Relief! Signified by a definite lessening of stress; I can really, actually, physically feel it. Kinda like being able to take a deep breath.
The 'Seating Specialist' from the Dealer spent over 2 hours here this morning 'tweaking' my new wheelchair! The cushion and back have now been configured to ME! Fits like a glove...
(For those of you who haven't spent time in a chair; it's like a prosthesis, becomes part of you. Don't EVER grab, or try to move, someone's chair without asking! It would be like me walking up and grabbing your arm and pulling on you to move you to a different spot on the floor! Rude huh?)
So I FINALLY, after almost 6 months, really have 'WORKING WHEELS' again! I've had it two weeks now, and have actually been to two doc appointments using it, though it hadn't been 'configured', nor had the electronics been 'tweaked'.
Now, I need to get some accessories; stuff I need that will help to make it 'functional'. Unfortunately, ALL the bags, baskets, side-bags I have laying around here (and that's a LOT, years worth!), NONE fit this smaller more compact chair! (Of course!). I also need stick on reflectors, a clip on flashlight, and a cup and holder (the old one broke).
Look through your car, dash, etc, and that's the kinds stuff I need to carry for the 'day' on my wheelchair.
I was hoping to start shopping tomorrow, as it will take some time to find just the 'right' stuff that 'fits', but rain is in the forecast, so it will have to wait. I immediately need two new bags for the back; one for the bottom, thermal, for groceries. And one on the top for 'daily' stuff, rain gear, gloves, reacher, thermos, etc. Also need one bag for 'arm' to hold important stuff, like keys & ciggies, but that can wait!
Most of this stuff is available online at the 'disability' sites. But I prefer the bicycle departments of local discount stores. If it will work on a bicycle, it will usually work on a wheelchair. Besides, you can touch it, check the fabric, how the straps work, etc.
But this 'stuff', though needed, is just icing on the cake. Right this minute, I could take off out the door if I needed to go somewhere (20 mile limit unless I want to carry along the small, light weight charger). Or if I just wanted to go out and watch the night traffic on the street!
Relief. Freedom. Sigh...
Friday, November 05, 2004
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Congratulations on your new chair. In 2000, I was wheelchair bound for roughly six months, so I have some relatability to your situation. I was in a great deal of pain from any long term use of the chair. If we would go to the movies, or the mall, or some such, my backside and back were both in tremendous amounts of pain. Blessedly, I was able to leave the chair through months and months of physical therapy. Our situations were a little different however. I had experienced 115% muscular atrophy, during a 17 week coma. I will never forget how it felt to not be able to walk, or even sit up under my own power. I have a great deal of empathy and sympathy for anyone in a chair. The great thing about the chair is that it provides freedom. I don't think that the average person truly understands the privildge and blessing walking freely (or even running and jogging) is. I suppose that we all, to one degree or another take many things for granted. Recently I had been fixated on how down on our luck my wife and I are, until I watched this documentary on PBS about Afgany women and how suppresed they were. Conditions were terrible, and there is a great deal of suffering. The women weren't even allowed to talk to the camera crew without the permission of the husbands or fathers. How barbaric and uncivilized (I'll keep the rest of my comments on how a certain religion completely suppresses women and women's rights) those conditions were. But seeing their suffering put our situation in complete perspective. We may have to rely on family, friends, and church to take care of grocieries, or even presents for our 7 year old for Chirstmas, but she will never have to worry about being suppressed by me, or any other man. And at least we have roofs on our homes, and even more so, plumbing. Perspective is everything I suppose. Now I'm just going on and on. Anyway, conratulations on your new chair, and I have been enjoying your website. When I get an extra $25, I'll email about some poetry critiquing (spelling ?).
ReplyDeleteSorry I took so long in replying to your comment; computer was down.
ReplyDeleteI am SO GLAD you no longer need to use a wheelchair! All that physical therapy paid off for you!
You mentioned 'poetry critiques'; are you a poet???
I am a poet. Not a professional published one, but yes I consider myself a poet. It wasn't until my poor health came that I decided to pursue my life's passion (writting and poetry). I love to write poetry, and read it. I have decided to put down the book I am writing and dedicate this entire month to my poetry. In reading poetry, I have been reading the classics, Dickenson, Whitman, Frost, Barret Browning, Keats, etc. But I am looking for a contemparary poet to read. And was hoping you had some suggestions. I am also a member of the Flatwoods Poetry Society in Flatwoods Kentucky (town that I live in) and have been a member for almost as long as I have lived here (over a year). I have been to your website and like the poetry that I read there, and enjoyed it. I would like to buy one of your ebooks, but being on SSD, and the wife only able to find part-time work, thus we are broke most of the time. I have yet found being broke a muse for any of my creative endeavors. But I will wait and see...
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