Melissa's byACRE Nordic Pioneer rollator story

About Me

When I was approached to write about my experiences with my byACRE rollator, I jumped at the chance. You see, when I was feeling like I needed more support when out and about I searched high and low for other people like me, with my condition and I was not successful. I felt a bit alone and as though I was maybe being overly dramatic about needing a mobility aid like a rollator. However, the difference my rollator has made to my life has quashed any concerns about being a 'drama llama'!

I, like many women, suffered traumatic injuries from delivering my daughters. These injuries have led to the development of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). For the uninitiated - pelvic organ prolapse is when the organs of the pelvis (uterus, bladder and rectum) try to make a bid for freedom and drop into the vaginal canal. There are many reasons this can happen to an individual, in my case it is most likely from complications during childbirth.

At the age of 40 it became apparent that things were not right 'down there' and after numerous telephone appointments (it was Lockdown 2020) I was finally able to see a specialist gynaecologist who diagnosed me with a moderate - severe rectocele (where the rectum drops out of position). I was told then that I had to be very mindful of what I did and how I did it. Running was completely out of the question, but being a pretty active 40 year old I wondered what I could do. Walking is good, but I have to be careful with how long I am on my feet and how strenuous the walk is. Hills are bad news for me. Walking with a support is my best option to take the strain away from my core muscles.

Why a rollator?

After using a walking stick with a built in seat, it became clear that it was not supportive enough and the 'seat' bit was very uncomfortable. Not great when the body part most affected is well...my seat! And it made a really annoying clicking noise with every step. There had to be something better...

There was a better option, though I was rather reluctant to admit it, a rollator. Being a rather vain 43 year old I did not want to use a rollator that looked like I'd stolen it from the local care home. I'm fun and quirky and I wanted, no...needed, a mobility aid that matched my personality. To my delight, I stumbled upon the Assist Mobility website and found the byACRE range of rollators. Oh the choices! I was instantly attracted to the modern lines of the byACRE rollators - they didn't look like medical devices and came in a variety of fun colours.

The shopping list

I needed a few features that were non-negotiable. First and foremost it had to have a seat - not an issue with byACRE rollators as they all come with a built in seat. The other deal breaker was that it had to be light. With POP, strain on the core body muscles can do the most damage, lifting heavy items is an absolute no-no. All of the byACRE rollators are pretty light compared to other options on the market. This was now a no-brainer. I was definitely getting a byACRE rollator, but which one? Aside from my non-negotiables above, I wanted one that was a nice colour, could stand up to the rigors of busy family life, dog walks and fun adventures. The Nordic Pioneer range fit my needs perfectly. Its no-scratch EPP body is both light and easy to maintain. I LOVE the glacier green colour. It's a nice balance between the lighter weight of the Ultralight and the off-road qualities of the Overland. I've not regretted my decision for a second.

My first-steps

I thought I would feel like the world was watching me when I was out with a rollator. I don't fit the stereotypical profile of a rollator user (however as I'm quickly learning - that is absolute poppycock - there is NO profile for a mobility aid user, if you need one, you use one!). A feature that I really appreciate in my rollator is how absolutely silent it is when I'm out walking. It lets me be me, it doesn't interfere with conversations I'm having, it doesn't spook my dog when we are out walking and it doesn't draw unwanted attention my way. The attention I do get is people saying how cool it looks - this attention is fine by me because it IS really cool looking. Another really important feature is how easy it is to fold up and tuck away. This is great when out in small cafes, crowded restaurants or keeping it in a convenient place in my home. I've yet to find a situation where it has been in the way.

If I had only known the difference a rollator would make to my quality of life, I would have bought one sooner! I cannot state emphatically enough how wonderful it is to go out with my husband and kids now knowing I can comfortably rest when I need to, always have support when I'm walking and I can take the pressure off of my body by loading up my handy grocery bag attachment with my handbag or shopping. I experience less pelvic pain when I am out now. This has been a revelation!

Closing Thoughts

I have had my rollator for 7 months now and it has been with me for multiple shopping trips, fancy restaurant dinners in the city, a mini break to the seaside, days out at museums and day to day errands. I've also found it useful in my home as a mobile seat while preparing meals in the kitchen. Even my chihuahua has become great at walking beside my rollator when we head out for a cheeky pup cup!

Learn More About my Rollator

Keen to learn more about Melissa's Glacier Green Pioneer? (It is also available in Granite Black.)

About the Author

Melissa Cochrane

Melissa is 44 and lives near Glasgow with her husband, two daughters, a grumpy cat and a cheeky chihuahua.