How do I know which wheelchair/rollator to choose?

Go to your local independent living centre and try before you buy! You can find yours on http://www.ncil.org.uk/categoryid21.html (on the 'type' menu you want 'CIL/ODP/ULO'). Most of them have OTs on staff that can give advice too. You can also get http://www.redcross.org.uk/standard.asp?id=89425, which again is useful for 'try before you buy'. I would hope that one of those could sort you out with what you need. If not, then post to the http://www.bbc.co.uk/ouch/messageboards/ for more advice. A big thing like a walker is something you'll really need to buy in the UK because of shipping, which will probably affect what's available and at what cost. I don't know your financial situation, but if you have a budget for a walker, do you have the budget to http://www.cotss-ip.org.uk/directory/index.htm? It might end up saving you money, if it stops you buying the wrong thing. Hopefully you can see one through an independent living centre, but if not it might be worth considering.

Check this link. http://www.wheelchairnet.org/WCN_Living/consumer.html As to motorized wheelchair. Do not underestimate what a provider can do to help you get the equipment you think would be best. When you select a provider they will assist you in qualifying you to get one based upon your mobility needs.

Any of these are within my budget, but I have no idea how to judge between them, or whether my shoulder weakness would make it too hard to use as a walker at all. If your shoulders are problematic, using a walker WILL be difficult. If your condition is worsening, you'll be needing a power chair sooner rather than later. Look into physical therapy as well as occupational, and spend the money you have to expedite that process however you can. I'm in the US, so I'm not sure precisely who you'd contact, but have you spoken with your GP?

Yes, I'm working with my GP, to get the Occupational Therapist referral... it's just the wait time is very long. I had to wait ten months for an appointment with the chronic fatigue specialist. It would probably be autumn before I can see an OT, and then if they do recommend a power wheelchair, and the NHS approves it, I think there's another waiting list before I'd actually get one. Physical therapy was tried but unhelpful, as CFS is one of the very few conditions that is made worse by exercise. I am seeing an Osteopath about the shoulders, which is helping a lot. Would it still cause strain on the shoulders if I used it more as a balance aid than to actually put my weight on it? I imagine a power chair will come eventually, but it would require not only figuring out how to pay for it, but getting adaptations made to the home to allow it into the house, which means it would probably be easier to move to an accessible flat since there are other issues with it... and all these things are very overwhelming when I have only have a few hours a day when I'm out of bed. It seems that getting something that can provide some amount of usefulness in the interim would be best, and it could be sold or donated or used as a backup if and when a power wheelchair is procured.

Thanks! Just reading the reviews on Spinlife is giving me some perspective on what sorts of things to consider. And Wheelchairjunkie looks like exactly what I need.

I'm travelling to the US in a month to see my family, so my thought was to have it delivered to them and have it to use while I'm there, then if it's useful, bring it back with me. (Actually the idea of purchasing something came about when I got a quote to rent a manual wheelchair for the trip and it was going to cost $400 for two weeks!) Wow... there doesn't appear to be a private OT anywhere near me. I will call the CILK on Monday and see if they can help. Thanks.