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I know that many of you will have been through this so good to offload to you. I got my first real wheelchair today, powered, as I can’t use a self-propelled one. I’m glad of the extra freedom that it gives me but depressed that it’s come to needing one. I’m trying to concentrate on the upside.
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Hi just2fish
On reading your post just want to say mate it can be difficult accepting change but as you say it gives you freedom and through time you will accept it more and from me and I’m sure everyone on the forum wish you all the very best and enjoy the many positive things you can do with your powered wheelchair and get about doing all you love seeing and doing..keep us posted mate and again all the very best ?
I too have started using an electric wheelchair. I’m unable to self propel so it gave me independence as I don’t need my wife to push me around ? ( see what I did there? ).
I put off using my first chair for longer than I should have; I hated it with a passion. I had to depend on others to get around. Now? I can take the dog a walk, but the best thing? I can now go out, with the dog AND my grandson when he’s on his bike.
Now, that I love with all my heart and thank God for my electric wheelchair.
Thanks for the encouragement, we live in a Close and I did risk taking our dog around it today, I am looking forward to taking her around the park and, would you believe it, going shopping with my wife (though that may wear off!).
I wouldn’t worry what anyone else thinks, if you need it then you need it.
Its nobody else’s business but yours.
Get out in the good weather and enjoy the freedom. ??
Thanks for the encouragement, we live in a Close and I did risk taking our dog around it today, I am looking forward to taking her around the park and, would you believe it, going shopping with my wife (though that may wear off!).
I went down the class 2 scooter route but never tried a manual wheelchair as I assume, but don’t really know, that I would be going around in circles because I can only use one hand. You’ve got to laugh haven’t you. ?
On the shopping front I’d say about 30% use of my scootering is in shopping mode and while the wife goes around the isles getting the nessesaries I scoot off looking for the bargains.
I understand how you feel J2F, and I feel real empathy for your transitional situation.
I know that I need to use a wheelchair but I’m fighting against it. Walking is so painful that it’s stopping me from enjoying life. I’ve almost become a recluse.
Last week I had a brilliant holiday with some of my family at Butlins, but I could only join the family by letting them go ahead and walking a few steps at a time between benches. I will say the pain I was in was compensated for by the pleasure of an outside pint with loved ones, lol.
I know I would have done so much more with a wheelchair, but my silly pride is holding me back at the moment. I used to be an athlete and coming to terms with my current condition is hard.
Your story gives me strength.
Thanks for everyone’s support, much appreciated.
Loved going out today in my chair for a ‘walk’ with my son, in one of my favourite beauty spots. Something that I haven’t been able to do for a couple of years.
Great to hear just2fish
keep it up and enjoy and embrace it, you can be an inspiration to others, just like the article I’ve read in the latest Life Style magazine an amazing visually impaired 13 year old Maleeka Abbas, far from withdrawing into herself and condition she is embracing it and helping others along the way, amazing young lady.
Her story and others are available at motabilitylifestyle.co.uk
http://motabilitylifestyle.co.uk/
Article can be found on page 52 of latest edition
https://live.editiondigital.com/e/197skdfhs/lifestyle-104#!page1
Enjoy ???
Once you get used to using a powerchair you will start to get the modifying bug(like most blokes do with cars) and will be looking for the next toy to improve it or the next chair.
I’ve made a single footplate for mine, a drinks holder and a foldaway joystick mount, uprated the motors, seat, wheels and tyres, batteries, etc etc etc, must be a bloke thing, hated the fact I needed one but now it’s just another toy to get from where I am to somewhere I want to be and have a bit of fun on the way. ?
Thanks for the tips, encouragement, article, etc, I had fun testing how steep a slope the chair would go up and down, without dumping me in the water at the bottom. Unfortunately my engineering skills are non existent, and I’ve got a warranty to consider.
I only occasionally buy brand new, mostly try to grab a near new bargain, most warranties hardly cover anything and only last a short time.
I am lucky I can still do a bit of engineering ?
Just2fish,
I’m in exactly the same position and I so feel it for you.
After 52 years, I’m finally succumbing to my disability. Sheer bloody mindedness has got me this far but I’m so broken now.
And to make things worse, Last night I watched a documentary on Queen (fantastic) and the song ‘Those were the days….’ kind of sums it up for me. I’m not too proud to say I haven’t stopped crying since. Realisation of how broken I am.
The posts you all place here help so much as, at the very least, I know I’m not alone in that you are all going/have gone through the same or similar
? I will be remembered for nothing but had great fun doing it ?
Hi bionic rusty,still plenty of”those days”ahead my friend?
Hi Footloose. Sorry this is late. Some days I just can’t do anything but concentrate on the pain of the knackered bod I’m stuck in.
A great sentiment you gave. I like it. ?
To be honest and open here, I get so low and fed up. My mind’s still going at a million mph but my poor ‘ole bones don’t keep up.
Best wishes to you
? I will be remembered for nothing but had great fun doing it ?
In the same boat BionicRusty, the morphine helps a little but I just do what I can to take my mind off it, went and bought a PS4 Pro recently and I’m back to my 8 year old self again at least for short periods.
I try to set myself little projects to complete and always have at least 3 on the go at the same time so I don’t have time to sit and dwell and with the other things that crop up in life I am always chasing time back to try and get them done, maybe pointless and daft but I have been in constant pain since I was 15(almost 35 years) and have learned to kind of ignore it by doing other things that occupy my brain.
I hope that some or any of my rambling might help, if not then feel free to abuse as I have the skin of a Rhino. ?
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