffer with chronic migraine disease. I never thought of the walker and it seems like a good option.

[@mariposavioleta9007]

I've had plenty of people think that I don't need my walker and say so to my face. The idea that you have to be old to need one is crazy but def people who think that. For me I still faint or nearly faint, in the process of EDS diagnosis, chronic migraines, dozens of TBIs and more but make do the best I can and if someone doesn't like it that I take up more room on the bus and need to take their seat well too bad not my fault. I wish I could have as service dog but since I can't I have a neighbour who has what I call my honorary doggo who has got me to sit down and rest along with the love he gives me so that will have to do. I know pricing in the US is different than here in Canada but my walker was $500 (thankfully donated as couldn't afford) and have researched a service dog here is $3-50k just to get one without even getting into vet costs and other yearly costs. I've been around on this channel since about 2mths into it and am so thankful for all the info and support you've shown us.

[@erictaylor5462]

I call my prosthetic leg "Moby" This is a reference to Melville, but it's also short for "Mobility Device"

[@MommingwithMigraine]

That's cute!

[@amber3574]

Sometimes I like to have both my SD and my walker. She alerts me to an episode and then I can sit on my walker instead of the floor. If I’m less symptomatic I’ll take only my dog but on harder days I like to have both. At first it was really hard to teach her to walk alongside the walker but now we are back in sync ❤

[@MalloryElizabeth]

All my mobility aids are purple! My Walker not only has a seat but storage under my seat. And I’ve added a cup holder for a water bottle.

[@MommingwithMigraine]

Cuuuuuuuteeeee we would get along

[@ryma710]

It also carries your coat and bags! This week I used it to carry a portable dishwasher to the post office

[@MommingwithMigraine]

That's making lemonade out of lemons!

[@kellyevans4515]

I can so relate. I use my walker all the time at home and when I am going on outings. My walker is like yours with all terrain wheels. Kanga does his alerts and DPT while I am at home which is where I am 90% of the time. He is turning 13 in December. You are literally listing all my thoughts and what I deal with. I am so proud of you and so glad I was there when you started with your first video. You have made a safe place for so many of us with chronic illness. Keep up the great content. Your in my thoughts alot.

[@cochiefemeralds3616]

I have POTS too. Dr does also suspect joint hyper mobility or EDS

[@asecretcourtofcrowsandcloc4084]

I think you explained this well and gave great examples. As someone Who is visually impaired I often find myself making simila decisions about whether or not to use my cane or my service dog depending largely upon factors Like you described such as the type of environment going to, the activity we will be doing, how comfortable it would be for both of us in that setting, and public perception definitely plays a role in that. Although it’s unfortunate that we have to worry so much about if your dogs make a mistake or we don’t fit whatever perceptions people have a disability that they will automatically assume someone’s faking it.

[@_Lolbits_glitch_]

I'm looking into a golden/goldendoodle for a mobility assistance (and Psychiatric) service dog in. a few years after I can move out of my parents house,and I wanna know how they do with mobility,and how much energy they need to be let out daily

[@DashitaTichou]

Have you ever tried a cross body leash or around the waist leash for buddy? I have one for my sdit and it is really helpful. Also if I faint or have a seizure I'm not worried about her getting distracted or someone grabbing her.

[@MommingwithMigraine]

Yes we use a hands free over shoulder most of the time

[@TuxReadyAussie]

A business is only allowed to kick you out, if your dog is out of control and you do not take effective action to regain control, or if the either of the 2 ADA questions are not adequately answered. There should be no one kicked out because they "don't look disabled". That is what the 2 questions are for. I hope this helps ease your mind when using your Service Dog on good days.

[@MommingwithMigraine]

In the ideal world, yes. Access issues are unfortunately very common. For a great example please see my access issues at the grand canyon video.

[@patrickdk77]

@@MommingwithMigraine I dont look disabled and a rather large man, I think people are more scared to question me, than to cause me an issue, or atleast that is what I blame for my lack of having any access issues. I have had one person call me out as a fake, saying my SD is not a seeing guide dog, and to them I said, yes, my SD is not, thanks for noticing that I am in fact not blind.

[@ryma710]

Yes..I live in the city and even parts of the side walk are bumpy so I have to use only one hand as the vibration is hurtful

[@erblue5469]

Can Buddy work well enough off leash that he can task around the walker? I have seen videos of people with walkers and the service dog both being used together.

[@asecretcourtofcrowsandcloc4084]

What’s the name of The fleece harness that you got for buddy? I think you said you got it from Amazon. I’ve been looking for a similar one for my dog.

[@alicerosner950]

I use a walker

[@patrickdk77]

With a 5yr old, have got the dog to follow me, as if offleash, but have the 5yr old holding the leash as if she is holding the dog, and the dog making sure the child stays with me, by the dog staying with me. Works well for me when shopping if you have space (Sams/costco)

[@MommingwithMigraine]

Ooooh great one. I LOVE this when it's me, Buddy, and one baby... I have a little 1 foot leash that I hook to his vest JUST for this purpose. Thanks for sharing!!

[@NickUncommon]

A question from a european person. We have a document issued by an institute that is valid in the whole country, which is claiming the grade of your disability. Is there no such document in the USA? My mom has a walker, and in our town, there is lots of cobblestones. She has shoulder issues, all the time, we are looking into a walker with air tyres or suspension. Mobility aids are really a big help.

[@MommingwithMigraine]

That's so interesting. No, we don't have that!

[@rivertheservicedoodle1730]

I was doing daycare when Delta was small and they kicked her out at 6 months because they wanted to put her with the adult dogs but she was still a puppy

[@MommingwithMigraine]

Did I mention in the video that my walker's name is Wanda? Every Cosmo needs a Wanda 😂

[@lifestylebyk]

You missed the card for the second video you mentioned

[@MommingwithMigraine]

Oops 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@erictaylor5462]

Is it rude to call your children "your items?" Also have they learned to pick themselves up if you drop them? Just teasing, you are a fantastic mother.

[@MommingwithMigraine]

Lmao they drop themselves and do pick themselves back up 😂

[@sarahkwast1250]

I have a service dog I got just before quarantine. The biggest stress for me is that she ALWAYS barks at other dogs. I wasn't able to do a training class with other dogs the year or so after quarantine because people were still not wanting to be in groups. Then I could no longer afford the traing classes because of a family emergency. I have had another service dog handler follow me around Walmart, while yelling at me to stop bringing my fake service dogs to stores, because my dog barked at her dog. That is a HUGE negative for taking my service dog with me. But I need her for alerts, so I don't have the option of leaving her at home. Thankfully I can now use my flex spending card for my regular insurance plan on her basic training/socialization! We will be setting that up this week. But I still need to find a service dog trainer who can help me solidify her various alerts and train my new dog, who only works at home right now, in DPT and item retrieval.

[@erictaylor5462]

Can you teach your kids to do deep pressure therapy?

[@MommingwithMigraine]

Absolutely! Guilty 😅 to them it's just sitting on mommy's lap.