33-year-old Ms Teo was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS) in 2017. The condition causes her muscles to weaken due to the damaged nerve fibers. Besides the constant fatigue, one of Ms Teo's biggest challenge was to adjust to different ways of going about her activities of daily living (ADL) in a wheelchair.
“I was very worried about many things - the medical expenses, the daily essentials, my family, my work, my future, and the costs of safety devices recommended by the occupational therapists.”
Ms Teo received financial support from TTSH Community Fund for a more user-friendly wheelchair, which enabled her to gain independence to transfer herself to another seat with someone guarding by the side of the wheelchair. Ms Teo is grateful for the financial support for the wheelchair, which allowed her to channel her savings towards her regular physiotherapy sessions and day to day living expenses.
Through the help of this programme, I was able to change to this wheelchair recommended by the Occupational Therapist. Now, we are able to lift the armrest and I am able to transfer myself from the wheelchair with someone guarding my side instead of lifting me. This enables me to be more independent. It makes life easier.”