My Next Powerchair if I have it my way
I have been doing research on powerchairs based on my past expereinces with using one (a Jazzy 11 something) and trying out a Quickie something or other.... as well as my rascal scooter, Pride scooter, and ive also tried out a pace saver and some other ones.... I've also got some feedback especialy regarding back/neck positoning from two different physical therapists that have worked with me... the primary goal is positioning positoning positioning....
It's rather sad to do such research and somewhat on the edge of abnormal according to the social standing of society however in view of imperfection as a part of this system.. it's normal to me.... really we are all able bodied only for a limited time.... just the degree of debillitation varries.
I can't discuss the issue with my mom as she becomes defensive and upset stating how surgery on my back will help and maybe weight loss surgery too will make a big different... probably intensive rehabilitation too she says... i'm not going to be 'stuck' in a chair forever as she continues to say and sure I hold out that hope in my head someplace but I have to have the reality and my current reality is not going in that direction!
I always think back to this young man at UCSD. He was a little person and used a power wheelchair to get around. He didn't really talk or hang around with any obviously disabled people and I even percieved that he intentionally avoided 'us' however I woudl always say hi to him or make small talk when we passed each other between classes and other such small interactions. One day, out of no where, He excitedly states to me "I'm getting a new power wheelchair and it will have a really good seat elevation too"!! I rememeber being rather shocked that first off, he initaited contact with me and than I was kinda like.. umm... Okay about what he said... in my head.. but of course... fortunately I was able to respond appropriately.... lol... I've frequently thought about that little conversation because it reminds me of how.... despite his staying away from us wheelchair people, he had to share that becausr we were the ones that understood the whole cool wheelchair thing...
PT's have said I definately need a back formed for me to accomodate my scoliosis and buffalo hump... lovely.... as well as reliving neck pressure unlike my current captians seat chair where the head rest pushes my neck too forward. They aslo suggest tilt/recline if possible to help relieve pressure off of my spine which will allow me to work longer hours since I will have the positioning I need. They also said that the butt cushion should be as thick as we can possibly get it without being ridiculous.. lolol.. make sense to me.
Anyways... so.. my hope, if i get the right funding for the next chair I get when i can.. at some point.. will be the following:
TDX SR with Formula CG seating (tilt and recline)
http://www.invacare.com/cgi-bin/imhqprd/inv_catalog/prod_cat_detail.jsp?s=0&prodID=TDXSR-CG&catOID=-536887463
and yes... its fast... hehehe...
It's rather sad to do such research and somewhat on the edge of abnormal according to the social standing of society however in view of imperfection as a part of this system.. it's normal to me.... really we are all able bodied only for a limited time.... just the degree of debillitation varries.
I can't discuss the issue with my mom as she becomes defensive and upset stating how surgery on my back will help and maybe weight loss surgery too will make a big different... probably intensive rehabilitation too she says... i'm not going to be 'stuck' in a chair forever as she continues to say and sure I hold out that hope in my head someplace but I have to have the reality and my current reality is not going in that direction!
I always think back to this young man at UCSD. He was a little person and used a power wheelchair to get around. He didn't really talk or hang around with any obviously disabled people and I even percieved that he intentionally avoided 'us' however I woudl always say hi to him or make small talk when we passed each other between classes and other such small interactions. One day, out of no where, He excitedly states to me "I'm getting a new power wheelchair and it will have a really good seat elevation too"!! I rememeber being rather shocked that first off, he initaited contact with me and than I was kinda like.. umm... Okay about what he said... in my head.. but of course... fortunately I was able to respond appropriately.... lol... I've frequently thought about that little conversation because it reminds me of how.... despite his staying away from us wheelchair people, he had to share that becausr we were the ones that understood the whole cool wheelchair thing...
PT's have said I definately need a back formed for me to accomodate my scoliosis and buffalo hump... lovely.... as well as reliving neck pressure unlike my current captians seat chair where the head rest pushes my neck too forward. They aslo suggest tilt/recline if possible to help relieve pressure off of my spine which will allow me to work longer hours since I will have the positioning I need. They also said that the butt cushion should be as thick as we can possibly get it without being ridiculous.. lolol.. make sense to me.
Anyways... so.. my hope, if i get the right funding for the next chair I get when i can.. at some point.. will be the following:
TDX SR with Formula CG seating (tilt and recline)
http://www.invacare.com/cgi-bin/imhqprd/inv_catalog/prod_cat_detail.jsp?s=0&prodID=TDXSR-CG&catOID=-536887463
and yes... its fast... hehehe...