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Ok so things arent getting better so I now need a wheelchair, I know very little about them, can you help?

(13 Posts)
Onlyjoking Sun 15-Jan-12 12:39:38

I'm thinking electric? I get high rate mobility so I could get one Throu the scheme but I don't know if that is the best way to do it?
As I'm often paralized with a neuro condition from the chest downwards sitting is difficult and often painful. I'd need a chair that can go in the car (I'm not driving) I'm unsure how portable electric wheelchairs are and how to get it in the car given the weight of them. I'd like to be able to travel abroad with it too.
Does anyone have any recommendations? I'd need one that can lift me up in a seated position so that I can reach things, what else do I need to consider?
Thanks in advance.

NormaStanleyFletcher Sun 15-Jan-12 12:51:36

Hey OJ.

Not seen you around for ages, and didn't know you were not well.

I have no idea about wheelchairs, but hopefully someone will be along in a mo to talk sense smile

What kind of car is it? That may make a difference in what kind of wheelchair you can fit in.

Onlyjoking Sun 15-Jan-12 12:58:21

Hi Norma, I've been Ill for 13 months, been in bed for most of that time.
We have a Citroen 7 seater it's my sons mobility car, as my legs don't work I can't use it, thou my carers can.

NormaStanleyFletcher Sun 15-Jan-12 13:14:17

Can I just say that I am deeply impressed at the sheer amount of shit you manage to work your way through.

Not helpful, but hopefully bumping the thread so that someone with some actual knowledge will see it .

Onlyjoking Sun 15-Jan-12 13:17:13

Yes shit does seem to happen rather too often in this house! Mind you having said that, I've a lot to be happy about and am surrounded by love.

NormaStanleyFletcher Sun 15-Jan-12 13:29:42

That's lovely smile

Onlyjoking Sun 15-Jan-12 14:06:57

Life is a lesson of counting ones blessings is it not? And dodging the MILsh**!
I'm luckier than lots of people I have a fiancé who adores us and five lovely young adults making their way in the world, the hefty does of autism always adds to the fun.

NormaStanleyFletcher Sun 15-Jan-12 14:38:23

grin

I thought you had a man in your life. Congrats on the engagement!

Onlyjoking Sun 15-Jan-12 16:20:10

Thank you! Tom is amazingly fab with the kids and me, he is a nurse which has been helpful in getting a DX, in fact it was Tom who found out what was wrong by researching from some medical notes, trust me to get something rare!

NormaStanleyFletcher Sun 15-Jan-12 16:56:12

He sounds fab. Yes, you would get something rare smile . But you are one of a kind!

BackforGood Sun 15-Jan-12 17:04:28

I can't answer you myself, but is there not a support group to do with your disability who may be able to advise ? Or a Nurse Specialist ?

CMOTDibbler Sun 15-Jan-12 17:05:12

You might find that what you want are two different things - maybe a full fledged electric wheelchair for in the house, and a lighter mobility scooter to go in the car and on holiday.
I can't remember which area you are in, but you may be able to find an independant living shop (in my area we have Indy which is fabulous) carrying a range of wheelchairs to try, or go to an exhibition like Naidex to try lots.
Of course, wheelchair services should be the ones advising and supplying you with a chair, but you could be waiting a while... But OT might be able to signpost places to you

Onlyjoking Sun 15-Jan-12 18:46:14

I've got an NHS wheelchair it has small wheels so I can't use it independently it's also very heavy. I'm going to go and look at a mobility centre but it would be good to know from a users perspective, will have a look online and see if I can find a group that can advise.

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